Random Thoughts Thread

[Suaviloquent]

"...because in the desert, you can't remember your name, cause there ain't no on for to give you no pain...."

I had to shed a mountain of cobwebs to decide say HI here.

Been a while. Likely half a decade.

Don't worry I've now got Castrol coursing through my veins. I use Valvoline for my hair. Mobil brightens the teeth right up. I take my supplement of Pennzoil for the omegas and brain health. Nothing like Quaker State for breakfast. 

I voted for Amsoil in the election by the way. 

In oil we trust. Amen.

[trinacriabob]

This sort of dog is a rare blessing.

The populated parts of Western Turkey have worked hard to go 180 degrees (well, not quite that far) from their "Midnight Express" reputation and you just don't mistreat the cats and dogs who roam freely around Istanbul.  This video makes it easy to see why a good many dogs are more likeable than most fellow human beings.

[A Horse With No Name]

On 12/12/2024 at 8:35 PM, trinacriabob said:

Stop buying anything American. This includes American media. 

On 12/11/2024 at 8:10 PM, G. David Felt said:

Seems McLaren has been sold to the UAE.

UAE buys McLaren after carmaker suffers record loss

Seems Nissan has a all new Leaf coming in a form of a sedan. Be interesting to see if they can get this out before they run out of money.

https://www.carscoops.com/2024/12/2026-nissan-leaf-ditches-dorky-looks-gets-much-needed-glow-up/

They will be running out of money sooner rather than later. 

I like this woman and her commentary. 

 

23 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

This sort of dog is a rare blessing.

The populated parts of Western Turkey have worked hard to go 180 degrees (well, not quite that far) from their "Midnight Express" reputation and you just don't mistreat the cats and dogs who roam freely around Istanbul.  This video makes it easy to see why a good many dogs are more likeable than most fellow human beings.

Agree, and Turkey is on my Bucket list. 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

[A Horse With No Name]

I really like the Satanic Church, probably the only church I could happily join. 

From that tree....

[A Horse With No Name]

[A Horse With No Name]

I am in a fiery mood today...

Peace on earth, goodwill to all men...

[A Horse With No Name]

Lastly...

[A Horse With No Name]

[trinacriabob]

It brings on a sigh of relief when:

"What car am I being assigned?"

"A Malibu."

The less drama, the better.  Spending the Christmas holidays in SoCal.  I wouldn't consider THAT drama-free, but a familiar place in a familiar car.

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Would you really pay $4 for that trash?

3 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

It brings on a sigh of relief when:

"What car am I being assigned?"

"A Malibu."

The less drama, the better.  Spending the Christmas holidays in SoCal.  I wouldn't consider THAT drama-free, but a familiar place in a familiar car.

I got picked up by a friend who is visiting in a rental and was given a Nissan, less than 3,000 miles on it and yet so many things wrong with the ICE auto Rental that it had me thinking where is my EV.

I also had to wonder, is this really all the torque this thing has as it struggles to move around on the highway without pushing the sewing machine engine near red line.

[G. David Felt]

Interesting read seems we are approaching the same points in running up to the Great Depression and the 2000 stock crash.

The Stock Market Is Making Dubious History, and It Appears to Foreshadow Trouble for Wall Street

[oldshurst442]

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

I really like the Satanic Church, probably the only church I could happily join. 

From that tree....

 

Nothing really wrong with the religion itself honestly.  Its the practitioners that are the problem. Its them that  need to reevaluate their belief and value system...  

It is phrased wrong is all Im saying.  

[G. David Felt]

Seems the crazy Stooges circus has begun.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/liz-cheney-referred-for-criminal-investigation/ar-AA1w2lHB?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=12

Crazy back n forth, I hope Ukraine can recover their land and kick Russia out.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/vladimir-putin-embarrassed-as-ukrainian-rout-causes-huge-russian-surrender/ar-AA1w0T5o?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=23

Next year is going to be one extremely large clown mess of attempted dictatorship wanna be attempts against our Constitution and I fear this is only the beginning as investment firms lock in profits and get out of companies, they do not feel can handle a downturn in a U.S. and or Global Economic recession.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/dow-suffers-worst-losing-streak-in-nearly-50-years-this-stock-is-driving-index-down/ar-AA1w2wlh?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=34

This will hurt the GOP as folks assess their view of Conservative with the GOP party.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/record-slim-house-majority-faces-new-problems-as-gop-lawmaker-announces-exit-from-republican-conference/ar-AA1w2e2V?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=47

Good to see our judicial system stand up to the snake oil salesmen who think they can get away with various crimes.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/judge-merchan-just-put-leash-on-trump-during-presidency-legal-analyst/ar-AA1w2qhi?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=67

This brings up a good question for all here, do you like Standard Time or Daylight Savings time? If you are like me and not wanting to deal with flipping back and forth on time twice a year, which time do you want?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-says-he-ll-end-daylight-saving-time-here-are-the-winners-and-losers-if-he-does/ar-AA1w1Obc?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=f2884bd4f8b34ba2f527fff1fded1ac6&ei=78

So here is how states have voted to make one or the other permanent and do away with the flip back and forth.

I do find it interesting that Ford is still filing patents on EV technology even though they have pulled back and have not really planned to move forward with 800v platform.

Ford's Latest Patent Could Revolutionize EV Charging

Crazy the lease deals you can get on an EV.

As expected another ICE only, death to EV writer finally, actually got behind a wheel and found that the EVs are way better than ICE and even states that his next auto will be an EV now that he has actually driven one and tested it. Interesting read, his few dislikes is more of him needing to choose the display preference. I like mine in Dark mode, but the wife likes hers in light mode. So it is totally customizable.

I drove an EV for the first time

Have to say, I am hearing more and more from coworkers who were a never EV mind set, have actually test drove and ended up buying an EV. I think the tipping point is here where variety of EV choices are going to only make this more and more common. I suspect the Kia EV3 next year will be a huge deal for them as will the Chevrolet BOLT coming back into the market. Two SUVs that are below $30,000 will attract many new auto buyers.

[trinacriabob]

I don't feel religion is bad.  I have one.  It's the dogmatic "holier than thou" crowd - usually older ladies who go to socialize and gossip - that drives people away.

Ukraine has the right to exist peacefully the way we've known it to be for some 30 to 40 years.  The death toll is harrowing, and it's hard to think about the children, elderly, and invalids they've killed or maimed.  And these instigators claim to believe in God.  Not.

[A Horse With No Name]

On 12/12/2024 at 12:47 PM, G. David Felt said:

Kia, Hyundai, Genesis make superior EVs at 800V true platform compared to the dated 400V Tesla platform. I honestly if Idiot47 figures out a way to pull back the IRA, Tesla is going to Hurt more than Moron Musk realizes.

We have had way too many auto companies for the last Decade and the move of the Dodge van to Chrysler only with Chrysler becoming a Van only product line and no real new products on the horizon, time to Kill Chrysler, move the van back to Dodge. Ram/Dodge/Jeep have been plundered for decades for the profits they generated to keep other brands in Europe going. I agree with you that Stellantis needs to kill off half of their brands to clean up to a far more manageable portfolio.

Infiniti has been on life support for the last Decade and Nissan I stick with it that it could be bankrupt by the end of 2025. A day of reconning is coming for the auto industry and I would not be surprised to see a few of the current name plates dead in the industry by 2030.

Quote a few

On 12/16/2024 at 6:40 PM, G. David Felt said:

Interesting read seems we are approaching the same points in running up to the Great Depression and the 2000 stock crash.

The Stock Market Is Making Dubious History, and It Appears to Foreshadow Trouble for Wall Street

People will get what they voted for....

On 12/16/2024 at 6:26 PM, G. David Felt said:

Would you really pay $4 for that trash?

I got picked up by a friend who is visiting in a rental and was given a Nissan, less than 3,000 miles on it and yet so many things wrong with the ICE auto Rental that it had me thinking where is my EV.

I also had to wonder, is this really all the torque this thing has as it struggles to move around on the highway without pushing the sewing machine engine near red line.

They need to cube all Nissan products...and not like the old Nissan Cube...like from a crusher Cube. 

Methinks both sisters will make regrettable life choices...

Neat old Land Rover in the lot when I went to the grocery...

[A Horse With No Name]

There is good in the world...

 

It took an hour for the doctors office to draw blood...they are normally super efficient. 

I don't really celebrate Christmas, but the lights are at least cool...

A Stout and a burger is hard to beat...

Neat paint scheme on this derby car...

[A Horse With No Name]

This derby car also has a creative paint job...

I still think these are badass. I personally like Ford Trucks, not much of a fan of a whole lot of the post 1977 era production cars. But the Panther platforms are legendary good rides, and reliable AF. 

A Bronco would be cool to own. 

 

My friend Sean getting ready to turn a big piece of Walnut...

[G. David Felt]

This is an interesting read:

New state-of-the-art energy facility just opened its doors in California — and it could set a precedent for the nation

Very cool when we apply technology to solving problems that have changed and are harming our planet. I hope to see more projects like this.

[A Horse With No Name]

A small vessel I turned, getting back into woodworking a bit...

 

 

University Of Dayton is a beautiful Catholic school.  Took this pic on a recent trip there for a debate tournament. 

 

I need to be back on the road again, this was in Arkansas. 

 

 

 

The vinyl spinning continues on my vintage Thorens. I own three turntables and love all 3 for different reasons. 

[A Horse With No Name]

The Schantz organ in our music building. It is voiced a bit differently than the big Schantz organ in the Presbyterian church on the north side of town. This one is more warm sounding and bit less bright, It sounds fantastic. 

Random 57 Ford shot, that's it for now. 

8 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

This is an interesting read:

New state-of-the-art energy facility just opened its doors in California — and it could set a precedent for the nation

Very cool when we apply technology to solving problems that have changed and are harming our planet. I hope to see more projects like this.

I agree completely. 

[G. David Felt]

5 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

This derby car also has a creative paint job...

I still think these are badass. I personally like Ford Trucks, not much of a fan of a whole lot of the post 1977 era production cars. But the Panther platforms are legendary good rides, and reliable AF. 

A Bronco would be cool to own. 

So I am asking this as I honestly have wondered about people buying Ford products right now. Recalls are high, quality has left many questions including crash tests, if you take all that into account, would you still want to buy and drive a Bronco?

The Bronco Sport is not doing well either with recalls. Right now, I have to wonder about all auto companies as like you I do find the Bronco a very cool SUV, but the quality of the build and materials used, make me question ever owning one.

[A Horse With No Name]

1 minute ago, G. David Felt said:

So I am asking this as I honestly have wondered about people buying Ford products right now. Recalls are high, quality has left many questions including crash tests, if you take all that into account, would you still want to buy and drive a Bronco?

The Bronco Sport is not doing well either with recalls. Right now, I have to wonder about all auto companies as like you I do find the Bronco a very cool SUV, but the quality of the build and materials used, make me question every owning one.

Not a Bronco sport but a Bronco, yes. 

I hate to admit it here, but I am thinking Toyota might make my next car. 

I think the writing is on the wall for Nissan, Infinity, a lot of Stelantis, a really jaguar. The fat lady is warming up backstage for Lincoln. Ford will never sell regular passenger cars in the US ever again. 

More than Bronco reliability, I think Ford's bland and uninviting (at lest to me) SUV lineup will hurt them. 

I see them eventually becoming a truck only company. Maybe 8-10 years. 

Bronco Sport also uses a 3 cylinder for many of its models, would definitely NOT want that. 

[G. David Felt]

14 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Not a Bronco sport but a Bronco, yes. 

I hate to admit it here, but I am thinking Toyota might make my next car. 

I think the writing is on the wall for Nissan, Infinity, a lot of Stelantis, a really jaguar. The fat lady is warming up backstage for Lincoln. Ford will never sell regular passenger cars in the US ever again. 

More than Bronco reliability, I think Ford's bland and uninviting (at lest to me) SUV lineup will hurt them. 

I see them eventually becoming a truck only company. Maybe 8-10 years. 

Bronco Sport also uses a 3 cylinder for many of its models, would definitely NOT want that. 

Toyota is living off their past manual everything autos that gave them the reliability marketing message. The recalls and behind tech advances makes one have to think twice about any Japanese auto right now.

Nissan/Honda/Mitsubishi are in talks to merge and that is going to be very interesting.

I honestly do not think it will make much of a difference as Japan is behind in tech in many ways.

Here's what a blockbuster Nissan-Honda merger could mean for the auto industry

Sony TV's once the best out there now use LG and Samsung Screens. Big tech advances I had posted here a decade ago from battery to motor tech the Japanese let fall behind and the Chinese pirated some of it to get ahead.

I honestly think the quality of Auto's has flipped to Korea surpassing Japan especially in EVs.

UPDATE: From Japan, seems these auto companies realize time is limited for life outside of Japan.

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/a03e03dbba61-update1-japan-automakers-honda-nissan-arranging-merger-talks-source.html

[A Horse With No Name]

24 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

Toyota is living off their past manual everything autos that gave them the reliability marketing message. The recalls and behind tech advances makes one have to think twice about any Japanese auto right now.

Nissan/Honda/Mitsubishi are in talks to merge and that is going to be very interesting.

I honestly do not think it will make much of a difference as Japan is behind in tech in many ways.

Here's what a blockbuster Nissan-Honda merger could mean for the auto industry

Sony TV's once the best out there now use LG and Samsung Screens. Big tech advances I had posted here a decade ago from battery to motor tech the Japanese let fall behind and the Chinese pirated some of it to get ahead.

I honestly think the quality of Auto's has flipped to Korea surpassing Japan especially in EVs.

UPDATE: From Japan, seems these auto companies realize time is limited for life outside of Japan.

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/12/a03e03dbba61-update1-japan-automakers-honda-nissan-arranging-merger-talks-source.html

I would only buy a Kia/Hyundai EV, not an ICE. 

Honda taking on Nissan or Mitsubishi will be a death pill for the company. 

Interesting video. 

Happier times. 

 

[trinacriabob]

3 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

A small vessel I turned, getting back into woodworking a bit...

University Of Dayton is a beautiful Catholic school.  Took this pic on a recent trip there for a debate tournament. 

I need to be back on the road again, this was in Arkansas. 

You're a talented craftsman.

- - - - -

I know only one person who went to University of Dayton.  I don't think she had any issues with it, except that it was a continuation of Catholic high school and was displeased with that aspect.  I can relate, as my undergrad was the same way, and this was at a more liberal Catholic college in a big city.  

Public schools were like an oxygen mask to me.  Too much education in a religious setting can sometimes backfire and cause burnout.

- - - - -

I would have never thought I'd say this, but I, too, would like to revisit Arkansas.  There is so much understated beauty.

[trinacriabob]

What do you know about Wikipedia?

Toward the end of each year, they put up a banner ad asking for $2.75 - ~ a cup of coffee - to support their efforts.

Are they a nonprofit?  Do they have positive cash flow to easily remain afloat?  Any insight into their operations?

Either way, I send them about 4 "cups of coffee" each December because I use the site extensively.

[G. David Felt]

44 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

What do you know about Wikipedia?

Toward the end of each year, they put up a banner ad asking for $2.75 - ~ a cup of coffee - to support their efforts.

Are they a nonprofit?  Do they have positive cash flow to easily remain afloat?  Any insight into their operations?

Either way, I send them about 4 "cups of coffee" each December because I use the site extensively.

Per their own website:

The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., abbreviated WMF, is an American 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Francisco, California, and registered there as a charitable foundation. It is the host of Wikipedia, the seventh most visited website in the world.

[Robert Hall]

1 hour ago, trinacriabob said:

 

Either way, I send them about 4 "cups of coffee" each December because I use the site extensively.

Me too..I use them so much... I've given to them every year for at least 15 years...

End of the year...tired.  Yesterday was exhausting, power was off for hours getting a new main panel and meter, getting my home power upgraded and to code.  Would have been ok had it been warm and April, but it was 34 and snow/rain.  Sat in my Jeep running the heater and heated seats most of the day.   

Only 3 more work days spread over the next 2 weeks, looking at getting a lot of rest over the next two weeks...got to catch up on quality sleep and minimize online.  Stay in bed w/ sleeping terriers. 

[G. David Felt]

16 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

Me too..I use them so much... I've given to them every year for at least 15 years...

End of the year...tired.  Yesterday was exhausting, power was off for hours getting a new main panel and meter, getting my home power upgraded and to code.  Would have been ok had it been warm and April, but it was 34 and snow/rain.  Sat in my Jeep running the heater and heated seats most of the day.   

Only 3 more work days spread over the next 2 weeks, looking at getting a lot of rest over the next two weeks...got to catch up on quality sleep and minimize online.  Stay in bed w/ sleeping terriers. 

Robert, what did you upgrade your panel and power supply too?

I am adding a Mother inlaw suite that will be 1000sq ft with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchen and general living space.  200 amp service to be installed when I start that project next year. Will then give me a rentable space. I am also upgrading my house from a 200 amp to 350 amp service.

This way both can handle EV charging as well as everything else.

[Robert Hall]

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

Robert, what did you upgrade your panel and power supply too?

I am adding a Mother inlaw suite that will be 1000sq ft with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchen and general living space.  200 amp service to be installed when I start that project next year. Will then give me a rentable space. I am also upgrading my house from a 200 amp to 350 amp service.

This way both can handle EV charging as well as everything else.

250 amp up from 150 amp.  It was old, all the breaker slots used.  With 3000 sq ft, 2 new A/Cs and 2 furnaces, hot tub, etc it was maxed out…but not the right weather to do it.  

[trinacriabob]

7 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Methinks both sisters will make regrettable life choices...

They look identical as opposed to fraternal.  If someone wants to choose a religious way of life, more power to them.  There are definitely shortages,  but a good chunk of those who go into it definitely should NOT be going that route.  I've known this typology among leaders above me and even a few people I went to school with - some shitty people who were actually less "Christian-like" than I am, and I am definitely not a "holy roller."  (I function much better as a "bon vivant on a budget.")  I applaud the kind hearted and altruistic men and women who do choose this and stay on track.  For many considering it under the Catholic umbrella, celibacy is one big ticket item that will likely dissuade them.  Human beings just aren't wired like that.

[A Horse With No Name]

12 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

They look identical as opposed to fraternal.  If someone wants to choose a religious way of life, more power to them.  There are definitely shortages,  but a good chunk of those who go into it definitely should NOT be going that route.  I've known this typology among leaders above me and even a few people I went to school with - some $h!ty people who were actually less "Christian-like" than I am, and I am definitely not a "holy roller."  (I function much better as a "bon vivant on a budget.")  I applaud the kind hearted and altruistic men and women who do choose this and stay on track.  For many considering it under the Catholic umbrella, celibacy is one big ticket item that will likely dissuade them.  Human beings just aren't wired like that.

If every Catholic were like you I would be in mass every day and twice on Sunday. 

12 hours ago, Robert Hall said:

250 amp up from 150 amp.  It was old, all the breaker slots used.  With 3000 sq ft, 2 new A/Cs and 2 furnaces, hot tub, etc it was maxed out…but not the right weather to do it.  

Perfect

16 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

You're a talented craftsman.

- - - - -

I know only one person who went to University of Dayton.  I don't think she had any issues with it, except that it was a continuation of Catholic high school and was displeased with that aspect.  I can relate, as my undergrad was the same way, and this was at a more liberal Catholic college in a big city.  

Public schools were like an oxygen mask to me.  Too much education in a religious setting can sometimes backfire and cause burnout.

- - - - -

I would have never thought I'd say this, but I, too, would like to revisit Arkansas.  There is so much understated beauty.

It is a killer state.

[G. David Felt]

Interesting read that makes total sense.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/what-trump-is-trying-to-achieve-by-going-after-liz-cheney/ar-AA1wbe5U?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=1f82b2d5ff1c45b68564cb43bd3a0c06&ei=24

[trinacriabob]

It's great when you're relaxed, sport a chill vibe, and are open to the unexpected.

So, here I am, sitting on the outside terrace of a coffeehouse outside Palm Springs, drinking an iced tea, and just wrapped up conversing with a Chinese lady living in the 909, and her teenage daughter, while her rambunctious German Shepherd was jumping on my lap and trying to lick my face.  It was my fault.  I asked if the dog liked people and being pet.  Affirmative.

Life's good.

[G. David Felt]

I love BBQing, but with my Knee recovery, I am not up to being outside in my BBQ area and cooking ribs the right way slow and steady for a fall off the bone rib. I have been looking online at other options and yes, I love Dr. Pepper way more than Coke or Pepsi, in fact I cannot think of the last time I had a coke or pepsi. 

Dr. Pepper slow cooked ribs, then finished in the oven. Seems like a good Idea to try.

What do you guys think?

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs - Only 3 Ingredients!

[G. David Felt]

This is way too funny, I have to say the Circus next year is going to be amazing to watch.

‘President Musk’ talk infuriates Trump officials amid spending bill negotiations

 

I like cheesy pasta, and this makes a dish easy to make. The only think I would do differently is dice up the garlic and onions more, so they blend into the pasta better and use a variety of cheeses, like Mozzarella and Smokey Gouda plus the parmesan.

The pasta recipe we all need in our life | Watch

[G. David Felt]

I so want to travel to Korea and just food binge on street food.

Korean TRADITIONAL Market Street Food Tour in Seoul | Watch

[trinacriabob]

Random thoughts:

Saw many German imports sporting medium enamel grey exteriors with darker red leather interiors in affluent desert communities and this combination looks nice.

Was following a recent Dodge Challenger on the freeway tonight and I love that rear light bar, so I think it's the best looking of the 3 pony car rehashes.

Saw an immaculate black 2007 or 2008 Cadillac DTS on the freeway tonight and they still look good, even timeless.

I happened onto a dog video last night and it had "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan in it.  I read about him and he once ran a "Dog Psychology Center."  Ha. He does not have a degree in psychology, animal husbandry, or anything.  Then, L.A. douchebag groupthink shines through.  The list of celebs who used him (one refers or copies another celeb) is lengthy.  Remember when celebs were snapping up Priuses, almost as if to make a statement?

About 40% of my music collection consists of African-American artists. I  notice this as I surf Bluetooth. Some of my friends joke that I was Black in a previous life.  Come on.  Some white artists - even hard rockers - are more starched than many Black artists ... smooth, earthy, sassy, passionate, gravelly, and/or powerful ... that's what I like in music and they put out some great musical tracks.  

Happy Friday.

[trinacriabob]

If you are in a hotel and there is a (laptop) safe in the room, you'd probably use it for your laptop if leaving the room and/or hotel for a while.

If you are in a hotel without one, what do you do (with your laptop)?  I often have them pass on room service ... that's for sure.  It would be beneficial for some of you to weigh in.

[Robert Hall]

When I've traveled for work in recent years, I keep my laptop with me in my backpack usually, since I'm traveling between the hotel and the office..sometimes I'll leave it in the room when I go out for dinner or drinks after work for a few hours.    Haven't seen a hotel room safe big enough for a laptop.  

A couple times in the past when I've had a laptop on vacation, I put the backpack in the trunk of my car if I'm going out of the hotel for all day or something.   My most recent vacation/road trip I only took my iPad, less bulky than my laptop... I'd put my wallet and iPad in the room safe when I'd walk down to the beach w/ my phone.