Ramblings of an over active imagination...

NO LONGER FOR SALE - My Build up is BACK ON!

2011-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

EDIT!!! - This kit is no longer for sale. My build is BACK ON! WooHoo!!!

[original post]
Well, my loss is your gain. Buy this 7" Long Arm lift fit for your Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee. I got this kit brand new from Clayton Off Road ( [url]http://www.claytonoffroad.com[/url] ) for a magazine build but the build up fell through. I'm on the hook for the cost of the kit now. I got the OK directly from Clayton Off Road to sell the kit at a discounted price.

This is their PREMIUM 7" long arm lift kit, this is the complete kit. Here's a link to the kit on their website - [url]http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/20_54/products_id/119[/url] - These kits are made using the best materials! They use Currie Johnny Joints for all the control arms and trac-bars.

All parts are brand spanking new. Comes complete WITH SHOCKS. Suspension kit retails $2995 not including the shocks. Adding the Bilstein shocks is another $305. PLUS SHIPPING!!! These guys are in Conneticuit, shipping cost me $300 to get the whole kit here from the East Coast.

Kit comes with:

8 Adjustable Control Arms
Front 3 piece crossmember (96-98 Grand) - You can buy the 93-95 piece to make this kit fit on your 1993 - 1995 Grand Cherokee
Unibody frame rails
rear frame brackets
rear 4 link axle truss
front coils
rear coils
trackbar and drop bracket
drop pitman arm
brakelines (3pc set, steel braided)
front spring retainers
JKS swaybar disconnects
front and rear Bilstein 5100 shocks

This kit will fit 33s all day long, 35s with fender trimming or fender flares. Kit part number is 3204020. This is by far the best lift kit out there for Grand Cherokees!!!

I live in North Orange County, CA and work in Corona, CA. I can meet up with you around those areas in the evenings during the week or usually all day on the week-ends - Shipping available on your dime.

$2800 for the whole kit!!! That's a steal for brand new in box parts!!! They haven't even been out of the boxes. I opened the ends of the boxes to make sure the parts were there and that's it!!!!

Email me at gogetemturbo [at] gmail [dot] com or call or text to 714-454-six39six --- that's (seven one four) four five four - six three nine six

A new Jeep Truck

2011-09-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

So it appears the news of a new Jeep truck just wont die. I am happy about it! I was really hoping Jeep wasn't trying to use the JK-8 as their Jeep truck. As cool as it kind of is, it's not a Jeep truck. It'll always be a Scrambler type vehicle, which is cool in it's own right, just not a truck.

Here is a blurb from a press release done earlier today on Automotivenews.com:

"Jeep CEO Michael Manley says a pickup remains a high priority but a Wrangler-based hauler is at least four years away."

"It is too late in Wrangler's product cycle to add a pickup. The 2015 or 2016 time frame makes more sense," Manley said during an interview at the Frankfurt auto show. "That's when we will refresh the Wrangler."

Manley said no decision has been made to build a Jeep pickup."

Sourced from www.automotivenews.com - click here to go to the original story

It makes complete sense that Jeep wouldn't build a new vehicle based on an aging platform. The new Wrangler will be out around the same time as this projected build/debut. Now as long as Jeep (Fiat) doesn't screw up the next Wrangler, we should be good to go! The biggest thing is that they just need to keep a straight axle in the front...

Finally, some info on the 2012 JK Wranglers!

2011-09-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

I;ve been waiting for this information to hit, the new Jeeps are already on the lots!!!

Quoted from SEMA eNews (Vol. 14, No. 35):


	The ’12 Jeep Wrangler's new engine/transmission combination enhances its on- and off-road driving performance, delivering up to 21 mpg, 40% more power and 10% more torque.

For 2012, the Jeep Wrangler receives major upgrades in performance and fuel efficiency, providing specialty-parts manufacturers an opportunity to reach enthusiasts who want to customize their Wranglers.

The ’12 model features an all-new, more fuel-efficient and more powerful 285hp, 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, both of which it shares with the Grand Cherokee. This combination enhances Wrangler’s on- and off-road driving performance, delivering up to 21 mpg, 40% more power and 10% more torque.

The ’12 Jeep Wrangler is available in two- and four-door models and offers a combination of efficient design, open-air freedom, 3,500 lbs. of towing capability, improved real-world drivability and 4x4 systems that deliver off-road capability. Compared to the previous 3.8L V6 engine, the ’12 version offers 40% more horsepower and 10% more torque. It also features the company’s first application of a manual transmission to the Pentastar V6.

With room for five adults, interior design highlights include upgraded materials, automatic temperature controls, heated seats, power mirrors and steering wheel controls for vehicle systems. A USB port connects to the media center, 12-volt accessory outlets are located throughout the Wrangler and a 115-volt AC outlet is available to power select two-pronged home electronics. Safety and security technology features include standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist and brake traction control.

The ’12 Jeep Wrangler stays connected with Uconnect systems, including voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Wrangler’s connectivity systems have improved ergonomics by giving the driver control at their fingertips. Intuitive buttons on the front and rear of the steering wheel control a number of features, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will continue to be available in four models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. Combined with an all-new interior for 2011, the ’12 Jeep Wrangler is virtually all-new over the past two model years.

For more information, click here.

Click here to go to the original story on SEMA's website

New Jeep Truck

2011-07-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

There have been many rumors (over the last year, especially) that Jeep was going to come out with a truck again. Jeep has not had a pick up truck since the last Comanche rolled off the line in 1992.

After the TJ Wrangler came out, a company named American Expedition Vehicles started making them into trucks, they became wildly popular but were pricey considering you had to purchase a new Wrangler, and then have them convert it over. Eventually they came out with a kit version for the Do It Yourself guy to do on his own Wrangler at home. The kits became extremely popular! The Jeeps are known at Brutes. Basically, they are a 1997 - 2006 Jeep Wrangler with the back half cut off. Finish off a standard cab, add a bed and viola! A Jeep Truck.

AEV Jeep Wrangler Brute in action

Over the last year, there have been multiple interviews with the Jeep CEO and the topic of a new Jeep truck was brought up. The most common answer was "There's a better than 50% chance there will be a Jeep Truck for 2012" [**edit** or something to the effect, I can't find the exact quote to cite it properly] Which always sets the magazines and fourm ablaze with excitement. Jeep has toyed with Jeepers for years though so it was being taken with a grain of salt. Jeep has teased the Jeep public with motor options (V8s and Diesels) in the modern Jeeps many times. At some point, there was allegedly something official leaked from the Jeep offices that there was indeed going to be a 4 door Jeep Truck for 2012. There was no official talk about it so it's been under huge scrutiny.

Concept Jeep Gladiator

Earlier this year, Jeep debuted some concept vehicles. Something just about ever auto manufacturer does. In doing so, they get to build (sometimes) outlandish vehicles to gauge the public's reaction so they know what to build. Jeep did this years ago with the Jeep Gladiator Truck (seen to the right). The front end design was so well accepted, it became the foundation for the new for 2007 model Wrangler JK. Jeep's concepts are always popular. On in particular apparently is their golden child. Jeep introduced the JK-8. This was a vehicle that was based on the standard 4 door Jeep Wrangler JK, has only the front 2 doors, a small extended cab hard top and a mini bed. Was this to be the Jeep truck we'd been hearing about? No one had any solid answers they would give out. Time was wearing on and I was loosing faith that there was going to be another Jeep truck in the Jeep line up as of 2012. We are getting closer and closer to the expected arrival dates of the 2012 Jeeps but Jeep wasn't being very forth coming with the information about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler either. There was a small glimmer of hope.

Jeep JK-8 Kit by Mopar

Today I learned that the Jeep JK-8 could be had by all. Not in the standard production as you would think but Mopar/Jeep has decided to copy the idea model from American Expedition Vehicles. They now have a kit that you can purchase to convert your existing $18k + Jeep Wrangler JK and convert it into a truck. It requires extensive body modifications and is not easily converted back to it's original state.

Is this the Jeep truck that all the buzz has been about? I sincerely hope not. While the JK-8 is an extremely capable vehicle and would use all the same suspension components and upgrades that the 4 door JK Wrangler does, it's a glorified extended cab truck with a tiny bed and, for a whole package, is entirely over priced. Don't get me wrong, a standard cab Jeep truck is better than no Jeep truck but it's very limiting. I have had multiple Comanches over the years and they were only ever built in a standard cab form, though they had 6 foot and 7 foot beds. The Comanche died years ago. Many say it was because Chrysler didn't want it to compete with the Dodge Dakota, some say it's because Jeep wouldn't build extended cabs or crew cabs. Either way, it was a standard cab only truck and it died. How can Jeep not realize that they need a true Jeep truck on the market with multiple cab options? In my opinion, you can't go and buy a new mini or mid-sized truck that is rugged enough to take the abuse that Jeep is known for. American needs a Jeep truck again. It's down right un-American to not have one!

If the JK-8 is the Jeep truck of the future, I am extremely disappointed but if Jeep comes out with a true crew cab, straight front axle Jeep Truck, I'll be one of the first in line to get mine! My wife may have an issue with it, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there!

Jilly, The Motor Head!

2011-07-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, while at a Jeep event for my work, a friend gave us a small electric ATV quad that his son had out grown. I was stoked! I'd been planning on getting toys like this for Jill but just hadn't yet. She's just now starting to get to the age where she can use them. When the toy was given to us, it wasn't in bad shape. It had seen it's use in the desert many times but overall, had been cared for. Really, the only problem were the stickers fading and starting to peel off. My friend told me the battery had gone south. For many months, this little quad sat around in my garage. Jillian wasn't quite big enough for it yet so I just hung on to it.

This is when we first got it, while we were in the desert (she had a high fever at the time and we were waiting for the sun to go down so Sarah could take her home) but she loved it, straight from the start!

Now she is getting big enough and she's definitely smart enough to get the idea of out it works. I pulled it out yesterday and hooked up a different battery, just to test the quad to make sure all the other mechanicals worked. It worked like a champ! The battery I used to test it wasn't the correct one and would only work just for a quick test without blowing out the electronics on the toy. I pulled the original battery out and hooked it up the to charger, just for giggles. While that was going, I started pulling all the decals off. Took a fair amount of time to get them all off, but what a world of difference it made to the look of it!

De-stickered, ready and waiting for a fresh battery

I used a volt meter on the battery after it had been hooked to the charger for awhile and it read just shy of 6 volts (it's a 6 volt battery). I hooked it up to the toy and got nothing. A little bummed, but expecting it, I moved on. I sit at my computer and start researching the battery. I find that they are only about $25, not bad! I also find the original manual for the unit, I immediately downloaded it for safe keeping. While reading through, I notice that it says the charge time on the battery has a limit of 30 hours. 30 HOURS. I had only charged it for 1 hour prior. So I hooked the battery up again and let it charge. After sitting on the charger for about 20 hours, I hooked it up to the quad again. BAM! IT RUNS!!! I was soooooo excited, I had to have looked like a little kid on Christmas. I rush inside and toss Jilly on it. She figured out the button really quick. She wasn't screaming with laughter but I could tell she really liked it. Of course, I had to get it on video. I'll let the vid finish off the story...

We still need to work on steering, but she'll get it!

Next is the Barbie Jeep that I picked up for $10. That one definitely needs a battery (didn't get one at all) and few minor things. Stay tuned!

An American!

2011-07-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

This was too good not to share. **EDIT - Turns out this is Complete B.S. but I like it anyway, so I'm leaving it!

Written by an Australian Dentist
To Kill an American
You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is. So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans..
An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in   Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.
An American is also free to believe in no religion.. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world…

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence , which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.
An American is generous.. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.

When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!

As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan …

The national symbol of America , The Statue of Liberty , welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America.

Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families.

It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world.. But, in doing so, you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

**EDIT - So it turns out this is complete B.S. but I still like it anyway! Here is a link to Snopes...http://www.snopes.com/rumors/america2.asp

What you Will and Won't Learn in School

2011-07-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

What you Will and Won't Learn in School

An important read for all of today's youth!

How to Ruin a SoCal Car show...

2011-06-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

I thought this was too amazing not to share...

Ah, that illustrious first parking spot.

Certainly worth arriving early for.

I'll just park my classic '40 Ford in the second stall..

... and the late arrivals can line up on - BANG!!!!

(the late arrival)

What on God's green earth could have caused this...?

(HINT #1 & HINT #2)

Hey, wasn't that Pontiac in the FIRST parking space??

(What on God's green earth could have caused this Hint #3)

Unbelievable the driver lived

through the entire ordeal!

A Guided Poem from my Past

2011-06-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with you a guided poem from my past. I wrote this in a class in high school. I don't know the year for sure, but I believe it to be around 1999.

House Cat…. (Guided Poem)

By: J.C. Headlee

Tiny, skinny, smooth little beast

The house is dark and silent

As it moves, it watches…bright yellow eyes

Tiny fury paws…all the while moving slowly.

Quietly, smoothly,

It sees its prey…just ahead…crouches…

POUNCE!! ! The animal springs and attacks it’s

meal, “Owww!” cries the woman who turns on

the lights. The once brave little beast now cowers

In the corner flooded with light.

“I was only playing,” thought the beast.

Deep Breath

2011-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today seemed to be starting off pretty well. Had a great night, got some good sleep and was feeling good this morning... I get to work and it all falls apart.

I had set up an warranty replacement rear bumper for a end user, got all the approvals I needed so we didn't have to pay to ship the defective piece back to us and I could just send out the new bumper. Everything was going groovy. I had all the pictures I needed so we could get credit from the factory who built it, Jeff and Scott(the company President and Engineer, respectively) were working on it. Then Jeff notices a screw up on my part. I put the wrong goddamn part number on the form. The correct description, but the wrong part number and of course the warehouse guys don't look at the descriptions, only the part numbers, so they shipped the bumper associated with the part number to Ohio. $111 to ship this goddamn bumper to Ohio and I put the wrong goddamn part number down. FML. The guys out back ship A LOT of products, so we really can't expect them to pay attention to the descriptions. I should have put the right part number in. I even put the wrong part number in two freaking places on the form. TWO PLACES. Right now I am a massive ball of emotions; Frustration, embarrassment, shame, anger, confusion and others that I can't even name. How did I do that? I know these part numbers inside and out.

No one is mad at me and I'm not going to get in trouble but it was such a brain dead mistake; I feel like I've shot myself in the foot and it's my own fault. The shipment is getting turned around before it gets to the consumer, the consumer is an understanding soul and is not upset about the delay but I can't even truly describe how I feel right now. I pride myself on doing my job well. Yes, I am human but I don't make mistakes in my job, at least not to this magnitude.

To top it all off, I am absolutely buried with work to do sitting on my desk, not to mention the countless things in the warehouse and on the company Jeeps that I have to do.

Time to take a huge deep breath, regroup, dig deep and go to battle with my head held high.

Willy Wonka pops into my head...

2011-05-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Round the world and home again

That's the sailor's way

Faster faster, faster faster

There's no earthly way of knowing

Which direction we are going

There's no knowing where we're rowing

Or which way the river's flowing

Is it raining, is it snowing

Is a hurricane a-blowing

Not a speck of light is showing

So the danger must be growing

Are the fires of Hell a-glowing

Is the grisly reaper mowing

Yes, the danger must be growing

For the rowers keep on rowing

And they're certainly not showing

Any signs that they are slowing

(Thanks to STLyrics.com for the lyrics)

This is from the famous psychedelic boat scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. This scene and song have been randomly popping into my head for over a week now. Not sure quite why, either. It's one of those ones that just enough pops into your head, you know what it is but you can't sing the rest of the lyrics or picture the rest of the scene. It's been so long since I've seen this incredible movie that it really doesn't make much sense.

Gene Wilder does such an amazing job in this movie, he plays an eccentric crazy man so incredibly well that you can easily forget that the character is not a real person.

Here is a link to the entire scene; By far one of the best scenes in the movie, however dark it may be...

Wonderful Conversations

2011-05-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

When I worked at T and J Performance, I befriended a fellow employee whilst "doing my time" at the jailhouse known as Truck and Jeep Performance. To amuse ourselves, we would have lengthy conversations on many subjects such as from Religion, car culture and psychology. These conversations would tend to become exercises in our literary abilities and most often times would elaborate into friendly debates.

After I escaped the penitentiary, I had the fortune to enlist into a company that sells products to T and J's, so I am able to frequently have discussions and email correspondence with Max. One thing you have to know about Max is that he is an exotic car buff. Frequently he would (and still does) send me pictures of exquisite specimens, consistently these would coincide with a date that reflects the name of the roaddancer he had sent over and they would easy become extended conversations and deliberations regarding some aspect of the vehicle. I would like to share one of those such emails:

Max: Your attention please:
Tomorrow is 5/12.
We present, for your approval, the Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer.

Thank you.

Max

[these are just two of the several that were sent over]

Jake: For some reason, the black one looks gawd awful to me, but the red one looks clean and sleek. What the heck is it with pop up head lights? I dislike them very much. Eliminate the pop up headlights, make them fixed pieces, and make the turn signal not so ginormous and it would be a sexy car.

Oh, and I know it's no where NEAR 9/14 but attached here is my rebuttal. I present to a completly restored 1974 914 2.0. The President of Rampage just recently finished it and drove it to work today. It's GORGEOUS.

Max: Yes, okay.

You are entitled to your opinion (however flawed it may be).

But please, examine the body sculpture carefully (please mind the wheel openings radii and the lower body flanks). Note the sensuality of the design; the flow, the essence.

Be aware that the "Ferrari" brand is referred to as a "marque" and that Pinanfarina, the company responsible for the body, is referred to as a "design house."

Pause a bit to momentarily to imagine the Autobahn potentialities, then

return to work.

P.S. - It is nice to hear that another drove the restored 914, however, I cannot help but question, when do you get to drive the car? It is your experience while in that driver seat that I wish to hear of. I await your opinion of that, however unlikely that may be.

Jake: I agree whole heartedly that the body lines, wheel wells and overall design of the body is near perfection. I do emphasize the near though...Eliminate the pop up headlights. Leave the lines the exact same as they are with the headlights in the down position, just put a small headlight into the location, smooth and clean.

Something like this on this equally beautiful RX-7...

It creates a constant smooth, sensual body line, regardless of the time of day the vehicle is driven.

Now, regretfully, I do understand why pop up headlights became popular. In the ages that pop up headlights were utilized on new vehicles, the technology fell short. Lights were not the high powered HIDs that we have today. Lights were large, cumbersome necessities rather than an integral part of the lusciousness of a gorgeous work of art. Rather than have hulky grotesque headlights all the time, they confined it to only during the hours when the monsters are needed. In my mind though, this should have been enough reason (especially for companies like Porsche and Ferrari) to eliminate the need for pop up headlights all together. Had they truly taken the matter seriously, pop up headlights would be a brief hiccup in the automotive design world. Instead, however, we have a large myriad of our history wrapped around fugly lighting. I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the high end manufacturers. They set the stage and in this moment, they set it up for failure.

To explain to you how serious I am on this matter, if there were only one modification I could do to a Generation 3 RX-7…it would be to change the headlights.

Regarding the driving of the 914…I would absolutely LOVE to, but alas, I will never ask to do so. If it is offered, you will be one of the first to know of it and I will give you a full recounting of the experience.

Max: Very well stated sir.

Your argument holds weight and lends credibility to the opinion you have thus far stated.

You have succeeded once again in removing any desire for an argument or opposing viewpoint from this camp.

One small note, however...

Upon reflecting on my past road-dancing experiences with my 914, I am reminded of the balmy California nights we shared skating the roads cresting the mountain canyons and the ensuing flatlands. On the occasions whence daylight ceased and I was left to wrestle with the darkness at hand, I would flip the switch to actuate the headlamps. In unison they would rise, piercing the darkness with a steady beam of light. This would serve, obviously enough, as an...

Oh forget the syntax and prose!

The thing that was cool was while driving the 914 with the headlamps down, it seemed like it was; a small nimble car. Normal enough and very typical. But with the headlamps on and flipped up, it seemed to transform into a bigger car somehow. I suppose it was because it changed the line of sight from the driver's seat looking down the hood. Something about having to look past the headlamps when flipped up somehow set some kind of borderline or something. I don't know what it was exactly, but just driving it that way at night was cool, sort of like 2 cars in 1?

Jake: Hahahhahaa I love our conversations! I can marginally understand what you mean, 2 cars in 1 but I would need to drive a praiseworthy vehicle in a situation such as you describe to fully appreciate the effect you speak of. I merely can base my judgments on looks and what I hear from other people on how they drive. I have driven a couple vehicles with pop up headlights but they were not to the caliber of a 914, let alone a Ferrari. A meager Fiero and Firebird [edit: They were quite fun though] would not do this instance justice.

I can see how the transformation would be somewhat exhilarating. Transforming into a beast of the night, prowling and hunting for the next curve to devour.

That’s it, I just need a sports car!!!

The Wright Brothers

2010-12-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

This is why Americans are AWESOME! American ingenuity is some of the best around the world. On this day, 97 years ago, The Wright Brothers sustained heavier-than-air human flight.

"The Wright brothers, Orville (August 19, 1871 – January 30, 1948) and Wilbur (April 16, 1867 – May 30, 1912), were two Americans who are generally credited^[1]^[2]^[3] with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903. In the two years afterward, the brothers developed their flying machine into the first practical fixed-wing aircraft. Although not the first to build and fly experimental aircraft, the Wright brothers were the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible."

"The brothers' fundamental breakthrough was their invention of three-axis control, which enabled the pilot to steer the aircraft effectively and to maintain its equilibrium.^[4] This method became standard and remains standard on fixed-wing aircraft of all kinds.^[5]^[6] From the beginning of their aeronautical work, the Wright brothers focused on unlocking the secrets of control to conquer "the flying problem", rather than developing more powerful engines as some other experimenters did. Their careful wind tunnel tests produced better aeronautical data than any before, enabling them to design and build wings and propellers more effective than any before.^[7]^[8] Their U.S. patent 821,393 claims the invention of a system of aerodynamic control that manipulates a flying machine's surfaces.^[9]"

Sourced from Wikipedia - Click here for the full page

^{Amazing how a couple of American guys can manipulate the future. Being apart of the massive "safety" bicycle (where the two wheels matched in size) wasn't enough, they had an incredible interest in flight. Imagine a world without human flight...}

Yosemite Quarter

2010-12-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

For some odd reason, I looked at a quarter that I had in my pocket. The back looked different, and I didn't recognize it. Didn't look like any state coin that I had ever seen before. Upon closer inspection, it's a Yosemite Quarter. Considering Yosemite isn't a state in it's self, I decided to look into it a little.

Turns out there is a new series of quarters. The "America the Beautiful" series of quarters stated this year.

"The America the Beautiful Quarters is a series of quarters issued by the United States Mint from 2010 until at least 2021. The series may be extended at the option of the Secretary of the Treasury, potentially extending the series to 2033. The obverse of all the coins will depict George Washington in a restored version of the original portrait used for the 1932 Washington Quarter. ^[1] There will be five new reverse designs each year (one in 2021) each depicting a national park or national site (one from each state, the federal district, and each territory). The program is authorized by the America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008.

Sourced from Wikipedia - Click here for the full page

While I was searching a little on this current side road of thought that I had, I found the Wiki page on the State quarter program, and thought this little blip was interesting:

Seigniorage

Main article: Seigniorage

Seigniorage is the profit gained by a government when it issues currency. The U.S. government discovered at the launch of the State Quarters series that a large number of people were collecting each new quarter as it rolled out of the U.S. Mint, taking the pieces out of circulation. Since it costs the Mint less than five cents for each 25-cent piece it produces, the government made a profit whenever someone bought a coin and chose not to spend it. The U.S. Treasury estimates that it has earned about $4.6 billion in seigniorage revenue from the quarters so far.^[4] The addition of six new designs in 2009 to recognize the nation's capital and its five territories is expected to boost seigniorage revenue even further, especially since fewer coins will be minted of each design, because six different coins will be issued that year, instead of the usual five, and the number of quarters minted so far for DC, PR and GU has been lower than those minted for any state of the Union (see table).

Sourced from Wikipedia - Click here for the full page

So to all those who are collecting these coins, just know that you are giving the Government more money!

Sling Shot Transportation

2010-12-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what the world would be like if we used giant sling shots to get around?

I do. I imagine that in the early days, there would have been very little protection. Hop into a seat, and someone stretches it out and lets go. Would have been fairly inaccurate as well. But like any other technology, the devices and safety would be improved upon. Helmets become standard, degree wheels and length of stretch measurements laid out on an easy to use platform would all improve safety and accuracy.

At some point the government would step in and create regulations to be followed. The M.A.S.S.T. (Mothers Against Sling Shot Transportation) would be a major influence on restrictions such as age, size and physical well being.

After years of competing companies driving the technology forward, regulations and restrictions will play a massive role in the platforms, machinery, safety and accuracy development. Seating arrangements, increased occupant loads, speed, and design will all be premium features available to only the upper level of our society.

I imagine a poly-based bubble, with seats mounted inside streaming across the horizon line.

As time progresses and the technology advances so far, it is common place for each citizen to have their own personal compact bubble. Instead of bus stops, there are sling stops. Freeways would be virtually unused. Pressurized and oxygenated units would replace airplanes. Fossil fuels would no longer be needed for internal combustion engines for daily use. Hobbyists would be the last to use gasoline and automotive oils.

A whole new aftermarket accessory segment would be created. Performance waxes for faster speeds, custom graphics, and performance seating just to name a few. The thrill seekers would ramp it up somehow, finding some dangerous way to "sling". Possibly shooting straight up to the heavens and not knowing where they will land. Racing Sanctions would have a field day. Pit crews with replacement parts will be at random intervals. Rally races, and endurance races would be commonplace. Technical races would be the available for the extreme crowd. Having only a terrain map to follow and elevation restrictions keep the competitors moving through a difficult course, dodging trees, boulders, even mountains and canyons.

Imagine a world full of balls flying through the sky.

To be continued...

Jillian's 1st Christmas Tree

2010-12-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

We went and bought or 2010 Christmas tree last night. Christmas is in full swing at the Headlee house now! Jilly enjoyed looking at the trees.

Jilly got to hang her very first ornament.

Merry Christmas from the Headlee Family!!!

Odd Picture

2010-12-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

This picture was part of an add on the side bar of the Facebook page for Rampage Products. Completely random and has nothing to do with Rampage. It was an add for Ultra Sound Technician school.

Borderline creepy! I like it!

A Little Christmas Story

2010-12-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor.. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Not a lot of people know this.

Dec. 7th, 1941

2010-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

This is not a day to celebrate. This is a day of remembrance and mourning. Nearly 60 years ago The United States of America was under attack. I can't help but think about all the men and women who gave their lives due to this attack. Not even just those that perished on this day, but all those who have proudly stood for their country as well as those who sacrificed though they were not on the front lines. Keep this day in your memories. The United States is wonderful place and we can never forget those who have given us all that we have.

"The famous message, 'Air raid Pearl Harbor. This is not drill.',^{[nb 10]} was sent from the headquarters of Patrol Wing Two, the first senior Hawaiian command to respond."

Text and Images sourced from Wikipedia - Click here for the Wiki Page

Getty Museum, circa 2000

2010-12-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

A little while back, Mike and Ali went to the Getty Museum in LA. One of the pictures they posted from their trip reminded me a lot of a picture I took when I went in 2000 on a "field trip" when I was studying Architecture at UNLV. I use the term field trip loosely, since the trip wasn't very organized.

Anyhow, I finally found the pictures and wanted to share. I have a whole bunch more pictures and I'll slowly scan them and put them over time.

Feed Burner

2010-12-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I have found a good way for people to receive emails when I make a post. Check it out! --->

On the right side there is an email subscription widget. Put your email address in. A new window will pop up with a confirmation deal, and they will email you a link you have to click to confirm. So far it works well. SO DO IT! haha That way, you'll never miss a post.

We made it back from Arizona

2010-12-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

We made it home from Arizona last night. We had a great trip. A huge thanks to Grandma Imo for your wonderful hospitality!

The weather was nice out there, just a little warmer than back home. Though it's much dryer, but that's to be expected. Had a great time at the wedding. The Minister who performed the wedding had a great story of how the wedding and events around it would have gone if it had taken place 2000 years ago.

Anyhow, as nice as it was out there in AZ, I am happy to be home. I enjoyed the buckets being dumped by the clouds in Orange County last night, but poor little Jilly didn't. She was having a rough time sleeping and I think it was due to the heavy rain drops falling. Outside her window is a planter with flowers and such and I noticed at one point when I was in there comforting her, that the rain drops seems especially loud as they fell into the puddles in the dirt. On top of that, no matter what room she and I were in, she was staring at the shadows on the ceiling. Daddy came to the rescue though and made her feel safe enough to fall fast asleep. It helped that when I laid her down in her crib, I put her under her mobile so she couldn't see the ceiling. It seemed to help. She conked out almost immediately.

I hope this isn't a continuing trend. Sarah and I love the rain and I would love for Jilly to feel the same.

Christmas lights!

2010-12-02T17:01:00.001-08:00

Got the Christmas lights up last weekend. I love this time of year!!!

Testing out the new app

2010-12-02T16:26:00.001-08:00

Just downloaded a new app for my phone so I can log on the go! Hope it works.

It's called BlogBooster. Free right now in the iTunes App store.

Heading to Arizona!

2010-12-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight Sarah, Jilly and I are hoping in the car and heading to Scottsdale. Sarah's cousin Danielle is getting married tomorrow. This should be a fun drive with Jilly! Although tonight, we will get on the road at Jill's bed time, so hopefully she will sleep the whole way out there. We'll be coming back on Sunday, starting off when Jill takes a nap and hopefully she wont be a cranky kid when she wakes up. The drive isn't too bad. Only about 6 hours.

We will be spending the week-end at Grandma Imo's place. We are FINALLY getting out there to see her! We've been telling her for, oh I don't know, 8 years that we will go out there to see her versus her coming out here and the wedding was a perfect excuse.

I am excited to get away for a little while. A change in scenery will be nice.

Pictures, pictures and more pictures!!!

2010-11-28T16:37:00.000-08:00

I've been uploading a whole bunch of pictures to the photobucket album specifically for this blog. Most of these, you've probably already seen over on Facebook, but I wanted to put them up here as well.

Photobucket Album <- CLICK ME!!!

Hello Everyone!

2010-11-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! So I am just getting this going. I plan on posting up anything and everything that I have the whim to so I hope you like it. Stay tuned...

Jilly is learning what the word "No" means!

2010-11-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is learning. Sarah and I have slowly been trying to teach her the word "No". Right now, the biggest one is when she is in her high chair and/or eating, she is not allowed to blow raspberries. We are fine with them any other time and we think it's cute but when she is eating, we don't want to be covered in food. So one night, she had already eaten dinner and we were winding down for the night. Jilly was sitting on the floor near the TV and playing with her toys. Jill reaches up and tries to touch the DVR box and Sarah says "Jilly, No."

The world fell apart! Jill burst in to tears. Poor thing! I knew she would do it again and I wanted to see if it was a fluke or not. I got my video camera ready and waited. Sure enough, she tried to touch the DVR again. Sarah did the exact same thing. You can watch the video to get the rest...

Sarah had to test it to see if it was something to do with the DVR box or not and was DEVASTATED when Jilly went into tears again.

My kid is learning fast!