The Car with MORE POWER

I am a big fan of the hit 90’s show“Home Improvement”. Tim Allen starred as the husband of Jill Taylor and the father of their three boys. He had his own repair show (within the show) called “Tool Time”. Throughout the course of the show’s eight seasons, Tim took on a few restoration projects of classic cars. I actually believe that this is where my fascination with classic, muscle cars comes from. It was the only time I can recall being exposed to such things.

1933 Ford Roadster built by Tim Allen

What interests me now is that it wasn’t just plot filler on a comedy show. Time Allen is actually a big gear-head in real life and the cars he was restoring on the show where in fact his cars. The first car project Tim took on was restoring a 1933 Ford Roadster. This car still causes me to drool. He painted it this amazing sky-blue and was fitted with a 350 Chevy engine ("RRR” branded), and a custom grill.

The second car was just as beautiful – a 1946 Ford Convertible detailed in maroon with a tan ragtop. This baby boasts a 292 ci Motor City Flathead pumping 225 hp, a C4 trannie with overdrive, Heidts independent front suspension, CWI/Ford rear, and a Lokar shifter. It is truly an amazing looking car.

While watching Tim build cars essentially from the ground up was entertaining, I was more interested in finding out that Time Allen has actually helped design a few models for Cadillac. During the height of his show’s success, Time teamed up with Chevy’s Jon Moss and Wheel to Wheel’s Jeff Beitzel to transform a 1996 Impala SS into a black, menacingly fast but also supremely comfortable one-of-a-kind ride. In addition to Tim’s exterior and interior aesthetic modifications, this SS holds a DOHC 32-valve Corvette ZR1 engine and delivers 446 hp at 5500 rpm.

Tim Allen with the Silver Ice TAD CTS

While the Impala is impressive, I liked the next car he designed with Chevy nicknamed the TAD (Time Allen Design) Cadillac CTS. The “Silver-Ice” TAD version of the CTS (starting with the CTS Sport basic package) features exterior additions including 18-inch wheels, 14-inch brakes, special interior trim, a rear spoiler, new front grill and screen, Corsa stainless steel polished exhaust system and body-side rocker panels to add a more aggressive appearance. There are numerous engine and chassis modifications with a belt-driven turbo compressor, a unique air-induction and charge air cooler assembly and a height-reduced modified suspension.

One thing is for sure - if Tim Allen is a Cadillac man, then I am pretty that means it’s an amazing car with “MORE POWER”! If you’re interested in checking out some of the new Cadillac models and going for a test drive, then get in touch with Williamson Cadillac car dealership. They’ll answer any questions you might have and setup you up with what you need!

Hello Mr. Lincoln

Lincoln, meet the new Lincoln

While 2012 was a big year for Lincoln (the former President managed to land two movies – “Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” and the more prestigious “Lincoln” from Steven Spielberg), Lincoln is hoping for another good return in 2013. Of course, I am talking about the folks over at Ford who will begin rolling out their newly designed Lincolns after newly two years of work.

Some of the changes on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ include all-new sheet metal, a choice of gasoline or hybrid power trains, a raft of cutting-edge technologies, and will offer features like adaptive headlamps, a retractable panoramic glass roof and active noise control, as well as the latest version of Ford's Sync infotainment system with ”MyLincoln Touch”. You have a choice in your engine as well. There is a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, both coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a new push-button gear selector that replaces the conventional gearshift lever. Either engine can be ordered with front- or all-wheel drive.

The MKZ Hybrid combines an electric motor with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Of course, the Lincoln MKZ will have the latest in safety features. Standard and available systems include Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Assist, Active Park Assist, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support. Another exclusive option is inflatable rear seatbelts. I had not heard of the “Lane Keeping” technology before, but it is very innovative (some of that technology that makes you scratch your head, but in the end you just accept that it works and that’s all that matters).

Ford introduced this technology in 2012 with the Ford Explorers. The Lane Keeping Systems can help detect drowsy drivers and help them stay alert and in their lane. The technology’s Driver Alert System monitors the vehicle’s lane position and can notify a driver of signs of inattentiveness with a coffee cup warning light that appears on the dashboard. Too bad it doesn’t dispense a nice, not cup of Dunkins coffee too…perhaps one day. Regardless, this type of technology is quite innovative and has great potential. Beyond technology, there has been a extensive redesign of the cabin which now includes premium-grade leather with wood trim, a new instrument panel, a multilevel console, a pair of LCD screens, air filtration and a choice of entertainment systems, including a 700-watt THX II audio system with 14 speakers. Only time will tell if the new design will take off, but I imagine everyone will be interested in a look and a test drive. Reedman Toll Lincoln Dealer would be the best place to go and check out the new MKZ as well as the other updated designs in the Lincoln lineup.

Here is a look at the "Lane Keeping Technology" as well:

The New FIAT 500e - Mama Mia!

I am a You Tube commercial hunter. With the wonderful new technology that graces even the most basic cable or satellite services, television viewers no longer have to endure the onslaught of commercial advertisements that break up our beloved shows. I’ll be honest though – I enjoy commercials…for the most part. I like knowing what new products are out there. More so, I like making fun of certain commercials (why does KIA think giant rodents driving their cars will prompt anyone to go buy one) and I like finding those hidden gems, the companies that really nail a commercial. We no longer have to wait for the Super Bowl for high quality commercials as companies seem to be able to do more with less. But with the joy that is the DVR, we skip over commercials and thus miss the magic. That is why I turn to You Tube these days – to watch commercials (too much free time, I know).

I came across one of those hidden gems just the other days from the fine folks at FIAT. I knew little about the Italian car designers until I saw their commercials and did some research.  The new lines of FIAT 500’s, which had their debut at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show this past November, are electric. I am really planning to go electric once our current cars breathe their last, especially with the gas prices continuing to climb. Plus, electric cars have come a long way since their infancy.

Fiat states that its new electric car effectively combines zero local emissions driving and "iconic Italian design." The 500e is powered by a 111-hp (83 kW) electric motor and floor-mounted 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provide up to 80 miles (129 km) of range (100 miles/161 km in the city), 147 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). Fiat estimates that the 500e will boast 108 mpg-e combined, making it one of the most efficient and cleanest, cars on the road.

An electric minicar may never be the equivalent of a V8 sports car when it comes to driving excitement, but Fiat thinks the car will be more fun to drive than competitors.

FIAT stated in a press release, "Other EVs are benign and lifeless until the accelerator is pressed. In keeping with its sporty, fun-to-drive character, the Fiat 500e incorporates a ‘creep’ feature, which launches the car smoothly and assuredly as soon as its brake pedal is released, just like a vehicle powered by an idling engine."The battery pack will take less than four hours to charge with a 240-volt Level 2 charger or about 24 hours with a 120-volt charger.

Electric cars aren’t for everyone, which is a good thing for anyone outside of California where the 500e will be sold. That being said, FIATs ‘regular’, non-electric cars are just as stylish and sporty as their competitors. To talk to some of the best FIAT experts in the DFW area, hop on over to Holt FIATof Hurst dealership.

And the commercial that caught my eye? You can check it out here:


 

The Winged Warrior Rises

I was at the post office the other day shipping an autographed Adrian Peterson football I sold on eBay. One thing that always amazes about the post office is that, regardless of the fact of how poorly I hear they are doing business-wise, they are always busy. Upon closer observation I noted that there were two groups of people in line: those like me that were shipping packages and those that were buying stamps (some to use on snail mail, others who were collectors). I had forgotten that the United States Post Office still created different series of stamps. One of their upcoming series (slated for release today, February 22) is titled “Muscle Cars” and it features five classics including an orange 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona peeling out on the open road. The spoiler on the back there still cracks me up, but I couldn’t help but wonder what cosmetic changes Dodge has made in the last 44 years.

I must say that the soon-to-be-released 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona blends “muscle” with “style” quite well and is considered “the baddest of the bad”. It is available in two basic configurations: the regular leather-clad, optioned-up version or a Super Bee (pictured here on the right) with cloth seats and fewer expensive options. Both share a huge engine with serious power that would bring a smile to any drivers face. Grant it, it doesn’t sport the five-foot-tall rear wing of its 1969 predecessor, but this model would probably fit into your garage better as well as attract less awkward expression while cruising down the highway (my son said the original model was “scary-looking” so I suppose that would be a plus as well).

The “Winged Warrior” will become available this spring after the Daytona line’s four year absence. The car features hood stripes, roof wrap and custom interior. “Daytona” is spelled out on the back fenders, a plaque on the dashboard, and the body color palette is silver, blue, black or white. If you’re drooling like I am and want to test drive one, you best be ready when they hit the market…only 2,500 will be available for sale. Luckily, Dodge has a full line of muscle cars, sedans, SUVs, and more available at such dealers like the great Ken Garff West Valley Dodge dealership.

Green by Ted Deker

The first book I ever read by Ted Dekker was Black - the first book in his circle trilogy and, even more so, the beginning of a unique universe where the future mingles with the past and where evil and goodness meet.

When I discovered that Dekker would be writing a fourth book directly related to the Circle Trilogy, I was anxious for its release. The ending to White (the last in the trilogy) was a satisfying conclusion, but at the same time I was left wanting more. Along the way, Deker dropped hints in his other books suggesting that life went on for Thomas Hunter, the book's protagonist. Green did not totally disappoint.

The story starts off slow in my opinion. However, Dekker states that all of his books can be read in any order. When one considers that this may be the first book one reads of Thomas Hunter, then I suppose the start does a nice job of presenting characters and back story. For those already immersed in the history, it may not get off to the quick start you're hoping for.

The story is full of the actions sequences and world (or is it time) hopping that were staples in the previous novels. Dekker also does a nice job of answering questions that we left hanging at the conclusion of White. What became of both the worlds? Did Justin ever return? What became of the Forest Guard and their battle against the Horde? In which world did Thomas really belong?

I know many people who were on the fence about this book and I can understand why. While this book is well written and full of that Dekker-esque mystery, it just lacked something. As I mentioned, I've found that those who have already been through the trilogy as well as the other related books (Showdown, House, Skin, The Lost Books, Sinner, Saint, etc) did not enjoy this book as much as the others. The ending, while great and something I definitely didn't see coming, left something to be desired. Especially when compared to White's conclusion - there were questions yes...but it really stemmed from a desire of wanting the story to continue. I believe if I had read Green before any of the other books, I would have felt differently.

I'd rate this book 3/5 for returning Circle fans and 4/5 for newcomers.

The Austin Daytripper

A friend of mine from Port Neches-Groves High School has created and hosts this great show which will be featured on PBS soon. You can watch the pilot at this site though:


http://www.theaustindaytripper.com/PILOT.html

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Great Giveaway Ends Saturday!

Sister blog "If You Think Round is Funny..." is having a great giveaway! Three wonderful prizes (that would be great for Mother's Day) are being given away, and all you have to do is go to her aunt's site who made the prizes and then comment on "If You Think Round is Funny" about her aunt's site and which prize you hope to win! It's just that easy!


Prizes include beautiful earrings, a bookmark and a bracelet. Each of these was hand made by her aunt and are really beautiful.


So what are you waiting for? Hope on over by clicking on this link:
If You Think Round is Funny...

On Everyone's Christmas List?

I am not sure if this has been done before when other president's have taken the oath of office (guessing it hasn't) but this item is too good to pass up. I fully intend to buy all my family and friends this "historic" plate for the next gift giving occassion! Hey, it is better than the Obama Thong (not joking, Google it)!

Friday Night Lights Season 3

I just wanted to type up a quick reminder that season 3 of Friday Night Lights officially returns to NBC tomorrow night (Jan. 16th) at 9/8c!


The show was able to come back this year thanks to the powers that be at Direct TV. They offered to shoulder a portion of the productions costs (because obviously NBC is poor) in order to get season 3 out. As a result, an exclusive Direct TV channel has already aired season 3. I am about to watch the final episode, but can tell you that is has been a fantastic season. Probably my favorite out of all three.


Last year ended abruptly thanks to the writer's strike. There were many unresolved story lines as a result. The first episode will quickly clean those up (for the most part) and quickly get rolling with what I found to be more engaging stories. So if you've never seen an episode, you'll be able to keep up well enough.


So be sure to check out Friday Night Lights on NBC tomorrow! You are missing out if you don't.

Divisional Playoffs

Just some quick picks for this weekends NFL action:


Saturday's games:
Titans over Ravens (in a close, defensive battle)

Cardinals over Panthers...upset special. Much like the two teams I will talk about in a moment, the Cards have momentum working for them in many forms. First they wrap up the NFC West and then played horribly. Everyone wrote them off quickly (me included). So they wanted to win to prove everyone wrong, which they did last week. Add last week's big win to the momentum and the Cards are a team to be reckoned with. I'd like the Panthers to win, but if the Cards can pull it off then why not. Plus their QB (Warner) is down with J.C.


Sunday can go either way. The home teams should win, but I wouldn't be suprised if the visitors pulled upsets. Kinda like the Cardinals, both the Chargers and Eagles ended their seasons on a hot streak. The Giants lost their top receiver (to prison) and had issues getting it back together - though they had a huge win over the Panthers in week 17. The Steelers/Chargers game might be good. Both teams have late injuries. The Chargers are all offense while the Steelers are gritty on defense.


Sunday's games:
Giants over Eagles (just can't give the Eagles the win)

Steelers over Chargers (A good defense usually beats a good offense. If the Steelers QB isn't in top form though the Chargers have a shot)

Next on the Bailout List...

Now that the U.S. government has bailed out numerous banks/financial institutions and the auto industry, it is time to move on to the next group of people seeking help. These hard working Americans are looking for help just like everyone else...what would the world be like without them? I will let you decide for yourself.

"Another major American industry is asking for assistance as the global financial crisis continues: Hustler publisher Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis said Wednesday they will request that Congress allocate $5 billion for a bailout of the adult entertainment industry."

This is not a joke. The CNN article can be seen by clicking here.

If Congress approves this then I'd imagine the founding fathers will start rolling in their graves...except maybe Ben Franklin. A pervert that one was.

NFL Losers

I love football. I love it in all of its forms: high school, college and professional. However I generally only watch the NFL. I will keep up with college scores, but unless the Texas A&M Aggies are on or a really big game (like the Alabama/Florida game awhile back) I don't really watch. High school football is fun to watch (live) because the kids are playing with a real passion. They love the sport and play like it. This year the NFL had some real surprises. At the beginning of the season I picked the Cowboys and Chargers to play in the Super Bowl. While the Chargers made it in by the skin of their teeth (do teeth have skin) the Cowboys blew every chance given to them...which I find funny.


So with the regular season over with I wanted to hand out my Worst NFC/AFC Awards. This prestigous honor is given to teams who had every opportunity to win (the players, the coaching staff, the overall ability) but blew it instead. This is not handed out to a team that was horrible in general. So without further delay....


With about a month left in the season I stated that the Cowboys were finished. An ESPN analyst summed it up best when he stated that the Cowboys are made up of talent, but that doesn't make a team. I thought for a while that Coach Philips would be canned, but I finally figured out why Jones will keep him - because he can tell him what to do. Owner Jerry Jones likes to be in control and that is what he has over the coach. Look, Wade Philips is a great guy and seems nice. Sadly that doesn't always translate into Super Bowl Rings (hardly ever). There has to be an edge to them. In their last game Philips called out the punt team and QB Romo sent them back. What a lack of control.


Speaking of Romo, he is the another (of their many) problem. The kid is decent, but I don't know if he has what it takes to be a starter in this league. I love listening to local sports coverage on the radio because of the loyal (translate: blind) fans. It was fun in Boston and just as fun in Dallas. ESPN Radio asked listeners if they'd take Romo or Colts QB (and 2008 NFL MVP) Peyton Manning in a clutch situation. So many said they'd take Romo who has never done anything in a clutch situation. Unless choking is doing something. Then you have T.O. who is a great player...when he wants to be. I was watching an old game of him as 49er. He dropped just as many balls then. As for his complaining - well I am just surprised that it didn't start sooner. That is what he does everywhere. Anyway, all that to say that the Dallas Cowboys win my Worst NFC Team Award for this year (yep, even above the winless Detroit Lions).


As for the AFC, well there are so many options. It came down to the N.Y. Jets and the Denver Broncos. The Broncos also had 3 or 4 chances to lock up their division but couldn't get it done. They finally handed it over to the Chargers in the last game of the season. Long time Broncos coach Mike Shanahan was fired shortly there after. I can't give them the award though. The Broncos had around 14 players on I.R. (meaning out for the year) and most were on defense. The Broncos have all the tools they need to win, like the Cowboys, but injuries killed them (Dallas doesn't have that excuse). So that leaves me with the Jets who brought Brett Farve out of retirement. I watched this team with interest this year because I wanted to see what Farve had left. As suspected he wore out before the end of the season. The Jets had their division under control about half way through and then folded and missed the playoffs. They had the tools to win and just needed to execute, but didn't. They were poorly coached (if your QB is hurt and throwing only interceptions then bench him) and now the players are finger pointing. Never a good sign for a "team". So the New York Jets win the Worst AFC Team Award. Congrats to the Dolphins though and former Jets QB Chad Pennington.


So who do I like for the Super Bowl now? Well I would really love to see the Colts vs the Giants. Manning vs. Manning. I love the Colts and like the Giants so that would be fun. I will be watching the Colts in their Wild Card game versus the Chargers though. If the Colts win that then I like their odds to I know the Titans are tough but they seemed to peak early and haven't played as well (despite beating the Steelers). I imagine it will come down to those three teams though: Colts, Titans, Steelers.


In the NFC I think it will come down to the Giants and the Panthers. I would love to see these two teams face off in the title game. Their game near the end of the year was a lot of fun. Of course the great thing about the NFL is that last year the Giants came from Wild Card write-offs to Super Bowl Champs. And that is why I love football.

Blog Explination & Lies

I haven't posted on my new blog for one simple reason - performance anxiety. On my old blog I felt that I needed to post insightful or entertaining blogs (translate "long"). So when I decided to close out Robert's New Land and create a new blog I wantedd it to be a place where I could post my numerous random thoughts. The problem, apparently, is that I still feel the need to be entertaining and deep. Thus I have had trouble getting on here to post any one of my many quick thoughts. Last night I made a deal with myelf: overall the blog will be quick/short rambles, but other times I will...well ramble on and on. Will it always be entertaining? Probably not, and I am okay with that. I felt the best way to get going was to just get on and write something. So here we go!


Has anyone seen these glade candle commercials? They feature a woman who is apparently a big liar. In one such commercial she has invited her friends over and lights a Glade candle then tells her friends that it is from France. They catch her in the lie as they discover the Glade lable (which she ripped off the candle) stuck to her bum. BAM! Liar. They deception doesn't stop with her friends though. She lies to her husband and children as well. She told them that she had to clean house all day long. Instead she sprays some Glade air freshner around the house then goes out for lunch and a day at the spa. In one final act of evil she commits murder. She invites the women (who for some reason are still her friends) from the pevious commercial over for some Christmas cookies and again lies about the smells of her home. This time a little gingerbread man cookie speaks up and announces that she lit a Glade candle. In a desperate effort to silence this voice of truth, the Glade Lady grabs up the wee little man and snaps his head off with her teeth. This time her friends do look afraid. As well they should. Maybe for her next commercial she can lie to people in prison.