Latest Posts

R.I.P.

Tragedy

…or not.  I see that both Jesse Jackson and Robert Duvall have recently died.

I deeply mourn the passing of one, and am dancing a jig of joy for the death of the other.  Feel free to guess which is which.

Random Totty

Gratuitous Chick Pics

We’ve seen young Maisie Smith on these pages before (first as a teenager totty, in fact).  Nowadays, of course, she’s middle-aged (Leonardo-standard) at age 24.  But let’s start off with last week’s theme of her and Mum:

And just her, back in the carefree teen years:

Now, she’s all growed-up somewhat:

   

 

But she’s still quite delicious:


(that was taken in Finland, hence the hat and gloves w/bikini)

Still toothsome.

Plan Vs. Reality

Corporate Fuckery, Tools

Via Insty, I saw this little snippet over the past weekend:

BMW Patent Reveals Branded Screw Design That Limits Access to Vehicle Repairs

BMW has filed a patent for a new fastener design that underscores the automaker’s long-standing willingness to chart its own path, even when that path complicates ownership. The newly revealed screw head is shaped like BMW’s roundel, creating a proprietary design that standard tools cannot engage.

Unlike familiar Torx or hex fasteners, the patented screw uses a circular head divided into four quadrants. Two of those quadrants are recessed to accept a matching driver, while the remaining sections remain flush. The BMW logo is embossed around the perimeter, leaving little doubt about the fastener’s origin or intended exclusivity.

Uh-huh. While I like Glenn’s thought (everyone needs a damaged-screw extractor), that’s not how this will play out.

Here’s a preview of the timeline, as I see it:

  • BMW gets patent for new screw design approved
  • 24 hours later, you’ll be able to buy the following BMW screw-design screwdrivers at Amazon.com, all made in China:

Regular handle ($4.99)

T-handle ($7.99)

Cordless ($24.99, with charger included)

As usual, the marketing- and engineering assholes at BMW (a.k.a. the Control Freak Division) will be handed their asses by the market.

You saw it here first.

RFI: Sport Fury

Drive Time

Okay, I need some Murkin aficionado to ‘splain this one to me.  It’s a 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury:

The engine is 512 c.i., and creates 656 hp with 662 ft-lbs of torque, while the rev counter goes up to 9,500rpm, all of which seems stratospheric for a car of this vintage.

The questions flow thick and fast, e.g. why did this beast not take over the world, did it ever race and win everything it raced in, etc.

All educated comments welcome.