Random Thoughts Thread

[ocnblu]

22 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Tiny little wheels. 

12"?

New GMC Sierra manages to look blue collar tough in base trim.  Need to see a regular cab though.

[ocnblu]

Look at this funny little guy.  Seems useful.

 

 

 

[balthazar]

[balthazar]

[balthazar]

[balthazar]

[ocnblu]

 

[daves87rs]

1 hour ago, ocnblu said:

 

Pretty cool...sticking to gas though. Both these twins are growing on me more too....

[balthazar]

Before automotive fluids were specifically colored, taste testing was required to identify which fluids were spilled in accidents.

[ocnblu]

6 hours ago, balthazar said:

Before automotive fluids were specifically colored, taste testing was required to identify which fluids were spilled in accidents.

Just look how far the steering column shifted in this small overlap crash test! 

Edited May 14, 2018 by ocnblu

[Robert Hall]

Picture is reversed....look at the gas station signs in the background..

[David]

@Drew Dowdell https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/comfort-is-not-your-friend-—-the-stock-markets-biggest-bear-explains-why-the-next-market-crash-will-be-one-of-the-worst-ever/ar-AAxbRFM?li=BBnb7Kz

Some of the brightest minds are also seeing a big crash coming. I think you and I are spot on.

[trinacriabob]

Ok, I don't speak Dutch.  But I do know a few words in German.  For the following video, one German word sums it up - verruckt (needs an umlaud).  And this lady was even holding a child in her arms.  Stupid.

Verruckt (crazy) behavior in wildlife park - utterances by those taking the video sound very guttural

Could make for a great but twisted commercial - VW saves the day!

[David]

2 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

Ok, I don't speak Dutch.  But I do know a few words in German.  For the following video, one German word sums it up - verruckt (needs an umlaud).  And this lady was even holding a child in her arms.  Stupid.

Verruckt (crazy) behavior in wildlife park - utterances by those taking the video sound very guttural

Could make for a great but twisted commercial - VW saves the day!

WOW, talk about idiots. It would have been sad if they had gotten hurt but also their own fault. What morons get out of a car in a wild safari with dangerous big cats. WOW

[David]

Talk about AMG performance auto getting it's butt handed to it by another auto company SUV! New King in Town!

 

[trinacriabob]

22 hours ago, balthazar said:

Now, this was a car!  Scaled much like a Monte Carlo of the same era, but at a higher price point.  I actually drove one once for someone for less than 5 miles.  It was in pristine condition and I was very careful with it.  It probably had the 400.  I don't believe 350s were offered in these, but were definitely offered in the Montes.

Still, I'm a little partial to the '76 and less so to the sort of mucked up '77 with its funkier front and rear fascias.  The LJ version was my favorite, either with buckets or 60/40s.

[balthazar]

'69-70 GPs were either the 400 CI LJ or the 428 ('69) or 455 ('70) SJ. I also don't believe the 350 was available in '69-70, would have to look that up.

- - - - -
Spotted this year in CA.

[Robert Hall]

^correct.  According to Wikipedia, 350 wasn't the base GP engine until 76, and only in the base J trim.  77 brought the 301 as the base engine.  

[trinacriabob]

1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

^correct.  According to Wikipedia, 350 wasn't the base GP engine until 76, and only in the base J trim.  77 brought the 301 as the base engine.  

Spot on.  I remember that the '75 (getting nicer at that point) started with a 400.  I had forgotten about the 301 V8.  I knew it existed.  I've only known a 265 V8 owner and rode in such a car, but have never seen or ridden in a 301 equipped Pontiac.  And, the following year, the GP got pared down and could run with a 3.8 V6.  Who'd have thunk?

In the '78 downsize, the GP was the one that benefited the most in its looks.  This one is a little too plush - an LJ - with a heavily padded roof and the wire wheel covers.

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/comment-image/439205.jpg

The 1981 GP update was even nicer.  However, those cars would have CCC (Computer Command Control) during its teething years.  With that refresh, the 1981 Cutlass Supreme was on top again as the best looking of the mid-size coupes.

http://www.adspast.com/store/skin1/images/pics9/pont8081dgprix.jpg

 

 

[Robert Hall]

Had a buddy in high school w a dark blue 78 GP w the 301. 

[daves87rs]

15 hours ago, dfelt said:

@Drew Dowdell https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/comfort-is-not-your-friend-—-the-stock-markets-biggest-bear-explains-why-the-next-market-crash-will-be-one-of-the-worst-ever/ar-AAxbRFM?li=BBnb7Kz

Some of the brightest minds are also seeing a big crash coming. I think you and I are spot on.

 Yeah, I have seen it coming for time myself. Companies within the last ten years or so have to "cut" or "trim" costs to make a profit, is not a good thing. While there are many other factors as well, WS is running out of ways to keep profits up.....

My family and I have already adjusted our stuff, but I think it is wait and see. Could be a crash, but could also be a good slide as well.

All I know for darn sure is that it is not going to be good.....

[balthazar]

2 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

...have never seen or ridden in a 301 equipped Pontiac.

My father had a 301 CI '77 Safari up until '95.

You didn't missing anything by not have been in one yet. 135 HP made for some very relaxed motoring.

[trinacriabob]

7 hours ago, balthazar said:

My father had a 301 CI '77 Safari up until '95.

You didn't missing anything by not have been in one yet. 135 HP made for some very relaxed motoring.

Haha.  "Relaxed" might be a good word, indeed.

Sounds like it lasted for a long time, though.  I haven't a clue as to how later Pontiac (small block) V8s held up and if they had any weak spots.  I liked the way they were laid out.  Chevy and Olds V8s are usually discussed more thoroughly.

[Robert Hall]

7 hours ago, balthazar said:

My father had a 301 CI '77 Safari up until '95.

You didn't missing anything by not have been in one yet. 135 HP made for some very relaxed motoring.

Yep..probably similar to the '80s Town Cars my Dad had back in the day..the 302 was only rated at 130hp in '81 and 150 in '86...smooth quiet and comfortable, but not particularly quick.  I remember driving the '86 when I was a teenager.. I liked those cars.

[Robert Hall]

Here is something truly random..not sure it's the right thread or not, but it's a long shot.   This must have been in the 1975-1977ish range, I was a child, and remember reading an illustrated children's book or comic book with a story about a German car maker with strange little humpy VW like car that was brought to the US and became a sales success through the portly German sales representatives' shady business tactics.   The car had a funny German name like 'Phunbug' or 'Phennig'...  

For some reason, this memory from 40+ years ago popped in my head on my way to Starbucks this morning, did some googling, couldn't find anything.  But I distinctly remember black & white sketches.     Anyone remember something like this? 

[trinacriabob]

As long as it could get me to merge onto a SoCal freeway, I was o.k. with the lower hp of my parents' cars.  They were cruisers. The only place you could get into a jam is on some of the mountain passes.  As the passes wore on, the 250 L6, the 231 V8, and the 260 V8 didn't have much oomph at all if you wanted to pick up speed, let alone pass.  On my one trip to SoCal in the current LaCrosse while still under warranty, it took the Grapevine Hill (grade on I-5 from the flat Central Valley of CA to elevation ~4,100 ft.) in stride.

5 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Here is something truly random..not sure it's the right thread or not, but it's a long shot.   This must have been in the 1975-1977ish range, I was a child, and remember reading an illustrated children's book or comic book with a story about a German car maker with strange little humpy VW like car that was brought to the US and became a sales success through the portly German sales representatives' shady business tactics.   The car had a funny German name like 'Phunbug' or 'Phennig'...  

For some reason, this memory from 40+ years ago popped in my head on my way to Starbucks this morning, did some googling, couldn't find anything.  But I distinctly remember black & white sketches.     Anyone remember something like this? 

No, but I had friends with German parents whose accents were hilarious.  They were pretty nutty people, too.  Damn, they're all gone now.  The most entertaining one was Irmgard (Irma).  Her husband was Italian.

[David]

Is it me or does this look like a Pontiac Fiero that had a Jeep Nose job done?

[Robert Hall]

The '70s-80s low HP V8s still decent torque to move around 4000lb+ vehicles, though.  The TC spec 302 in the 80s had 230-280 ftlbs of torque. 

For a slow vehicle w/ a V8, the slowest I've driven was my folks' '85 Winnebago Chieftain..33ft Class A motorhome, Chevy 454.  It would cruise at 60mph, but took a while to get there...

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Is it me or does this look like a Pontiac Fiero that had a Jeep Nose job done?

Definitely a Fiero midsection...

[David]

12 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

The '70s-80s low HP V8s still decent torque to move around 4000lb+ vehicles, though.  The TC spec 302 in the 80s had 230-280 ftlbs of torque. 

For a slow vehicle w/ a V8, the slowest I've driven was my folks' '85 Winnebago Chieftain..33ft Class A motorhome, Chevy 454.  It would cruise at 60mph, but took a while to get there...

Definitely a Fiero midsection...

That is what I thought too, I have been searching to find out more about it as you can tell it is at some kind of auto parts show, but have not found any more info.

25 cars NO ONE Wanted to Buy!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/25-cars-no-one-wanted-to-buy/ss-AAwWrNU?li=BBnb7Kz#image=1

Interesting picture slideshow. Do you agree or not?

 

[Robert Hall]

5 minutes ago, dfelt said:

 

25 cars NO ONE Wanted to Buy!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/25-cars-no-one-wanted-to-buy/ss-AAwWrNU?li=BBnb7Kz#image=1

Interesting picture slideshow. Do you agree or not?

 

Some duds in there like the ZDX, but I wouldn't label the Viper a 'car no one wanted to buy'...it was always a low volume sports car and has a dedicated following..  the Flex is low volume, but must have some fans, it's been around for a decade.  (I find it oddly appealing--sort of a wagonish CUV). 

[ccap41]

25 minutes ago, dfelt said:

25 cars NO ONE Wanted to Buy!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/25-cars-no-one-wanted-to-buy/ss-AAwWrNU?li=BBnb7Kz#image=1

Interesting picture slideshow. Do you agree or not?

Ehhhh not with the Viper. The rest, pretty much.

That Lincoln truck(Blackwood?) was so close to being good but they made it not even a truck and screwed themselves. 

20 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

 the Flex is low volume, but must have some fans, it's been around for a decade

I've talked to a couple people with them and they absolutely love them. Great space like a minivan but looks of more an "SUV". They could be had with the 3.5EB as well, which was probably a pretty dang quick vehicle. 

[daves87rs]

54 minutes ago, dfelt said:

That is what I thought too, I have been searching to find out more about it as you can tell it is at some kind of auto parts show, but have not found any more info.

25 cars NO ONE Wanted to Buy!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/25-cars-no-one-wanted-to-buy/ss-AAwWrNU?li=BBnb7Kz#image=1

Interesting picture slideshow. Do you agree or not?

 

G3 was barely around..though it was popular in Canada......

 

And everyone I know loves the Flex

[ccap41]

Anybody else excited about the legalization of sports gambling? 

[David]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Anybody else excited about the legalization of sports gambling? 

Nope, just another addiction that will be pushed on the taxpayers to pay for helping idiots parting with their money. I see no reason to not just leave it as it was in Vegas or Atlantic city.

[Robert Hall]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Anybody else excited about the legalization of sports gambling? 

Zero interest here..gambling is perhaps the most boring and pointless of human activities, IMO.   

[ccap41]

8 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Nope, just another addiction that will be pushed on the taxpayers to pay for helping idiots parting with their money. I see no reason to not just leave it as it was in Vegas or Atlantic city.

It isn't an addiction for 99% of people, like alcohol. Not everybody that gambles is addicted to it just like not everybody who drinks is an alcoholic. 

It will bring in a lot of money per state. IL estimates it bringing in roughly $100 million a year. 

6 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Zero interest here..gambling is perhaps the most boring and pointless of human activities, IMO.   

I assume you're not much into watching sports then either? 

[David]

7 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Zero interest here..gambling is perhaps the most boring and pointless of human activities, IMO.   

I would rather watch racing Cockroaches as more entertaining than gambling. 

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

It isn't an addiction for 99% of people, like alcohol. Not everybody that gambles is addicted to it just like not everybody who drinks is an alcoholic. 

It will bring in a lot of money per state. IL estimates it bringing in roughly $100 million a year. 

I assume you're not much into watching sports then either? 

I do not bother watching sports at all, but I can tell you that far more are addicted to Gambling than you realize.

This site is really good explaining it also:

https://www.addictions.com/gambling/5-alarming-gambling-addiction-statistics/

The core 5 points are as follows:

1. Gambling Trends

As with all types of data, certain trends or patterns of behavior start to surface within a given population. Gambling addiction statistics are no different. Some of the more prevalent gambling trends show:

• The likelihood of developing a gambling addiction increases 23-fold for people affected by alcohol use disorders
• Over 80 percent of American adults gamble on a yearly basis
• Three to five gamblers out of every hundred struggles with a gambling problem
• As many as 750,000 young people, ages 14 to 21 has a gambling addiction

2. Gambling & Criminal Activity

As far as gambling and criminal activity goes, gambling addiction statistics reveal a direct correlation between the severity of a gambling addiction and the likelihood of committing crimes. Rates of gambling addiction for criminal offenders far exceed rates found among non-offenders. On average, an estimated 50 percent of those affected by gambling problems commit crimes in order to support their addiction.

3. College Gambling

Gambling addiction statistics show people between the ages 20 and 30 have the highest rates of problem gambling.

• 75 percent of college students report having gambled during the past year
• The risk of developing a gambling addiction more than doubles for young adults in college settings
• An estimated six percent of American college students struggle with gambling problems

4. Gambling & PTSD Trends

People affected by post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD live with high levels of stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Gambling addiction statistics show high rates of gambling addiction among PTSD sufferers.

• PTSD symptoms affect anywhere from 12.5 to 29 percent of problem gamblers
• 34 percent of those who seek treatment for gambling addiction exhibit symptoms of PTSD

5. Gambling & Mental Illness

As addictions, in general, alter brain chemical functions in destructive ways, people struggling with gambling addiction have a higher likelihood of developing mental disorders. Gambling addiction statistics show a high incidence of certain types of mental illness, some of which include:

• Depression disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance abuse disorders
• Anti-social personality disorder

As with any other type of addiction, a gambling addiction can only get worse when left untreated.

[ccap41]

5 minutes ago, dfelt said:

I would rather watch racing Cockroaches as more entertaining than gambling. 

Well I don't think there are too many who "watch gambling". Odd comparison considering you place a bet then check back later. 

I do Draft Kings with some friends and we basically just toss each others' money around and occasionally win on other lineups.

I assume you're against the sale of alcohol as well then? I'm very confident that ruins way more lives than gambling. 

I know people get addicted to gambling but you're grouping everybody who gambles into the addicted party. 

[David]

5 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Well I don't think there are too many who "watch gambling". Odd comparison considering you place a bet then check back later. 

I do Draft Kings with some friends and we basically just toss each others' money around and occasionally win on other lineups.

According to statistics, 2.9% of the US population watches Gambling online or on TV channels dedicated to gambling. The reason is they are looking to learn how to gamble more, better, etc.

The figures for the various stages of gambling is amazing.

I am glad you enjoy it and can keep a balanced approach. Seems your state is ranked #3 in the nation with gambling problems.

[ccap41]

11 minutes ago, dfelt said:

As many as 750,000 young people, ages 14 to 21 has a gambling addiction

Uhhh how many real adults? 

 

11 minutes ago, dfelt said:

• Over 80 percent of American adults gamble on a yearly basis
• Three to five gamblers out of every hundred struggles with a gambling problem

That's a pretty small number, eh? 

[David]

6 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Well I don't think there are too many who "watch gambling". Odd comparison considering you place a bet then check back later. 

I do Draft Kings with some friends and we basically just toss each others' money around and occasionally win on other lineups.

I assume you're against the sale of alcohol as well then? I'm very confident that ruins way more lives than gambling. 

I know people get addicted to gambling but you're grouping everybody who gambles into the addicted party. 

Gambling and Alcohol addiction go hand in hand. But NO I enjoy a glass of Wine on the weekends and have nothing against it. Not a prude like the Amish or other bible thumping groups that also bash Alcohol. I realize it has destroyed many lives just like gambling. Unlike gambling online that is affecting many youths, you cannot drink Alcohol on the internet.

[Robert Hall]

32 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

It isn't an addiction for 99% of people, like alcohol. Not everybody that gambles is addicted to it just like not everybody who drinks is an alcoholic. 

It will bring in a lot of money per state. IL estimates it bringing in roughly $100 million a year. 

I assume you're not much into watching sports then either? 

I enjoy watching sports.  Betting on sports seems pointless.   I always hear that gambling will bring in a lot of money for states, but from what I've read it rarely brings in the expected amount.   I did go to the casinos in the Phoenix area occasionally for company parties and concerts--good restaurants usually, and I've gone to the one here in the Cleveland area for concerts (Hard Rock Rocksino).    I've been to Vegas a few times over the last 20+ years, for concerts.  Good restaurants there also.  

But the gambling part does nothing for me...so boring.   I do understand that people can enjoy it, but visiting art museums, going to the symphony, even reading random Wikipedia articles in infinitely more fascinating to me.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[David]

12 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I enjoy watching sports.  Betting on sports seems pointless.   I always hear that gambling will bring in a lot of money for states, but from what I've read it rarely brings in the expected amount.   I did go to the casinos in the Phoenix area occasionally for company parties and concerts--good restaurants usually, and I've gone to the one here in the Cleveland area for concerts (Hard Rock Rocksino).    I've been to Vegas a few times over the last 20+ years, for concerts.  Good restaurants there also.  But the gambling part does nothing for me...boring. 

Wynn's and Caesars palace have the best buffets I believe, but there is the top 10 and top 7 list for Vegas that makes me want to go back for a show and some food munchin!

https://www.vegas.com/traveltips/top-10-buffets/

https://www.bestproducts.com/fun-things-to-do/g2705/best-buffets-in-las-vegas-for-quality-food/

[Robert Hall]

7 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Wynn's and Caesars palace have the best buffets I believe, but there is the top 10 and top 7 list for Vegas that makes me want to go back for a show and some food munchin!

https://www.vegas.com/traveltips/top-10-buffets/

https://www.bestproducts.com/fun-things-to-do/g2705/best-buffets-in-las-vegas-for-quality-food/

They are good... I used to like the Bellagio buffet.   

Digression--as far as music,  the Rolling Stones at the MGM Grand,  U2 at the MGM Grand, and Prince's 'Club 3121' at the Rio were some of the best concerts I went to in the '00s... Though this is an unrelated tangent, my favorite concert of that decade was probably David Gilmour at the Gibson Amphitheatre in '04 (a venue in Studio City, LA that no longer exists--was razed to put in Harry Potter crap a few years ago), though his later show at the Hollywood Bowl was fantastic also.... concerts could be a fun thread all of it's own.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ccap41]

20 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I enjoy watching sports.  Betting on sports seems pointless.   I always hear that gambling will bring in a lot of money for states, but from what I've read it rarely brings in the expected amount.   I did go to the casinos in the Phoenix area occasionally for company parties and concerts--good restaurants usually, and I've gone to the one here in the Cleveland area for concerts (Hard Rock Rocksino).    I've been to Vegas a few times over the last 20+ years, for concerts.  Good restaurants there also.  

But the gambling part does nothing for me...so boring.   I do understand that people can enjoy it, but visiting art museums, going to the symphony, even reading random Wikipedia articles in infinitely more fascinating to me.

Yeah when the gf and I went to Vegas last spring we gambled a bit.. probably lost about $100 between the two of us in 7 days. Machines just aren't my thing. They're boring and you can lose too much too quickly for my taste. I've never played cards or roulette either, mostly because they're $10+ minimum bets and also too easily to blow $50 in 5 minutes, not my thing. 

I mostly like making lineups for fantasy sports. I don't think I'd do much with the legalization here but I'd make a few more on things like preseason bets on the Cardinals, Blues, and Cowboys all winning their respective championships. I'm not really sure how much I'd do weekly at all. 

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

 

I mostly like making lineups for fantasy sports. I don't think I'd do much with the legalization here but I'd make a few more on things like preseason bets on the Cardinals, Blues, and Cowboys all winning their respective championships. I'm not really sure how much I'd do weekly at all. 

I have dabbled in fantasy football w/ coworkers some years ago, but I found it was too time consuming and tedious if you really commit to it.   I have been playing fantasy F1 for 15 years or so, though..it's pretty low effort. 

[ccap41]

30 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Unlike gambling online that is affecting many youths, you cannot drink Alcohol on the internet.

No but there are easily ways around it.. I drank when I wasn't 21, very easily. 

4 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I have dabbled in fantasy football w/ coworkers some years ago, but I found it was too time consuming and tedious if you really commit to it.   I have been playing fantasy F1 for 15 years or so, though..it's pretty low effort. 

Yeah I'll play fantasy football and the daily stuff but I tried a fantasy baseball league once.. that was waaaaaay too time consuming. I can do football as I only need to set a lineup for once a week. Baseball having games 7 days a week was ridiculous. I'd spend like an hour+ once a week just trying to set a lineup where players were playing every day without even trying to look at match ups.It was fun at the beginning but halfway through it was overwhelming. 

I'll dab into NASCAR a little as well. I've never tried F1. It can't be too difficult, the same 2 teams are in the front every week..lol 

[Robert Hall]

2 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

No but there are easily ways around it.. I drank when I wasn't 21, very easily. 

Ya..been there done that... when I was a teenager in S. Florida in the late 80s, alcohol was easy to come by, along with much stronger recreational products.  

Flash forward 30 years,  I do enjoy a good microbrew or glass of wine w/ dinner.  I've been enjoying checking out NE Ohio's brewery/brewpub scene and doing winery tours of Ohio's wine regions over the last year...

[David]

 

 

[ccap41]

So they think 20% of sales will be EV starting next month?

I mean, that would be their next vehicle. 

That number is absurd.