#4 Kevin Harvick is CHAMPION!!!!!

It's been a long drive, and a long time. Kevin is the Champion.

So well deserved.

Friday Night Fights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey all!!

I can't believe how cool, bordering on cold, it's getting already here in Massachusetts. What's up with that?

From the bottom of my heart, FUCK YOU POLAR VORTEX!

I bought Bridgestone Blizzak tires mounted on a spare set of wheels from the awesome site Tire Rack with help from a contact from the Camaro5 forum. Very happy "Christine" will have snow shoes:

I love my car and the thought of 5-6 months without her using a winter car makes me unhappy. If I wanted a garage queen I would have bought a Stingray Corvette. "Christine" is good to go.

Football - Real and Fantasy
I love NFL season, you all know that. The last two years I have played fantasy football, 3 leagues total. My stats?
-Scored most points in all leagues by season end
-3 Championship appearances
-3 Championship losses

This year I have my work league, a friend's league, and a Camaro club league.

I am win less in ALL OF THEM. It's amazing and sad.

So I wrote this with that in mind:
Ode to My Crappy Team

Oh fantasy team, why doth thou suck so bad? 
No touchdowns, no points, only turnovers to be had. 

Tackled inside the 5, not rare for my crew; 
I think they are all hopped up on Mountain Dew. 

Embarrassment, shame, loss, and despair are my companions; 
Every freaking team I play every week end up looking look like champions. 

Single digit performances seemingly with no end; 
My faith in Eddie Lacy will take years to fully mend. 

Vincent Jackson should have come to New England instead; 
Now he just runs around all night, catch less, to no end. 

To change my fortune I traded Jones for Brees; 
Then I noticed its just 4 pts for a QB TD, I got weak in the knees. 

So, crappy team, what next will you do to cripple me? 
Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. 

You suck, fuckoff team. 

Sums it up. To be fair I guess I am due for a crappy season.

Friday Night Fights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonight I am watching boxing matches on my beloved YouTube, and no Wall Street I don't see the ads, I don't click on them, and I would never pay for the site.

So here are some fights. Long time readers will have seen most of this before, but it's what I am watching.

Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonard - Round 9 (1987)
An amazing round in a controversial fight, love this round. How you scored this round was how you scored the fight IMO (skip to 6:55 mark in video):

I scored it for Hagler.

Iran "The Blade" Barkley vs. Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns - Round 3 (1988)
Thomas Hearns had challenger Iran Barkley cut and hurt badly to the body as early as round 1. From NOWHERE Barkley uncorks a right hand in the 3rd round and the fight is over! Saw this live, was shocked:

Cannot believe Hearns got up after that first shot.

Roberto Duran vs. Davey Moore - Round 7-8 (1983)
A young and inexperienced champion takes on a living legend and Duran in Madison Square Garden has one of his best nights. Brutal, and the crowd loves Duran even though Moore is from the Bronx:

Duran was an all time great.

Roberto Duran vs. Iran Barkley - Round 11 (1989)
Ok, so you have seen both Duran and Barkley, but how about against each other?

Considered finished and washed up (again) Duran summons one of his best fights and takes the title away from Barkley largely on a wonderful 11th round. What a combination to put Barkley down, and again, the crowd (snowed in!) were wild for Duran. Side note, watched this fight snowed in with my Mom live, maybe our best time together:

Electric!

Mike Tyson vs. Tyrell Biggs - Between Rounds 6-7 and Round 7 (1987)
I know Mike Tyson is a joke now, but as a boxing fan (and have seen well over 1000 fights dating back to 1920) I can tell you he was one of the best ever at his prime. Kevin Rooney was his coach and it was amazing. In this section against Biggs you hear Rooney telling Mike "those 7's were beautiful. Now 6-5-1. 6-5-2-1" which is their jargon for punch combos. It's over the next round:

Great fighter. Once.

Have a good night.

"Game of Thrones" Star Peter Dinklage - in 1910!!!?????

Ok ok, just bear with me for a few minutes.

"Game of Thrones" Star Peter Dinklage - in 1910!!!?????
So I was out fishing for bluefish on Monday (caught two!) and as we were looking for signs of blues, a gargantuan Ocean Sunfish rose right near the boat and it's huge dorsal fin came out of the water. I thought it was a great white shark and about peed my pants!!!

WTF is an ocean sunfish? Well this crazy looking thing:

Anyways, it was pretty cool.

Now you know me, when I got home later I went right to Wikipedia and read about them. Very interesting creature to be sure.

But it was during my research that I stumbled upon an amazing discovery!

Did you know that "Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) was alive in 1910? Oh, you didn't know? Well, neither did I!!!

Here are a few shots of Peter:

So, what does this have to do with ocean sunfish on Wikipedia you ask? Good question.

On Wiki, there was a picture uploaded with this description:

An enormous ocean sunfish (Mola mola), caught by W.N. McMillan of E. Africa, at Santa Catalina Isl., Cal. April 1st, 1910. Its weight was estimated at 3,500 pounds.

Here is the photo (click to enlarge):

 Note the bottom right of the photo, do you see him?

A bit closer and circled (again, click to enlarge):

Amazing!!!!

Ok, I was having some fun, but the man in the picture sure does look like Peter! Doppelganger from 1910 perhaps!

Have a good night!

Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello "Ghost of Tom Joad"

NO idea how I missed this live video, enjoy!:

Just unreal awesome!

Have a good night.

Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza

I was in North Carolina between Raleigh and Charlotte this past weekend. It was a great time, got to see a friend that moved there and it was NASCAR heaven.

I got all choked up upon visiting the Tribute Plaza for my hero, Dale Earnhardt. I mean, I about broke down.

You may remember this piece from years ago about Dale.

What a wonderful place.

Christine, All Cleaned Up!

Christine got the full treatment, and Meguiar's Products are the best IMO:

Loyal reader, and great friend, Watchtower sent me this AWESOME picture!:

Have a great night!

Bought Some Stuff

I am ready to get Christine all set up to look very pretty:

Have a good night!

Mods - Simple Ones

I used the Reflective Concepts 3D Carbon Fiber overlays to do my Chevy bowties. Love IT!!!

Also installed rock guards, love working on cars. I missed it:

Have a good night!

"Christine"!!!!!

She is finally home!

Much more to come but I am exhausted by the whole process of the day. Hands still shaking quite a bit, this is fun! Click pics for larger view.

Have a good night, I can't sleep!

"Christine" Arrives Tomorrow! Pictures Soon!

"Christine" was born on May 26, 2014 in Oshawa, Canada. Because the Chevy people know how important I am (kidding), they quickly loaded the car onto a rail car and shipped it the same day and it quickly came out here. She arrived at the dealer this past Tuesday! Fast!!!!

She had the Xpel protection film applied today and is ready to come home tomorrow.

Will update with pictures and maybe a video of the nasty ass sounding dual mode exhaust option. If I can figure out my phone. I hate that thing.

Have a good night.

Aces High!

Hey all, let's get excited this week! Great things for me and the company at work and the Camaro gets closer everyday!

Iron Maiden, "Aces High":


Have a splendid night!

"Christine" Set for Production This Week! *****UPDATED!!!!!!!

Well, it's been a while coming......

A car I have always wanted is set for production at the great Oshawa factory this week!!!! It will be built anytime, I have to keep checking the production site.

"Christine" gets born this week. Here is a look at her vitals (the Camaro 'RS' package is not listed on this sheet, but it's on the 1st sheet along with the price, so I figured I would skip that part :) ):

As of now the Chevrolet Tracker site stills shows "queued for production":

It's getting closer!

*****UPDATED*****
My car was built Monday and it has already shipped out!

Have a good night.

Cats RULE and Dogs Run for their LIFE!!!

Best. Video. Ever.

Moving Video on A Certain Car

Just watch this, a touching video on the immortal "Christine":


Off to the Bahamas Friday for 8 days. Need my break. You all know where I go.

Have a good night.

So What Was My Decision?

Happy Friday!!!

It was a great Friday here. After a serious hiccup was discovered and much frustration was had over the past two weeks, my new car is in fact ordered!

What did I decide?

Well, here is a clue:

Now that video was from 2010 and I am not getting a V-6. But still, did I not tell you to get invested in robotics? Did I not tell you to go nuts on regional banks way back when?

I will have more details as things go along, but I am really excited about my Camaro being built at the great Oshawa facility.

Her name's Christine:


You know, me and my Dad used to talk about cars and boats. He was always so in love with vehicles.

It's special for me to buy something like this, something I really have wanted but just put off for so long as impractical.

If only my Dad could take a ride with me. If only.

You think you have forever, then you don't even get to say good bye.

Economic Disconnect's message tonight?

Don't wait on things you really want. Things that have meaning. To you, or someone you love.

Have a good night.

Read a Book You Electronic Crazed Fools

Just as an example.....

"No Country for Old Men" is a new era classic, I love the film like you can't believe.

But pick up Cormac McCarthy's novel and its better ( or the film is lacking).

Check this out:

I'd make it worth your while. Take you to an ATM. Everybody just walks away. There's about 14 grand in it.

Good payday.

I think so.

Chigurh looked out the window, the shotgun across his knee. Getting hurt changed me, he said. Changed my perspective. I've moved on, in a way. Some things have fallen into place that were not there before. I thought they were, but the werent. The best way I can put it is that I've sort of caught up with myself. That's not a bad thing. It was overdue.

It's still a good payday.

It is. It's just in the wrong currency.

Just as it is in the novel. What an epic line, and adds so much understanding to Anton's character.

Have a good night.

"Better Off Dead" Camaro Site?

You know you love the flick "Better off Dead". I know I do.

Remember the "Camaro" Scene?:

Well it seems a guy found that car and restored it!

Check it out at Better Off Dead Camaro!

Have a good night.

Friday Night Rock Blogging! OMFG It Lives!

Yeah, I am test driving the 2014 SS Camaro tomorrow. And I am excited! So why not a Friday Night Rock Blog? Yeah, it's on!

Camaro 2014 Dual Mode Exhaust
This is start up sound for the dual mode exhaust, stock option. Bad ass. Just listen to the start up, the review is not great:

Sick as all get out.

Hungry Eyes
Yes, a "Dirty Dancing" song, but it was on today in the lab and I was really happy it was:

You know you like it.

Sleeping Sun
Still maybe the best song I have ever heard for inspiration:


Tonight is What it Means to be Young
From the epic film "Streets of Fire", enjoy this tune:


Depeche Mode
Just listen, great live band:


Have a good night.

Welcome to REVIS ISLAND!

It's palpable excitement around New England right now with the news that Darrelle Revis is coming to the Patriots!

I have seen this man play for years as a Jet and he is truly special. An amazing talent. All smiles over this and check out Wikipedia's newly updated list of Massachusetts Islands:

Click for larger view on either:

Amazing. Let's see what he can do here.

Have a good night.

Test Drive Plan for the Spring

Hey all, how goes it? Think this winter will ever end? Seems doubtful.....

Test Drive Plan for the Spring
So when (if?) Spring finally comes to the New England area I need to have a plan. As of now I am not committed to anything, but I would like to get a new car. It's just time.

My 2008 Infiniti G35X has been the best car I have ever had. It's amazing in almost every way. From performance (acceleration, braking is astounding, handling, and snow ability) to looks it is the total package. Mine is now 6 years old and shows 60,000 on the odometer. I had wanted to trade it in and get a new one a while back, but they where very close to offering the new Infiniti Q50, so I waited. That whole process took longer than expected and only late last year was it for real.

I am also going to be sporting 38 years on my odometer in about a week. Longtime readers will know that my road has not been all that smooth, especially when I was younger. I would not call it a mid-life crisis, but a recent scare has made me think I don't appreciate many things like I should. Like time and how one spends it.

So, that leads me to the car quest. What to get? What to do? Here are the cars I am going to test drive or explore very aggressively this Spring. Check it out and then offer your feedback in the comments.

1. 1986/1987 Buick Grand National (true WE2 car) You have seen my latest posts, this thing has captured my imagination in a way I cannot fully express. Just screams at me:

I am a scientist so you know I am learning all the time. I am a member of the AWESOME Turbo Buick Forum and the help I am getting there has been amazing really. I am scanning Ebay, Hemmings, and the forums "for sale" section to get an idea what's out there.

Pros: Heart stooping exciting, low end TORQUE, about as unique a car you can have, for the money I have set aside for a car could get a very nice one (great body, mods I want, built to last)

Cons: Elderly Mother-in Law lives in In-Law apartment at the house with us so car cannot just be stored all winter in garage (she needs one space), thus this car would be daily driver even through winter, 27 year old US made car and rust are real issues, theft magnet, expensive to maintain

2. 2014 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS

I used to live and breathe Chevy muscle cars. My bible was John Lingenfelter's "On Modifying Chevy Small Block Engines" and I built quite a few in my earlier days. Now the cars of today are not so simple, but this is a true MUSCLE CAR:

Sporting over 400bhp and 400 ft/lb of torque, this car is no joke. At all. This was the Camaro I always wanted GM to make since the 1970's and they finally did it.

Pros: New car fully under warranty, with my trade-in/GM card points (have had it forever, was a GM guy LOL)/cash this car gets real cheap fast, totally badass

Cons: The backseat is a joke, the trunk is really small, a V-8 is going to burn gas like it's fashionable

3. 2014 Infiniti Q50

I am a loyal Infiniti owner with two over the last decade. I waited, with excitement, for the new Q50 and put off a purchase just excited to see the new model. What did I get?

The same engine in a redone exterior. At least it looks really great, hats off to the design team:

I like it, I really do. I went to the local dealers "unveiling" of the car and I took a bunch of pictures (that 'pics' to you kids) and talked to the sales guys a bit.

Here is what pisses me off royally:

-No real changes to engine (not that it's not a killer, but same hp/torque? Should have done better

-PRICING!!!!! The last model could be had with the X option (all wheel drive) and limit the options (I never get navigation, moonroof, etc) for about $33k. The new Q50 with AWD and the fewest options sells for about...... $47,000???!!! WTF!!? Add a couple options and you get robbed just like by Mercedes and BMW for well over $50k. I find this totally ridiculous and you can still buy the last model for around $30k because they want to get rid of them. Weird situation.

Pros: Love the brand, love the engineering, great new look

Cons: Obviously this is a 1% car that bought at the 2009 bottom and has money to waste, the pricing has me all riled up and I don't know if I can get over it. It's not about the money per se, I have it, it's just a rip off for a car that's not much different than the last one. Which was way cheaper. Infiniti has made a HUGE mistake in my opinion with this roll out.

Option: Buy a new G37X for $30k instead

4. Dodge Challenger R/T

The new era Pony Car wars saw some excellent efforts from GM, Ford, and Dodge to make a mark. The new Mustang and Challenger are true throwbacks to their old brothers in arm, while the Camaro is over the top. Love the look of the R/T Challengers:

With a Hemi V-8, this thing should be amazing.

Except everything I have read says it's not. At all.  I will have to see one and drive it to know.

Pros: Drop dead sexy

Cons: Heavy, massive car with crappy Dodge interior or so I have read.

Disclaimer: Will have to see in person, I know other cars listed here fairly well

5. Wait?

Who knows? Will the 6th generation Camaro be even more cool? Will Buick, as rumored, make a new GNX? Will I win the lottery? Will Infiniti sales go south and force them to lower pricing?

I don't know! DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU COULD SHARE WITH THE REST OF US, AMAZING LARRY????:

Too funny.

Leave comments and input.

Have a good night.

The Best Thursday of All Time and The Best Day Ever

February 27th 2014 is a great day. My best day.

I have not felt fear, not real visceral fear, since I cannot remember. Maybe when I was in grade school.

Details don't matter and it's not for discussion, but a new lease on life was granted today. The most important person in my life since, well, all time, is fine and my best friend is ok.

Yes, my wife. My love. My passion and belief.
Have a good night.

Buick Grand National - Great Picture

Just an amazing picture by deviantART user angello-m3, a sexy Buick Grand National going full smoke show. Absolutely stunning:

Click for larger view or try this link:
angello-m3's Buick Grand National Picture

Really getting into these cars.

Have a good night.

Still The Best Song

This is still the best song I have heard as far as moving my soul:

Buick Grand National; Bitten By the Bug

And a video: I think I must have one. I do.

Greatest "Rick-Roll" of ALL TIME!!!!

Simply EPIC:


Best ever. (Tear comes to eye) As seen on Geekologie here.

Stop It With the Manning-Brady Bullshit Already

Long time readers know how huge an NFL fan I am and this post is NFL related. Anything you were looking for, by now you should know, related to finance and markets should be seen at Business Insider which can recount all the "Markets are EXPLODING HIGHER" news you need.

Stop It With the Manning-Brady Bullshit Already
I feared this game going into the playoffs, not because of the Wes Welker angle and not because I fear the Broncos offense. I do, everyone should. I just expected this Patriots team to lose to the Bengals (LOL I know, never bet FOR Marvin Lewis/Andy Dalton in the Wild Card round). But of course here we are.

Which QB is better? Let me run the stats........

THESE ARE TWO OF THE MOST EPIC, RELIC QUARTERBACKS EVER!!!!

I won't bore you with stuff you already know. Stats are stats, but games and seasons are forever memory.

Superbowl wins are special, they are immortal. But like anything else in real life, they are lucky. Either due to circumstance (Joe Montana under Bill Walsh and the whole "West Coast Offense" was unheard of in the league) or blind dog luck (see so many big plays over the past few years were one off type of things, just lucky stuff) that you cannot over rate Superbowl wins over other measures of greatness.

Trent Dilfer has a Superbowl ring. OMFG so he must be better than Dan Marino who, because of how amazing he was, the team management never tried to surround him with a real team. Just rely on Dan to sell tickets. Yeah, I would pick Dilfer on my all time team over Marino. Ridiculous. Don't forget John Elway was a 3 time loser until the Denver brass got him some real players. Then he became immortal. Poor Jim Kelly, well, I cannot explain that one.

If you had either Brady or Manning over the past 10-13 years I don't think the team with the other one would feel cheated. It is what it is.

With all that said, I really hope my beloved Patriots can get another shot at the big game. But WTF, you see Seattle and San Francisco this year? Maybe it would be better to lose the AFC Title Game and save face!!! Those teams are both terrifying!

Have a good night.

With Hulk Hogan Behind the Patriots, They Are Going to the SUPERBOWL!!!!! Brutha!

YEAH!!!

If by some miracle my beloved Patriots make the Superbowl they should get The Undertaker to do a message and come out to his music at the game:

NICE!