Learned'd VIII: Less Bewbs, Same Nonsense

[sx moneypit]

found it, it's a single turbo vg. interesting, although i'm not seeing the advantage over a vg30dett.

also, someone near my job has a r32 gtr that i've been seeing a lot lately. it sounds glorious and i want to steal it.

You need to get your Z running.

[numbnuts240]

not with a vg. the plans for this winter are body work. i know i've said that before, but the work situation is steady, and the finances are finally on the rebound. plus the house projects are dwindling down with the change of seasons

[MinisterofDOOM]

@#$% top speed. I want to move the earth.

remember when sigs were riddled with quotes?

I am honored,sir.

[sx moneypit]

not with a vg. the plans for this winter are body work. i know i've said that before, but the work situation is steady, and the finances are finally on the rebound. plus the house projects are dwindling down with the change of seasons

The reference to the R32 made me think of the RB engine you are going to put in your Z.Still have the engine?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Oh yeah!!! Just stopped by Les Schwab to check prices on some Hankook iPikes. Was planning to just pick up two for the back for now. They happened to have a moderately-used set of 4 for $350. They're a little off-size (215-55-17 vs stock 235-45-17) but they should work just fine, and narrower is better in the snow anyway.

They're studded, which is not my preference, but I'll probably be glad once winter hits and the entire county is a solid swath of ice for 3 months straight.

I love used tires, especially when I can find exactly the model I'm looking for!

But, one thing I had forgotten since I used to run iPikes in the winter and performance tires in the summer on the Q: these things have NO steering feel at all. It's weird to drive on them. The tradeoff is worth it, though: they're phenomenal in rain, slush, snow, and ice. They kept the QofDOOM's 360 ft-lb in check, so they should do just fine on the far less powerful LS8.

Also:
Somehow it still hasn't snowed here yet, which is marvelous. I think this is the first time I've been really proactive about winter tires in a long time. Usually the snow hits before I have time to realize summer is over.

And Tito, the Z needs a supercharged AJ133.

[youtube]www.youtube.com/watch?v=f58d-ng8ow8[/youtube]
EDIT:@#$%ing 2#$% #$^# youtube embed code is broken.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

I was left so speechless after watching this.

http://youtu.be/bntfUA6TmLs

I guess I'm retarded and can't emmbed vids as well even with the Youtube button.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I love it when people are so stupid that simple things seem like obscure secrets to them.

Wait a minute, no. I hate that. I feel like there's some reality-defying aspect to stupidity of that degree. The brain has to have a minimum critical functioning level, and it can't be THAT low. How do people like that get through school? How do people like that get hired by employers? How do people like that not die out of sheer ignorance? Her comment at the very end is so marvelously ironic it's delicious.

[mattblancarte]

That sort of "coincidence finding" can be explained with a combination of math and psychology. It's pretty much a combination of probability theory (law of large numbers) and what has been coined (by Professor David J. Hand in his book, "The Improbability Principle") as "The Law of Near Enough."

Given enough time and desire, you can find all kinds of stupid coincidences between totally unrelated crap. In this case, you see someone with WAY too much time on their hands who has sought out "signs of the devil." Given enough energy drinks or other pop-culture brands to choose from, you can probably find some really weird coincidences.

That lady is one in a long line of people throughout history who like to trump up coincidence as divine intervention or sinister intent. Same deal with people who find Jesus on their toast.

In terms of how they get through school or are hired... It's obviously case-by-case. Motivations and capabilities will differ from person to person. That woman, no doubt, has fooled at least a few people into believing that Satan and Monster Energy Drinks are best buddies.

What a wonderful world.

[numbnuts240]

Still have the engine?

i do. it is waiting patiently in the basement for some quality attention. we actually went to a large swap meet yesterday and i picked up an lp fueled 65k-100k btu heater so i can do some work in the garage during the winter months without dressing in 50 layers.

[WDRacing]

I'm putting in one of these.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/US-Stove-Bar ... /202398323

[numbnuts240]

i originally wanted a small wood stove, but floor real estate in my garage is very limited and i'd prefer to not cut a hole in the roof for smoke exhaust. plus, propane is easier for me to get than clean burning wood.

[Dattebayo]

That sort of "coincidence finding" can be explained with a combination of math and psychology. It's pretty much a combination of probability theory (law of large numbers) and what has been coined (by Professor David J. Hand in his book, "The Improbability Principle") as "The Law of Near Enough."

Given enough time and desire, you can find all kinds of stupid coincidences between totally unrelated crap. In this case, you see someone with WAY too much time on their hands who has sought out "signs of the devil." Given enough energy drinks or other pop-culture brands to choose from, you can probably find some really weird coincidences.

That lady is one in a long line of people throughout history who like to trump up coincidence as divine intervention or sinister intent. Same deal with people who find Jesus on their toast.

In terms of how they get through school or are hired... It's obviously case-by-case. Motivations and capabilities will differ from person to person. That woman, no doubt, has fooled at least a few people into believing that Satan and Monster Energy Drinks are best buddies.

What a wonderful world.

Look, it's not even that complicated. It's not like in the modern numerical system where you put three sixes next to each other and you get a number. To fight fire with fire, it was clearly referred to as the number "six-hundred and sixty-six" in the most original copy of Revelations. Not three sixes written next to each other. Hell, the character for 60 is written right in front of her in her own damn chart, GAH.

TBH, I didn't even really watch the video because I assumed I was going to listen to a steaming pile of stupid anyway.
I really wish I'd been there to lay this knowledge smack-down on her myself. I can't stand peudoreligionist ignorance. If you're going to choose the path of fantastic belief, don't confuse it with fanatic belief.

Sorry to digress...

[mattblancarte]

Whoops, I wasn't trying to explain the absolutely idiotic logic that the "devil in a can" lady was using. I didn't even want to go there... lol For anyone with basic critical thinking skills, it's a piece of cake to see through the nonsense.

Totally agree that it's not challenging at all to refute her ridiculous claims.

I was just making a comment on how this is sort of human behavior is a common phenomenon, and why human beings will go to such extreme lengths to connect coincidences. The law of large numbers combined with "The Law of Near Enough" is just a way to explain HOW people can be so serious about stupid coincidences.

If you are looking for the silhouette of Jesus in your toast, and you eat toast everyday (law of large numbers), you might come across a random burn pattern that kinda, just maybe, looks like Jesus (law of near enough).

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Datteboyo, you should really watch the video. You couldn't hold your attention for >3 minutes?

Also, I'm quite tipsy - I just discovered what a value one bottle of wine is.

I'm also in the market for a new car. Anybody have any input on the new Mazda 3 (2.5l)? I've been looking at those as well as a new GTI.

[Kompresshun]

I would jump all over a new Mazda 3. They're absolutely outstanding.

In comparison to a GTI though, you'll probably see better performance out of the GTI. If you want all around fun though paired with reliability, I think the 3 is the best buy out there right now.

Honestly though, if it were me personally i'd lay my money down on a Ford Fiesta ST. They're good, cheap fun if you can deal with a slightly smaller car.

[frapjap]

I would jump all over a new Mazda 3. They're absolutely outstanding.

In comparison to a GTI though, you'll probably see better performance out of the GTI. If you want all around fun though paired with reliability, I think the 3 is the best buy out there right now.

Honestly though, if it were me personally i'd lay my money down on a Ford Fiesta ST. They're good, cheap fun if you can deal with a slightly smaller car.

Chris makes good points.
Except for the GTI, terrible value and reliability. Two buddies of mine are VW fanatics and own <1 yr old GTIs under 10,000 miles. Combined, they've had the following fail so far: lower control arm bushing, headlights (3), wheel bearing, radio, door chime stayed on, flashing airbag light, unexplained misfire (remedied with R8 coils at his expense), oil leak from turbo line, and a stretched alignment bolt. They still think these things are the best cars out there, but no new car should have trouble like that. Stay away.

The FIST would be worth a drive. I've been really wanting to drive the new 200 as well.

[Kompresshun]

I never said the GTI was reliable. I just was saying it is faster

The FIST would be worth a drive. I've been really wanting to drive the new 200 as well.

What exactly is a FIST?

[numbnuts240]

i've actually been eyeing the focus st for when i'm ready to buy a new car after the new year. i like the fiesta, but i found it to be too small when i sat in one at the hartford auto show. and that clunky shifter

[frapjap]

I never said the GTI was reliable. I just was saying it is faster

The FIST would be worth a drive. I've been really wanting to drive the new 200 as well.

What exactly is a FIST?

Gotchya! I should've read more carefully

The Ford forums call the Fiesta ST a FIST for some reason. Sounds cool enough to me!

i've actually been eyeing the focus st for when i'm ready to buy a new car after the new year. i like the fiesta, but i found it to be too small when i sat in one at the hartford auto show. and that clunky shifter

Most folks are reviewing that the FIST is a better driver than the FOST, despite the FOST having more power than the FIST.



Thanks for changing my avatar- whoever did that one!

[Dattebayo]

FIST

First thing I thought of...

And I did attempt to watch the video again, only got about a minute into it before my cringe reflex made me close the window.
She makes that Sarah Palin face when she's convinced she has the wisdom, doesn't she?

[numbnuts240]

Most folks are reviewing that the FIST is a better driver than the FOST, despite the FOST having more power than the FIST.

i hear that too, but i just wasn't comfortable sitting in the FIST. plus, sometimes i carry more than 1 passenger, and that won't happen with any fiesta.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The LS8 says...
Quit making me drive around in -12 degree weather, you bastard!

[frapjap]

Wow, its that cold there already?

We're dipping into the 30's tomorrow. 45 is my cut off for having the top down.

[sx moneypit]

It's f*** 37 degrees here this morning.
66 degrees yesterday.

[numbnuts240]

We're dipping into the 30's tomorrow. 45 is my cut off for having the top down.

seriously? we had low 60's yesterday, and again today. it's glorious.

[WDRacing]

Washed and waxed the 540 yesterday in flip flops and a T shirt...JUST flip flops and a T shirt. Jacket and hat weather today.

[Kompresshun]

Yeah the weather here is much colder today too. It was 65 yesterday and I made the mistake of wearing a flannel shirt and boots. Today it's 35, with a high of 45. I just want to know where my snow is dammit.

[sx moneypit]

Suppose to get some snow here this weekend.
I guess it's about time to put the Z up for a bit.

[frapjap]

Washed and waxed the 540 yesterday in flip flops and a T shirt...JUST flip flops and a T shirt. Jacket and hat weather today.

Good thing you don't have neighbors nearby for those days that you just don't feel like wearing pants and want to go outside to wash your car.

[Dattebayo]

Hey Chris, I found a t-shirt for ya: http://www.thepoke.co.uk/wp-content/upl ... 4747_n.jpg