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When my friend Amanda posted in our Facebook group that she was reading the best book, she peaked my interested. She went on to describe it as funny and interesting. You can imagine my surprise when I realized she was talking about a book on potty training! It's called Oh Crap, Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki. (affiliate links)
I had never even thought about potty training with BabyE at 20 months, but she assured me that anywhere from 20 to 30 months old was the ideal time to do it. Up until then I had been wondering how I would hack it changing, washing, sorting, and storing two sets of cloth diapers after the new baby arrives. It never ever crossed my mind that there might actually be another way.
Of course, the book can be entertaining as all get out, but what you really want to know is if it works. Here's our experience implementing the potty training process and tips recommended in the book.
Pre-potty training To Do List
- Pre-make meals and snacks in single-serving containers.
- Barricade kitchen to keep toddler on an easily washable surface.
- Separate out washable toys
- Clear social calendar, not hard to do in a one-car family.
- Make plenty of All Purpose Cleaner for accidents.
Day 1: Potty Training "Boot Camp"
Day one of potty training felt a little like a police stakeout. You sit and watch intently for hours and nothing happens. Your vision blurs. Your eyelids get heavy. You snack anxiously and wonder if anything is ever going to happen.A full two hours after ditching the diapers, BabyE still had not made his move. Then all of a sudden, some squatting, some toots, and I missed all the action.The rest of the day went a bit better. After two hours of nothing, he decided to make up for lost time by peeing every twenty minutes for the rest of the day. The upside was that it gave us a lot of opportunities to practice our potty skills.
Day 2
I really did need to hand the responsibility over to him just like Jamie said. He was more than capable.He asked to poop on the potty and actually did it!! What?!
Day 4
Jamie lays out an option to either potty training during the day first and eventually add in naps and night time to to do it all at once. We opted to get it all over with at one time. In a momentous mommy ceremony, I washed the diapers and packed them away for the new baby. We were not going back.E continued to make progress everyday. He got the pee thing down as long as I prompted him. He also learned he was supposed to poop in the potty, and told me when he needed to go, but it was a bit of a struggle for him to actually do it once we got there. Who can blame him? It's was so different from what he was used to.We had one accident at the end of the night, but cutting back on liquids earlier in the day took care of it.This potty training was really just a time commitment over the first day. It's was already SO much easier by Day 4! AND hello I hadn't changed a diaper in 4 days! So weird!
Day 6
At some point I realized that I had stopped seeing my child as a ticking time bomb waiting to explode or at least spring a slow leak. Things were getting back to normal. He played, I wrote, and we did chores together. We went outside to play and for walks.
Day 8
We went down to one wake up at night and he was still dry on the morning of Day 8. That was also the first morning he had an easy poop on the potty. Before that it took four or five tries of half an hour each to get it out. It was so hard to watch!
Day 9
Day 14
Title Image by thejbird on Flikr.
Potty Training and Beyond
Oh Crap, Potty Training!
The book is very entertaining and a quick read. In fact you only need to read the first five chapters to get started. If you don't run into many problems, you probably won't have to visit most of the later chapters at all. If you do, then every question you could possible have is answered there.
If you are sensitive to a little language or potty jokes just cover your eyes for those parts. Jamie is in fact a hilarious writer, which is a nice feature for this sometimes stressful subject matter.
Quite possibly the best thing about this PDF eBook is that it's actually formatted for an e-reader rather than a letter-sized sheet of paper. Almost no other PDF eBook I've read to date has had this amazing feature. Of course, you can read it right on your computer screen too.
You can buy Oh Crap, Potty Training! on Jamie's website. It's only $15, but it's worth about a million! (It's not available on Amazon or in bookstores.)
Seriously, get the book. Read it. Do exactly what Jamie says. It will work. (PS. In case you were wondering, I don't profit in any way for book sales. Update: Jamie has recently opened an affiliate program and I joined, but I whole-heartedly recommended this book to everyone I know both online and off for well over a year without any compensation. It's really that great.)


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Retrieval Artist Miles Flint is responsible for putting the dead woman in harm's way. He may be the only one with the information needed to solve the case. Now, with DeRicci pressing him for answers he's not ready to give, he must relive the events that led up to his client's death, including her role in a war between humans and a mysterious alien race. And that ongoing war continues to escalate, threatening to consume the entire solar system.
Listen to more in the Retrieval Artist series.
©2004 White Mist Mountain, Inc.; (P)2008 Audible, Inc.
"An engrossing, thought-provoking murder mystery." (Locus)
"Top 10 Greatest Science Fiction Detective Novels of all Time." (io9.com)
"Some of the best science fiction ever written." (Orson Scott Card)
"Maybe the best of the series"
First off let me say read the books in order, don't start here. While the author does give a lot of background and set up you really do yourself a disservice if you start here.
With that said I believe in many ways this is the best books of the series (at least through the first 5 or so). Many of the characters really hit their stride. This book in many ways is the basis for major plot events of the books to come.
While it does set the stage it never wastes your time or bores you. As with the past books there is action, and drama with tons of politics and universe building.
As has been the case all along Snyder continues with his A game and helps bring the story to life.
Overall a really enjoyable story, one well worth listening to.
"Confusing start, awesome ending"
Ms. Rusch's 3rd book in this series, and there are so many things going on, it's hard to figure out what happened and why, and not much explanation for the opening 6 or so chapters.
The rest of the book plays much better, and wraps up with an awesome ending.
Jay Snyder's performance brings a 3-star book up to a 4.
"Sci fi mystery"
I have read all of this series. Hard to put down. You can see facts and thoughts of characters as the mystery is revealed. Often two stories going on but are connected. Well written and narrated.
"Confusing start, great middle, weak ending"
Rusch does a great job in developing her characters and the story line is compelling and interesting. The narrator does a good job with the different voices. The beginning was a bit confusing, but the end was done in a rather fast manner and left you hanging with a lot of questions and loose ends; which is too bad as the novel itself was very good.
I will try book 4 and hope the ending will be better.
He is a good narrator with different voices.
Not really
"So interesting and fast paced."
This series is so interesting. Everything makes sense even though it is science fiction. The descriptive writing helps you to imagine what everything looks like and how things work. I drove 268 miles last night and never got bored.
"It keeps getting better!"
I find this book to be the most interesting in the series. It kept me guessing all the way to the end.
"An intreging and enjoyable mystery"
I have grown to enjoy this series and look forward to the next. This book the third of the series picks up a short time after the second book ends. I enjoyed the various plot lines and seeing them develop into one final outcome.
"An ethical detective"
Set in a science fiction universe, the ethical detective appeals to an historical ideal.
A person with the conscience to stand up
For the "most abused among us" rings a chord
That is missing in the far right stories consumed by the masses in military SCIFI today.
I am an Army Wife and full time student who loves to read. If I'm not reading a book I'm listening to one.
"Not one of his best in my opinion."
I really like this series but for some reason this one has never really made me as happy as the rest. Miles was just as smart, Diricci was just as acidic and the pace was fast but there was so much back story that it just grated on my nerves. I understand why it was there. There was no way to move the story along without it. The action would have seemed weird without a reason for it. I listen to this series a couple of times a year but I think that I'm just going to skip this one from now on. I love the series but what's the point if you just fast forward through huge chunks?
I am an Australian woman who enjoys reading many different styles of books, from history to sci fi and mystery to poetry.
"3.5 stars for this series"
These are detective stories in space. No great strain on the brain matter and some gaping holes in the plot. I felt that I made a mistake buying the entire set after the first one thinking that the author was going to build on that story. She didn't really, The characters continue on with a series of detective stories that are not especially thrilling. I listened to them all and cannot say that I was inspired, but I enjoyed them for what they were, fairly bland. I wish we had 1/2 stars, these books only deserve three and half, the four is misleading but three would have been too low.
There are no listener reviews for this title yet.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Mr. Pralgever concentrates his practice in several areas including corporate, partnership and medical practice dissolutions, and corporate and business disputes. He has handled a wide variety of complex commercial and corporate litigation in state and federal courts, as well as arbitrations. Mr. Pralgever also handles employment discrimination matters, wills and estate litigation (an area in which he has litigated extensively in New Jersey), divorce matters, and real estate and corporate lending disputes. He frequently appears in arbitration matters and in the past was appointed to the panel of arbitrators before the American Arbitration Association for commercial and construction matters. Mr. Pralgever has also long been involved in construction law and related areas, about which he has written and lectured extensively, representing owners, general contractors, and public institutions such as school boards. Professional Activities / Honors•Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated AV Preeminent. •Certified Mediator by the State of New Jersey. •Selected in 2013 for inclusion on the list of New Jersey's Top Rated Lawyers in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Construction Law and Labor & Employment based upon his AV Preeminent rating in Martindale-Hubbell; published in Inside New Jersey as part of a special advertising supplement and distributed with the Star-Ledger and the New Jersey Law Journal. Also selected for inclusion in New York Area's Top Rated Lawyers, again based upon his AV Preeminent rating, published as part of a special advertising supplement in New York Magazine. •Member of the Marie Garibaldi Inn of Court for Mediation and Alternate Dispute Resolution. •Member of the Association for Corporate Growth. •Past member of the Board of Governors of the American Trial Lawyers Association of America, New Jersey Division. Publications/Articles/Presentations•Speaker, Construction Contract Workshop , HalfMoon Education Inc., August 28, 2014. •Presenter, Fundamentals of Construction Contracts in New Jersey: Understanding the Issues , Lorman Education Services, January 30, 2014. •Presenter, The Affordable Care Act and Your Company , Academy for Continuing Professional Education, September 17, 2013. •Presenter, Health Care Reform and Other Critical Issues That Can Cost You Millions , Woodbridge Hilton, Iselin, NJ, March 12, 2013. •Presenter, Recordkeeping Is an Essential Art to Secure Damages , Fundamentals of Construction Contracts: Understanding the Issues in New Jersey, Lorman Education Services, January 30, 2013. •Author, Case Management Is an Overlooked Necessity , New Jersey Law Journal, January 8, 2013. •Author, Balsamides' Long Reach in Appraisals Of Close-Corporation Split-ups , New Jersey Law Journal, November 21, 2011. •Conference Chair, Zone Program Integrity Contractors: Medicare, Medicaid Fraud and Abuse, conferences for medical practices and hospital management. •Conference Chair, Five Mistake that Could Cost You Millions: Formation, Business Divorce and Shareholder Oppression for Business Owners, Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange, July 2011. •Quoted, Clawbacks eyed in mini-Madoff Philip Barry ponzi scam to recoup $25M from duped investors, New York Daily News, September 24, 2009. •Quoted, $40M B'klyn storefront Ponzi scam busted, New York Newsday, September 8, 2009. •Presenter, Forming, Maintaining or Breaking Shareholder and Partnership Relationships in a Recession, Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP Webinar, June 23, 2009. •Author, Time to Revisit the Saffer v. Willoughby Fee-Shifting Doctrine, New Jersey Law Journal, February 9, 2009. •Author, Preventing Trade Secret Exposure by Former Employees, New Jersey Law Journal, July 30, 2007. •Author, To Arbitrate or Litigate? One Lawyer's Surprising Answer, Building Profits, May/June 2007. •Author, E-Mails Are Not Always Admissible, Complex Litigation & E-Discovery, an annual magazine published by the New Jersey Law Journal, February 19, 2007. •Co-Author, Arbitrate? Better Litigate Instead: A Strategic and Economic Decision, In Re:, the magazine from New Jersey Lawyer, October 16, 2006. •Author, Choose and Use Experts Wisely, New Jersey Law Journal, July 31, 2006. •Author, Valuing Stock in Oppressed Shareholder Actions, New Jersey Law Journal, August 1, 2005.


text:
Interesting idea raised by Jimmy in another thread - if an advanced race fully understood their DNA they could recreate themselves as they saw fit. Topic for discussion: What would be the ultimate modifications?
I'm imagining almost all brain, living in an almost indestructible metal shell connected to robotic limbs that could be changed out as necessary. What do YOU think?
I shudder with you.
"There can only be one" (snicker)
What is "life" about a copy of my brain? A copy is a copy. Take identical twins, for example. They may look alike, they may be genetically identical, and yet they are different people.
@Unseen....Exactly.....a copy of yourself, is only a copy at the instant of transfer. The copy then takes on new experiences, making it unlike the original.
Twins aren't copies, they have different experiences, different memories.
You made it very clearly. If the sense of continuity is so critical to us, perhaps that's why "life after death" feels so comfortable to the religious. I wonder how many religions there would be today if none contained the postulation of life after death.
hopefully I won't be lucid at the moment my death is evident and definite.
I know, right!? I'd probably have a heart attack, premature to an "expected" time of death.
@Kris.....Whatever continuity that has been forgotten, would be forgotten in the copy also. So yes, continuity is in the equation, but basically irrelevant pursuant to a copy. I very much know what you mean.
You're missing my point. The copy has its own consciousness. I'm not persisting, a copy of me is persisting. I am dead. A consciousness belongs to a body. A specific body.
@Former Member:
Here's a quote from that article about Hawking:
"I think the brain is like a programme in the mind, which is like a computer, so it's theoretically possible to copy the brain onto a computer and so provide a form of life after death.
"However, this is way beyond out present capabilities. I think the conventional afterlife is a fairy tale for people afraid of the dark."
It appears that either Hawking was misquoted or he misspoke (mistyped?) It makes more sense to compare brain to hardware (computer) and mind to software (program).
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Kass: Upset the Apple Cart
Rather than having a tight group of bold estimates for profits and sales, I expect Wall Street estimates for Apple to diverge. Below is a good illustration of this; check out the difference in Apple revenue forecasts (2013-2014) between Morgan Stanley's analyst (low and realistic) and Piper Jaffray's analyst (high and unrealistic).
I expect that the hockey stick earnings progression seen over the past three to five years (from $9 a share to over $40 a share) is a thing of the past.
Price targets and earnings estimates for the company remain far too optimistic, and expectations will begin to be reduced in the period ahead.
Reflecting slowing growth coupled with still strong free cash flow generation, Apple's investor base will continue to change from growth investors to a more value-based constituency. As such, an obvious maturing in its business cycle will produce a diminished valuation and continued share price volatility as the investor base evolves and changes. Though investor sentiment has turned abruptly negative over the near term (and has begun to discount my concerns), there remains few positive short-term catalysts for Apple in the months ahead. As I surmised in my " 15 Surprises for 2013," Apple's shares will likely continue to be under pressure in the first half of this year. Bottom line: Apple's stock remains a trading sardine not an investing or eating sardine. As such, there will likely be numerous trading opportunities, but it is still too early to be a long-term investor in the shares -- there are simply too many headwinds.Select the service that is right for you!
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text:
Wrexham & Surrounding Area Forum Discussion of things in and around Wrexham. |
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King Street
An interesting development on the King Street story. The owner of T.E.Roberts has announced this week that the store is to close on King Street. Amongst the contributing factors owner Will Pennington states that "finally the King Street redevelopment from summer 2013 has finished us off, it had a severe impact on business".
Clearly this is not the only factor in play, but it is a tragedy nevertheless. I enjoyed a similar experience between 2002 and 2005 with the redevelopment of the Bus Station. Owning 'Phase One Records' at the time, we went from our record year of takings (2001-2) to our lowest point during the redevlopment. There were other factors in play in our case as well, but when your turnover dropped by 50% the week the work started and plummeted thereafter, the writing was on the wall. Redevelopments are necessary things but the longer they go on and the more they disrupt customer flow, the harder it all gets. Back in that redevelopment time we were spun a line about an impending state of the art shopping development in the King Street area and I foolishly hung on when sanity dictated pulling out. The redevelopment led me to decisions that ultimately cost me my business, forced me to take my pensions out and forced me to sell my house. I trust that things are easier for those who businesses who have weathered the storm of redevelopment in the last year Last edited by Alunh; 02-28-2014 at 11:22 AM. |
Re: King Street
When I worked at a shop on Queen Street the same thing happened to us. Firstly there was the Vegetable Market fiasco with the demolition, then the facade had scaffolding all around it, then a substantial part of the road had to be closed off as that became unsafe so all in all it went on for years. Then most of the side facing Queen Street had empty shops for a long time, I am sorry for TE Roberts. They have been there for years. Another local business gone.
Re: King Street
It's a shame to see another Wrexham business leave the High Street.
Although a planning application went in last month to convert the store into office space for Unite the Union. Proposals To Convert Electrical Store To Office Space | Wrexham.com |
Re: King Street
Have you noticed that the repair people have been out already -- outside the CoOp and the Games Shop. New tarmac, anti skid surface and new yellow lines - less than three months after the work was completed - even without snow and frost breaking up the surface.
I wonder who has paid -- contract retention money or ratepayers.. If this is three months in what will it be like three years when all retention money etc has gone . What a disgrace that shows the poor workmanship-- wonder when the pavements will start lifting they are already starting to be uneven . |
Re: King Street
While I agree with many of the comments on this thread there are some that I believe are stretching things a bit far....
I have shopped a TE Roberts in the past but not for the last 15 years, I stopped going there when they were far more expensive than the internet and more expensive than other large retailers in the town, like Currys, Dixons, Comet. Ok, so TE Roberts did offer a different type of service to the main stream retailers, but when you could purchase the same item across town for �100 less or wait a few days and get it off the internet for �200 less then it was only a matter of time sadly. While I am all for giving the council a good kicking when appropriate, I feel blaming the re development for TE Roberts closure is unfair, why? If you take a look at www.lamonts.co.uk then you will see the sales brochure is from August 2012. On the up side when Unite move into the building as well as the regular staff the union will also hold training courses for Shop Stewards etc. from across the north west, this will bring people into the Wrexham area and some will travel by rail and bus. So it's not all bad news! Last edited by Steve; 03-01-2014 at 07:34 AM. |
Re: King Street
Hi Steve
I don't think that anyone above would pretend that the redevelopment of King Street was the sole reason for the demise of any business Steve. This would be really myopic. Equally, when a business is existing at the margins of survival (which believe me many are), a redevelopment carried out in a certain way can be the final straw. I can't comment on the specifics of any other business but I fully remember that people would say to me your business is this that and the other. I heard remarks like "you're dearer than the internet", "people are downloading", "HMV must be causing you a problem" and so on. All of these remarks came from people who actually knew nothing about my trade, my turnover and my profitability. When problems come along, all businesses that survive adjust, refocus, reinvent, diversify and so on. Whether T.E.Roberts did that I don't know. What is a fact, however, is that if people don't come to you because they are put off by the ongoing work, you have no chance. Oddly, when I pulled the plug in King Street, it did not prevent me from relocating somewhere else and happily trading from that point onwards. Equally, if Bank Street was to be redeveloped and the work became a saga I have no doubt that my business could be cripppled |
Re: King Street
The key point about King Street is �1.2 million and nothing has occurred to develop the footfall -- the one essential for any retail business is not the colour of the pavements.
How much longer will all the 9 Estate Agents offices remain open with more and more house hunting being done on the internet- will these be the next set of closures- the car parts shop has been empty for nearly three years, Fat Cat 12 months. In many towns a bus station is a retail hub yet in Wrexham that is far from reality. A question to be asked of the Council is why did they not keep the Fat Cat and shops as there was an income opportunity and flexibility- now all that is likely to happen is the rent ion the open shops will increase to cover the cost of the empty units which in turn will price them out of the Bus Station. It would be interesting to know if the Council are paying for the road repairs and new lines or if it is the contractor 'snagging'. |
Re: King Street
I can certainly understand wanting to improve the visual impact of a key transport link (I wish Pen Y Bryn would receive an overhaul too) but I agree, spending over �1m on material improvements you'd expect some follow up efforts to assist landlords and businesses to grow the area.. Was it expected that the new paving would trigger an influx of prospective retailers and restauranteurs?
I can't say that the works put me off visiting however as it's probably been 2-3 years since I've walked down King Street.. Without needing an estate agent or solicitors why would I? |
Re: King Street
Less than �200k for business and they all needed to have 50% to match at a time when they are already struggling -- was this such a good deal.
Anyone heard what the Council are going to do with their �12million Vibrant and Viable funding-- no doubt King Street waste on a far bigger scale!! |
Re: King Street
The quest for profit will always bring in private sector investment- hence Eagles Meadow. Run down areas like Pen y bryn go that way because there is a sense that there will be no return- hence no investment. I was in Pen y bryn in 1977-81 and the place was full of businesses. A few decades later and an inner ring road and we are where we are.
The growth of the Town, the Internet and the development of out of town developments have made it almost impossible to trade profitably (especially given the recession). This has led to rents tumbling (which is good). Unfortunately, rising rates set against the factors outlined means that business uptakes have been deterred by sheer cost. This has led rents to fall even more (which is good). Unfortunately, falling rents = falling investment = developing dilapidation. Sad to see that those who should know better prefer to spend public money so unwisely when a more targeted approach would be to drop the Rates |
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UPDATED: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 - 9:24pm
College Station, Texas (KWKT) — College Station police are looking for a girl who was last seen Sunday morning.
14 year old Amber Le left a note saying that she had left and did not want to be found.
Investigators say there are no signs of foul play and believe she may have left town with adults she is not related to.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact the College Station Police Department.


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The Windows Server 2012 team has worked with a group of MVPs to deliver a series of Windows Server 2012 all day events. Since I'm based in the US, I am focusing on the ones taking place in my country, but there are a bunch taking place in different countries across the world.
Not everyone who wants to learn in-depth about Windows Server 2012 can make it to TechEd. Therefore, in cooperation with co-sponsors Dell and HP, The Windows Server team is sponsoring the Windows Server 2012 Community Roadshow, a complimentary series of events held around the world to present on some of the key infrastructure improvements we've made in Windows Server 2012, including:
Even better, this road show will be presented by Microsoft MVPs: independent technology experts and experienced presenters. MVPs speak regularly at third-party and Microsoft industry conferences such as TechEd, so we're thrilled to have so many MVPs presenting in this road show. You can sign up at no cost for technical sessions in your area from the Windows Server 2012 Community Roadshow web site. Some events are already full, but you can get on the wait list by clicking the SOLD OUT link and following the instructions.
United States
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Sean Deuby, Anil Desai
Friday, June 1, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Sean Deuby
Event Details
Chicago (Downers Grove)
Monday, June 4, 2012 9:00am-1:00pm
Shawn P. Bass, Brian Desmond
Seattle (Bellevue)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 12:30pm-4:30pm
Brian Desmond
Wednesday, June 6, 2012 9:00am-1:00pm
Orange County (Irvine)
Friday, June 8, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Minneapolis (Edina)
Monday, June 11, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Shawn P. Bass
Jason Conger
Washington, DC (Reston)
Friday, June 15, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Tome Tanasovski
New York
Monday, June 18, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Tome Tanasovski, David Sebban
San Jose (Mountain View)
San Diego
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Dallas (Irving)
Friday, June 22, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Boston (Waltham)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday, June 28, 2012 1:00pm-5:00pm
Jason Conger, Max Trinidad
Harold Wong


text:
Tying Perham to Brazil
It's a passion to spread the Gospel throughout the world that has the Rev. Dirk Currier and Northwoods Assembly members packing their bags and traveling the globe.
That drive is what led Currier this month to Brazil, where he preached at a mission conference in Rio.
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text:
It's amazing to watch you wither away and die slowly as your mind explodes softly. It's horrible too though.
It's horrible when I call it amazing. But how can I not?
It is what it is and there's nothing I can do.
Age is your enemy, I can see. It's led you to glassy eyes and faded smiles and you're so confused but everyone calls you the wisest ever alive. Even though you're not. You're not. You forgot your memories and your tribulations and errors when all your friends passed away. Pity too, because your advice would mean a lot. A lot to me.
But the tempest of your mind controls your thoughts and words. All your voice does is add dust to the wind.
It's rather disappointing.


text:
Not Feeling Minnesota: Rubio May Stay In Europe, Says Father
My Spanish is a little rusty, but I do believe this translates to, "Get us the fuck out of Minneapolis, Donnie Walsh."
My Spanish is a little rusty, but I do believe this translates to, "Get us the fuck out of Minneapolis, Donnie Walsh." » 6/26/09 8:45am 6/26/09 8:45am
Welcome to the party. With the lottery portion of the draft nearly complete I'll be taking you the rest of the way in the live blog. » 6/25/09 9:00pm 6/25/09 9:00pm
10. Brandon Jennings, Compton via Italy. Forget all the hating, Jennings can play. The Bucks get him at a great spot, although they don't have a whole lot of talent surrounding him. » 6/25/09 8:46pm 6/25/09 8:46pm
9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar Derozan, USC I assume Skeets is happy, because his team landed one of the draft's most enticing players. Derozan can fly and he'll probably put some asses in the seats. » 6/25/09 8:43pm 6/25/09 8:43pm
8. New York Knicks: Jordan Hill, Arizona But hey, screw Knicks fans, right? Hill has the potential to develop into a stud, and with David Lee's future with the team in question this fills one of their needs. » 6/25/09 8:32pm 6/25/09 8:32pm
7. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Davidson And to be honest, the Warriors probably just did the Knicks a favor. » 6/25/09 8:27pm 6/25/09 8:27pm
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse. Minnesota is stocking up on point guards, and why not? Rubio isn't ready to come in and lead the team for 30 minutes a night, but that's Flynn's specialty. » 6/25/09 8:20pm 6/25/09 8:20pm
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio, SpainPeople are going to love Ricky Rubio, even if he is stuck in Minnesota. Rubio may be small, and he'll probably be invisible defensively, but he's going to be a lot of fun to watch. » 6/25/09 8:11pm 6/25/09 8:11pm
4. Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans, Memphis. A great pick for the Kings who went with the best player available. » 6/25/09 8:04pm 6/25/09 8:04pm
3. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden, Arizona State. Stuart Scott is feeling the bow tie. Oh, and James Harden is a pretty good fit for the Thunder. He is an efficient offensive player and his game is NBA ready. » 6/25/09 7:55pm 6/25/09 7:55pm
2. Memphis Grizzles Hasheem Thabeet, UConn It's just the second pick of the draft and David Stern's voice is already cracking. It's his Bar Mitzvah all over again! As for Thabeet, he looks tall and shiny. » 6/25/09 7:50pm 6/25/09 7:50pm
1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma. Okay, so the pick hasn't been announced yet, but it's not exactly a secret. » 6/25/09 7:15pm 6/25/09 7:15pm


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Poland's last communist leader goes on trial over martial law
Poland's National Remembrance Institute accuses the defendants, now grey-haired elderly men, of violating the law and flouting human rights with the 1981 decision, which led to the deaths of dozens of people and the jailing of hundreds more.
The defendants deny the accusations, saying they acted out of "higher necessity" to silence the anti-communist Solidarity trade union and avert a threatened Soviet invasion of Poland.
Solidarity, led by shipyard electrician and later Nobel Peace Laureate Lech Walesa, played a leading role in overthrowing communism in Poland eight years later.
Jaruzelski has often argued that the imposition of martial law spared Poland the bloody Soviet intervention suffered by Hungary in 1956 and the then-Czechoslovakia in 1968.
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per nightGold and Platinum iPrefer members receive a bottle of wine and fresh fruit when booking here or through iPrefer.com.
Style and Nature in Every Room on Lake Como
Casa sull'Albero is a chic Italy hotel that provides guests a stunning connection to nature. The eco-friendly hotel is designed with local stone, wood, and glass to create an elegant, relaxing space. The custom-made accommodations at Casa sull'Albero provide modern amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, and LCD televisions. Floor-to-ceiling anti-noise glass windows in each guestroom allow guests to take in the breathtaking views of the Casa sull'Albero gardens or brilliant Lake Como. The Honesty Kitchen serves a deluxe continental breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. The two villa-style buildings host 12 guestrooms, as well as, a cinema, heated swimming pool, and gym. With incredible amenities and outstanding views, Casa sull'Albero is an unforgettable hotel to visit.


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Internal (Richland College)
Marilyn Martin Scholarship - Marilyn Martin Scholarship Link for Disability Services students plus links to other Dallas County Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships.
Foundation Scholarships - RLC Foundation Scholarships List.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships - Scholarships for Richland College Phi Theta Kappa members.
African American Student Scholarships - Scholarships for African American students.
Teaching Scholarships - Grants and scholarships for those pursuing a teaching career.
Other Available Scholarships - Various external scholarships available to students attending Richland and transferring to a 4 year university.
Texas Students - Scholarships offered to students in the state of Texas. The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation
Scholarships and Loans - Scholarships and loans for students.
Fastweb Scholarships Plus Internships - Scholarships plus internships and links to jobs/careers near your school.


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Series starts 11/28
Game 1: Wednesday, November 28th | ||
Mavericks | 78 | Final |
Bulls | 101 | |
Recap »Boxscore » |
Game 2: Saturday, March 30th | ||
Bulls | 98 | Final |
Mavericks | 100 | |
Recap »Boxscore » |
8:00 PM ET, November 28, 2012
United Center, Chicago, IL
Things haven't come easy so far for the Dallas Mavericks or the Chicago Bulls, with each feeling the effects of being without a former league MVP.
The Bulls looked particularly lost down the stretch of their latest defeat.
After blowing a 27-point lead, Chicago looks to get back on track Wednesday night when it continues a four-game homestand against the equally inconsistent Mavericks.
It's no surprise the Bulls (6-7) and Dallas (7-8) have had their issues early in the season with both Derrick Rose and Dirk Nowitzki yet to suit up, but Chicago's worst moment yet came Monday. Up 27 with 2:49 left in the third quarter, the Bulls were outscored 42-14 the rest of the way in a 93-92 home loss to Milwaukee.
Chicago fell to 3-4 at the United Center this season after going 26-7 on its home court a year ago -- including 12-5 without Rose.
"You've got to play 48 minutes in this league, and we've still got a long ways to go in that area," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "It can happen fast. You can lose 10 points in an NBA game in a minute. Everyone says that doesn't happen, but you see it all the time. If you don't play tough with a lead, this is what happens."
Now, they're facing a potential three-game slide at the United Center for the first time since dropping five in a row from March 1-19, 2010.
The Nowitzki-less Mavericks surely empathize with the Bulls, who also have only once strung together consecutive wins through the first month of the season. They'll be trying to avoid a third straight loss in this contest after falling 100-98 at Philadelphia on Tuesday.
Dallas had a chance to tie the score on a pair of O.J. Mayo free throws with 2.7 seconds left, but the Mavericks' leading scorer (20.8 points per game) missed both. Jae Crowder got an offensive rebound, but missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to seal Dallas' seventh loss in 10 games.
The Mavs did plenty to put themselves in poor position prior to the end, though. They committed eight of their 15 turnovers in the fourth quarter, with five coming on consecutive possessions.
"They were untimely and completely out of character to how we played to that point," coach Rick Carlisle said. "We have to eliminate those turnovers right now."
Dallas, which on Tuesday began a stretch of eight of 10 on the road, fell to 2-5 away from American Airlines Center
Mayo is having problems as a visitor, averaging 16.9 points on 42.7 percent shooting compared to 24.3 points and 52.2 percent shooting at home. He scored a season-low 11 points while dishing out seven assists against the 76ers.
Mayo averaged 5.0 points and missed 12 of his 16 field-goal attempts while coming off the Memphis bench in a pair of games against Chicago last season.
The Mavericks, who are averaging nearly 10 points fewer on the road (95.4) compared to at home (105.3), might have trouble reversing those woes Wednesday. They've lost three in a row to Chicago while averaging 81.0 points.
Richard Hamilton had 19 points in a 93-83 Bulls home victory April 21.
Hamilton missed the potential game-winning jumper Monday but scored a season-high 30 points -- topping his previous high of 22 from two days earlier.
Carlos Boozer is also trying to build on a pair of strong showings, totaling 41 points and 30 rebounds while sinking 19 of 34 field goals.
Boozer has only been available for one of three matchups with Dallas since joining the Bulls, but Chicago has dominated the glass anyway. The Bulls have outrebounded the Mavs by an average of 52.0-39.3 in those meetings.
Gameday Matchup
Injury Report
Dallas | ||
| ||
Chicago | ||
| ||
Fantasy Injury News | View NBA injury report |
Last 5 Games
Starting Lineup
C C. Kaman 10.5 | SG K. Hinrich 7.7 |
SG O. Mayo 15.3 | C J. Noah 11.9 |
SG D. Jones 4.0 | SG R. Hamilton 9.8 |
SG S. Marion 12.1 | PF C. Boozer 16.2 |
SF J. Crowder 5.0 | SF L. Deng 16.5 |
View full depth chart: Dallas | Chicago |
Team Stat Leaders
Points | D. Nowitzki 17.3 | L. Deng 16.5 |
Rebounds | S. Marion 7.8 | J. Noah 11.1 |
Assists | D. Collison 5.1 | K. Hinrich 5.2 |
Steals | D. Collison 1.2 | J. Noah 1.2 |
Blocks | E. Brand 1.3 | J. Noah 2.1 |
Team rosters: Dallas | Chicago |


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Recent Articles
Featured Cacher For June 2010 - Rich & Lola
May 31 2010 08:22 PM |
in Featured Cachers
Rich & Lola: Welcome to Jurassic Park, (GC962E). We never found the cache but the drive to get back to the cache location made it a top ten caches status.<sp>
Overton Wash, (GC4341), no longer active, but one of the best in Nevada.
Do you have any special caching adventures you want to tell us about?
Rich & Lola: We were doing one of Parker Plus' draw bridge caches after 9/11. Lola was taking pictures when the refinery workers stopped and asked what we were doing. We told them about geocaching and in turn they reported us to the FBI. We had them visit our house the next day and had to explain geocaching to the FBI. Funny thing is there is a public park across the street from the cache location.
Have any "Most embarrassing Geo-moment" you would like to share? Details please!
Rich & Lola: We were in Michigan doing Beginner's Luck, (GCG089). This is the one cache Lola did not do and it was probably lucky for her. My brother in law, nephews and I started walking to the cache. The GPS showed 3/10th of a mile. We started bushwhacking and after about a mile of that, we found the cache about 20 feet from a snowmobile trail. We started back to the cars when the GPS batteries died, so now, here we were in the middle of the Hiawatha National forest, LOST, tried and using the two way radios to have my sister honk the horn to get a good bearing. Instead of honking every couple of minutes she left the horn honking continuously, causing an echo out in the woods so I talked brother in law into walking to the road. Eventually Lola and my sister found us walking down the side of the road. Still to this day I don't know why I did not take batteries from radio and put them in the GPSr.
What is your favorite type of cache (traditional, multi, puzzle) and why?
Rich & Lola: All caches are good. We prefer Ammo Cans in the woods or desert but as long as we find it, any will do.
What is your favorite local cache?
Rich & Lola: There have been many good caches over the years like Parker Plus' evil hides. Billy H's Texas Micro in the woods was another one. Nethog and Whipit's unique containers are also real nice. There are so many to name so we will just say thanks to everyone who put the caches out for us to look for.
How about your favorite out of state cache?
Rich & Lola: Bluff Mountain Cache, GC2D7, our 2nd ever cache. We went there and heard a lot of noises in the woods. It was dusk and all we could think was that a bear was out there looking with us so we came back the next day and found the cache.
Summer or Winter caching? Why?
Rich & Lola: Winter since there are a lot less thorns, poison ivy and chiggers to deal with.
When a new cache is listed, are you tempted to go for FTF?
Rich & Lola: No, we wait until a few logs are in before trying for it.
Tell us about your cache mobile.
Rich & Lola: It is a Jeep Liberty that has about 200,000 miles on it now.
What other hobbies do you have?
Rich & Lola: Traveling and photography so we can combine hobbies and caching.
Do you currently have any caching goals that you are working towards?
Rich & Lola: No, not really but would like to stay in the top 50 cachers in Texas. So many of the newer cachers are power cachers so we would just like to stay in the top 100 cachers in Texas.
Is it all about the numbers?
Rich & Lola: No, but Rich would like to always have at least 1 more find than Georeyna!


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I'm sneaking a post in so y'all won't be all worrying. I'm still in recovery right now, but found an unoccupied ape to help me.
When I checked into the clinic, they invited me to their super mod, super fab open bar:
Then they wrapped me all up in my super comfy cuff:
They monitored my fabulousing with this chic sticky dot thingie:
Then they let me all dry out:
Then it was time for my frosting treatment:
I have another couple of days for the frosting to take. I'll be back with a spectacular reveal update post!
I know you all miss me! I miss me too! I'll be back as soon as I can.
Yeah, Freaky, I was way worried, I thought you had OD'd on butter cream frosting and was in Rehab!
I'm first?????? ooohhh lawdddddd.......who cares about the internetsss connection? You got the most important connection down cold, Ms. Freaky! The I.V. connection.......Hit me again, nurse! Better living through meds!
Oh Freaky - we HAVE missed you! Most of all be safe with the frosting recovery . . . we need your hawt self back ASAP, but nothing that would compromise your wholeness. Cake for all!
Our internet connection is sick too. I'm going to have one of the apes jam some buttercream around the coaxial cable.
I posted about your retreat to the Priddy Family Reunion. There was a Freak in training who abused you by showing my your butt!
Girl, you missed a whole bunch of stuff here the last few days. There were even OSers pretending to be YOU. It was all terribly confusing!!
We're awfully glad you're ok.
Vodka?? Me doth thinks Betty Ford. Tee hee hee!
Come back soon!!
We're awfully glad you're ok.
Vodka?? Me doth thinks Betty Ford. Tee hee hee!
Come back soon!!
Geez, I forgot you were going into rehab, I mean the spa hospital. I thought you looked like that in support of Iran's recent troubles. I needed to flounce on another post, so I borrowed a pic :) I'll be returning to my normal self soon though.
I hope the frosting treatment is as beneficial as it is delicious!
(thumbified for fabulousing)
::p.s. we miss you::
(thumbified for fabulousing)
::p.s. we miss you::
Looking forward to your return Ms. Troll, but I'm worried. Sometimes these procedures can go hideously wrong.
Dear lord, I hope you don't go too far. It just wouldn't be the same coming from Barbie. Although, I suppose, you could still LOVE cake, you'd just have to love throwing up too.
Reading this has made me feel so, so, so, ------ uplifted.
Can't wait for the reveal Freaky.
Oh, in case you were wondering, you were granted another continuance for the trial so you should have plenty of time to recover before the big event this fall.
Can't wait for the reveal Freaky.
Oh, in case you were wondering, you were granted another continuance for the trial so you should have plenty of time to recover before the big event this fall.
It's ridiculous, how sentimental I feel seeing your freaky little pink head, and how it made me smile. I'm going to get even with Deven for that, you bet.
ohhh, freaky love, i've missed you sooo much. so have the wonderpups. thank you so much for updating us and for the major major laughs that your journey provided me. not laughing at you, of course, your wonderfulness. jsut can't wait for the great reveal. love love love and gratitude for all that is you, wondertroll.
Miss you and the ape. "Then they let me all dry out" made me laugh literally out loud (and loudly)
it's 2 am here, so that was not all good
it's 2 am here, so that was not all good
The frosting treatment! I *knew* there was something else going on in those cupcake stores. (While you were gone, many of us started wearing your head, just to make us not miss you so much. Didn't work.) Call me if you run out of Peoples or gin.
I hope it's OK that I borrowed your glasses. And turned them green. It's a democracy thing. I think.
Freaky, I sure did miss you. And I can't believe they let you loose in the supplies cabinet! Too cute.
Oh my, can't wait for the super fab new look!!!!
Get out of the hospital soon.
Those places suck for cake.
Get out of the hospital soon.
Those places suck for cake.
Suck up that frosting, my dear darling! 'Twas frosting that brought us safe thus far, and cake will lead us home....xox
Be sure to get lots and lots of hospital socks before you leave. Look in all the cabinets and load up. XOX HB
The dot thing is so cute! Someone should sell them down at the beach. Perfect for summer!
Missing you Freaks...
Missing you Freaks...


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Associate of Business
Preparing for a Career in Business Graduates with an associate degree in business from Alderson Broaddus University find themselves well-prepared for a variety of entry-level business positions. The program is ideal if you are interested in business management, administration or operations. The associate degree in business is also a good foundation for continuing on to a four year degree in business or other fields. Gain Credentials in Business Without Making a Four Year Commitment The associate degree in business is an excellent option if you are interested in a career in business, but for whatever reason, are not ready to commit to a four-year program. If you later decide to continue working towards a four year degree in business at Alderson Broaddus, then all classes taken towards your associate degree will also apply towards earning your bachelor degree. Personal & Individual Attention From Experienced and Caring Faculty Faculty with excellent academic backgrounds and business experience are committed to creating a high quality learning experience for business students. Because of the small class size, faculty know and care about students as individuals, and create a supportive environment for learning. At AB, you will come to know the faculty as teachers, mentors, advisors and friends. Helping you achieve your best is their goal. Opportunities for Involvement and Personal Distinction You will have many opportunities for involvement in organizations that will help you develop leadership skills and make you more attractive to future employers after graduation. Phi Beta Lambda, the local chapter of a national organization for business students, gives you the opportunity to enhance leadership and team member skills, provide services to the community, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. S.I.F.E. (Students in Free Enterprise) is a national student organization which teaches others an understanding of how market economics and business operate. This organization is a partnership between higher education and business and enables the student to build connections with such companies as: Wal-Mart; DEL Labs; Hallmark; Kraft; Arthur Andersen; AT&T; Sears; Black & Decker; G.E., and Coca-Cola. Partners in Excellence is a business advisory program through which business students have the opportunity to interact with a variety of business leaders. Such networking often leads to important job connections after graduation. Gain Valuable Internship Experience Business internships provide opportunities for you to gain "hands-on" experience in a real business setting. Internship opportunities are available in a variety of business fields including accounting, economic development, human resources management, marketing, management information systems, and small business management. High Quality Academics From lively classroom discussions to working with state-of-the-art computer equipment and software, our academic program emphasizes quality instruction and learning. A campus-wide computer network provides one station for every seven students, giving you communication access across the campus or across the globe via e-mail and the internet. You will also gain practical experience using multimedia presentation technology that businesses use today, and learn the most current business computer software.


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Use different varieties of tomato for more color. Prepare just before serving so the tomatoes will hold their shape.
Cooking Light JULY 2006
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add tomato slices, tossing gently to coat. Let stand 15 minutes.
Go to Full Version of
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Mustard and Dill Recipe


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Strong sales through the holiday period helped push Apple into a near tie with Samsung as global smartphone shipments reached new record levels for the fourth quarter and 2014 overall. According to research
ORLANDO – If Progress Software Corp. is trying to mobilize its partners to do one thing, it's to modernize. That was one of the key themes coming out of this year's Progress Exchange,
Every Friday, we round up a list of people with active Twitter accounts, ones that we feel are worth a click on the 'follow' button. This week, we're focusing on analysts, or the
While the economy is turning around, it doesn't appear that PC shipments are turning around with it. In fact, according to a recent report on worldwide PC shipments from analyst firm Gartner, things
The fourth quarter wasn't pretty for Canadian PC manufacturers. According to IDC Canada shipments continued to decline, dropping by 13.8 per cent from the same quarter a year ago, a worse performance than
Following a report last week from research firm IDC Corp. reporting declining PC sales for the fourth quarter of 2012, rival research firm Gartner Inc. chimed in with similar numbers this week, and
While Microsoft Corp. continues to tout what it characterizes as strong license sales for its new Windows 8 operating system, launched last October, the new OS has yet to boost the flagging fortunes
Cloud-based software offerings overcame recent high profile data breaches to grow 27 per cent in the Canadian market, according to an IDC Canada study.Revenues from cloud software, or software as a service (SaaS),
Global IT spending remains on a pace to grow by six per cent in 2012, IDC said Monday in its latest forecast.Although the tough economy has softened the spending climate worldwide,sales have been
Apple will continue to dominate the world's tablet market through 2016 if it launches a smaller iPad this year, according to research firm IDC.In a revised five-year forecast, IDC said last week that
For Canadian solution providers targeting the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market, reports of stable IT budgets and general health within that market should seem promising. But as the trend toward mobile technology
ITBusiness.ca is a publication of IT World Canada. We're proud to present our partners here. International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events and research company. IDG's media brands –
The worldwide smartphone market grew 42.5 percent year-over-year during the first quarter, as Samsung Electronics overtook Apple for the smartphone leadership position, according to IDC's estimates.Vendors shipped 144.9 million smartphones during the first
Leslie Hand is standing with her legs slightly apart, her head bowed over the smart phone in her hands, pretending she is in a checkout line frantically doing price comparisons before handing over


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Driven: the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT-8 Muscle Car
Got a chance recently to drive one of today's top muscle cars, the Chrysler 300 SRT-8. You know the one — big rear-drive sedan with a touch of class and a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 under the hood. I wanted to get into a 2012 SRT-8 because that was the first year for the second-generation model, and Chrysler said it was a big step forward from the original 300 SRT-8.
Now, I had driven an older 300 SRT-8 a few years back, the one with the smaller 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Good friend of mine had one. My impression was that it got motor, and it don't got much else. It reminded me a little of its legendary ancestor, the 1957 Chrysler 300C, which was a big ol' land yacht that happened to have hot rod parts like a 375-horsepower V8 stuffed into it. There was plenty of speed, but I like a muscle car that really feels special, and this one didn't do the trick.
So I hop into the 2012 SRT-8, and immediately I can see it's a different beast. Let me tell you, the interior is amazing. We're talking stitched panels, beautiful gauges, and the same kind of supple material on the dashboard that you see in a Mercedes-Benz. There's a new 8.4-inch touchscreen, too, and it looks like a damn iPad. First one of these gadgets that I actually enjoyed using.
Then I fired up that 6.4-liter Hemi — same displacement as the one in the '57 300C, by the way — and the true appeal of the 2012 SRT-8 dawned on me. See, I've driven hot rods, and I've driven a few luxury cars in my day, but I've never driven a car that's truly both of those things at the same time. Trust me when I tell you, the 2012 300 SRT-8 pulls it off. It's got a wicked exhaust rumble like the best muscle cars, and when you're on the throttle and the muffler flaps open up, boy, you're in muscle car heaven. There are 470 horses under that hood; 'nuff said, right? But when you back off, that roar switches to a smooth-sounding hum, and the car rides so nicely that it's like you're in a luxury cruiser. Best of both worlds? You better believe it.
I'll tell you one thing I don't like about the 2012 SRT-8, and that's the five-speed automatic transmission. I heard it's a hand-me-down from Mercedes, but something must have gotten lost in translation, because the shift quality is not up to snuff for a $50,000 — yes, $50,000 — performance car. Rumor has it that an eight-speed transmission is on the way, and from where I sit, it can't come soon enough.
But the bottom line is that the 300 SRT-8 can do it all. It sure made a believer out of me. No doubt it's one of the top muscle cars on the market, but it's also one of the top cars, period. Take it from a Gearhead: this thing is the real deal.
Editor's note: As you're suping up your own muscle car, make sure to hit up Advance Auto Parts for great deals on DIY essentials. Buy online, pick up in store.
Photo courtesy of Car and Driver magazine.
Father-Son road trips
Another Father's Day has come and gone, folks, so I wanted to take some time and reflect on a great tradition in my family: the father-son road trip. I did it with my dad back when he was able, and now my own son's talking about setting one up with me. Tell you what, I never felt as close to my old man as when we were out on that open road. If you haven't done it, you've got to. It's an experience you'll never forget.
But before you pack your stuff and peel out, you gotta have a plan, right? So I thought about how my dad and I did it back in the day, and I came up with four suggestions for you. Check 'em out, and when you're done, I'd love to hear your own father-son road trip stories in the comments. We are so privileged to live in this beautiful country with so many road trips to choose from, and it's even more of a privilege to have your dad along for the ride.
1. Find a Great U.S. Road Trip
Wherever you are in these United States, I'm sure a great road trip isn't far away. I'll just mention a few of my favorites here. Now, the one I did with my old man was straight up the California coast from Los Angeles to Monterey, and it's still number one on my all-time list. You take the 101 to San Luis Obispo, hop on Highway 1 heading north, and hug hairpin corners high above the Pacific for the next 80 miles or so. I will tell you to my dying day that there is no more beautiful place in the world. But if you can't make it out west, how about the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire's White Mountains? Or the Tail of the Dragon that slithers through the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee? The theme here is natural beauty, and I would say that's a firm requirement for a Father's Day road trip.
2. Pick the Right Car for the Road Trip
Alright, let's talk cars. I was fortunate enough to be pushing a '69 Corvette drop-top with the 350 V8 when my dad and I did the California coast (we're talking 26 years ago here; like I said, I'm no spring chicken), and that old beast is now worth about ten times what I sold it for, but I digress. My point is, get your hands on a neat car for the road trip, because you might only get to do this once. If you've got the right set of wheels in your garage, more power to you; if not, consider renting a Mustang convertible or something for the occasion. Just like the trip itself, the car for the road trip should be something you look forward to every day.
3. Prepare Your Car
This won't apply if you're renting, of course, but if it's your own car, do yourself a solid and get everything checked out before you leave. A good independent mechanic will only charge you maybe 50 to 75 bucks for a safety inspection, and he'll check out your car's systems to make sure they're all go. If you're a DIY type, poke around on AdvanceAutoParts.com and see if you can't put together your own little inspection. If your air conditioning isn't blowing as cold as it should, for example, I've had good luck with this A/C Pro stuff.
4. Make Your Trip a Gift to Remember
The road trip is a gift to both of you, so make it special. Spring for that upgraded room with an view, and splurge on a nice steak dinner instead of pinching your pennies. Your old man has done a lot for you; now's your chance to return the favor. You won't regret it, I promise.
If you're a Dad, tell us what you did on Father's Day? Is there a road trip in your near future? Download a copy of our handy Rules for Road Trips infographic. It's free.
Editor's note: Father's Day or not, Advance Auto Parts carries a wide selection of premium tools, parts, gadgets and more—all at great savings. Get your order fast, buy online pick up in store.
Dart vs. Dart
The older you get, the more you miss the way things used to be.
That's why it pains me to say what I'm about to say.
See, I grew up with the original Dodge Dart. Had one in college, as a matter of fact, a '65 Dart Charger with the Commando 273 V8. Yellow with a black interior. Four on the floor, of course.
My dad and I bought it used for a song, because back then, no one realized that these old school muscle cars were going to be classics someday.
And believe me, I had a lot of fun in that car. It wasn't in the greatest shape, and it wasn't exactly the best muscle car around, but my goodness, the noises that V8 would make when you got on it, four-barrel carb gulping air up front with a cloud of tire smoke billowing out the back.
I loved it, I really did.
But now there's a new Dart in town, the 2013 Dodge Dart, a front-wheel-drive economy sedan that doesn't offer anything more than a four-cylinder engine. It's styled by Italians and full of computer screens and all kinds of gizmos I could care less about. Its predecessor was the forgettable Dodge Neon, the one that said "Hi" in commercials. It's an economy sedan for Godsakes.
And it's a better car than my old '65. Better by a longshot.
Why? Because the reality is, that Dart Charger wasn't close to being the best American muscle car of its day. It was just a mediocre mainstream car with a decent motor—nothing more, nothing less. It didn't even look special, unlike some other Dodge muscle cars I could name. And if you want to talk about the best muscle car engine from back in the day, the Commando V8 wouldn't even be in the conversation.
But the 2013 Dodge Dart is close to being the best small sedan on the market right now. The new Dart comes packed with features right out of the box, so you don't have to pay a bundle for some fancy trim level. It's got a nice smooth ride that stays quiet at speeds I'm not allowed to disclose. Thanks to underpinnings borrowed from Alfa Romeo, it's not afraid of corners, either.
There's even a version for car guys like me: you can get it with a six-speed manual transmission and the same turbocharged 1.4-liter motor that's in the Fiat 500 Abarth hot hatch. Is this the best "muscle car" engine, if you could call it that, in the small-sedan segment? It's in the running, I'll give it that much.
Don't tell my college-aged self, but the new Dart turbo would embarrass that old Dart Charger off the line, Commando V8 and all.
So yeah, I still miss my '65. Still remember the day it wouldn't pass inspection—too much rust. Had to put it out to pasture, and I was pretty broken up about that.
But if you gave me the choice between a pristine Dart Charger and a 2013 Dart turbo, I'd take the new car every day and twice on Sunday.
You're always gonna miss the way things used to be, but sometimes you gotta admit that 50 years of progress has its perks.
Editor's note: Whether you drive a Dart or a DeLorean, Advance Auto Parts has the parts and tools you need to get your projects done. Text "Spring" to 36898 for a hot deal now. Up to 5 messages per month; message & data rates may apply.
Advance exclusive: Interview with Richard Griot of Griot's Garage
We recently caught up with Griot's Garage founder and industry icon Richard Griot—to get the real dirt on his favorite classic cars.
Something special happens when two car guys get to talking. You can feel it in the air: you're both nuts about classic cars, there's no denying it, and then the conversation just starts flowing like you've known each other for years.
That's exactly what happened when I had a chat recently with Richard Griot. Richard founded Griot's Garage, a very successful car-care company, and he used some of the proceeds to do what any red-blooded car guy would do – put together a museum-quality classic car collection that's got so many specimens now, he's literally lost count. I knew we were going to hit it off as soon as I heard that part of the story, and sure enough, we had an enthusiastic conversation about cars that gave me plenty of material for 10 Classic Car Questions.
So here are the highlights, just the way I asked 'em and he answered 'em. By the way, when you're done, do me a favor and go check out Richard's products at Advance Auto Parts. He's a good man, and speaking from experience, I can tell you his car-care solutions are top notch.
Alright, let's get to it.
GG: What was your first car as a kid, and what were the best and worst things about it?
Richard Griot: 1953 M38A1 Jeep. Top Speed was 55 mph so I put an overdrive in it and it went 63 mph. It was so easy to work on. I ended up painting it myself and swapping the engine for a rebuilt one, as it burned a quart of oil every 100 miles!
GG: How many cars are in your collection now?
RG: I really don't know. It's a lot. I think if I ever started counting I'd feel as if I had a problem. It's called self denial, so I've never really counted.
GG: I noticed a '60s Mustang in a video of your collection. Do you have any other vintage American muscle cars? Given their dynamic shortcomings, are you a fan of "resto-mods" that enhance braking and handling?
RG: They only have dynamic shortcomings if you over-drive them! Having said that, I have a stock looking 1966 Chevelle with a 502 big block and upgraded suspension and disc brakes. It really has increased the driving experience big time. My kids still remember doing a bunch of burnouts in it, so I can't sell that one.
GG: If you could only have one car for all occasions, what would it be, and why? What would the transmission be?
RG: The new Porsche Boxster with a manual transmission. A perfect commuter car, trunks front and back, top folds back while you are driving it, a great track car and if you have a hot date she's close enough to lean over and kiss…
GG: How do you feel about modern cabin technology like touch-screen systems and LCD displays? Love it, hate it, indifferent to it?
RG: Well, things are getting more and more complicated. However, I love all the technology that lets me be more efficient behind the wheel and safer as well. Though I must say I take my eyes off the road more often now!
GG: If you could influence the way Driver's Ed is taught in America, what would you change, if anything?
RG: I would put everyone on a race track and get scared sheet out of them and teach them that cars are dangerous unless you pay attention full time behind the wheel!
GG: Which country, if you can single one out, makes the cars you appreciate the most, and what are those special qualities?
RG: That's like asking me to pick out my favorite child! I love Italian style, German engineering, American in-your-face brute force, and Japanese attention to detail.
GG: You must know the classic-car market well. What's a great value that comes to mind—a classic or future classic that's currently underpriced?
RG: That would be like giving away my best kept secret! Just buy something you love regardless of the market. Something that makes you smile every time you get in it.
GG: Say I'm considering a classic car, but I don't know much about buying and caring for a vintage automobile. Is there any general advice you would give me based on your experience?
RG: Run away! They'll tear your heart out, require way too much maintenance, and drive you to bankruptcy if you try to restore one. Having said that, a 1965-66 Mustang Fastback. Lots of parts, many to choose from, easy to run, and a great driving experience.
GG: Which of your car-care products are you most proud of, and why? Is there a magical product that you wish more people knew about?
RG: Speed Shine. Greatest product EVER to hit the market.
Bonus Question!
GG: What are you top 3 engines of all time, and why?
RG: First, the Small Block Chevy, still kicking after 57 plus years. Second, the Cosworth DFV F1 Engine — what can you say? Won many world championships and is still going strong in vintage F1. And last but not least, any Ferrari V12…the sound is just wonderful.
GG: Richard, it was a pleasure, thanks so much for your time today.
RG: Thank you!
Editor's note: Advance Auto Parts is proud to feature Griot's Garage car care products. Buy online, pick up in store. Photos courtesy of Griot's Garage.
Who's hitting Bike Week 2013?
If you've been reading my column, you know that I've got a thing for classic muscle cars. I dream about 'em, I cruise the classifieds for 'em, and I've got one in my own garage.
But with Bike Week 2013 around the corner, let me tell you that I'm also a motorcycle guy. Big time.
Shoot, every gearhead I know loves bikes, and let me tell you why: there's just nothing else on earth as fast and fun as a motorcycle.
Some of you young guns haven't been around long enough to remember this, but there was a time when most cars were slow as molasses. In particular, the 1970s were a lost decade for speed. The OPEC embargo sent gas prices through the roof, car companies responded by strangling their engines' output, and the result was serious disappointment for speed demons like me.
But guess what: even the fastest motorcycles are incredibly fuel-efficient, so they kept right on being fast.
And when I say "fast," I mean faster than the fastest cars.
Let me give you an example: I had a 1974 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV, which was known as "The Widowmaker" because let's just say its chassis wasn't up to the standards of its motor. But what a motor! It made 74 horsepower, which was a whole lot for a bike that barely weighed 400 pounds. I could turn 12-second quarter miles all day on that thing. Not even the strongest muscle cars could touch me, even the ones that were built before OPEC got stingy in 1973.
Of course, it's not only the speed that seduces you; it's the wind in your hair, the sense of absolute freedom as you're running through the gears and leaving everyone and everything in your dust. I've never ridden a horse, but I always thought of motorcycles as like horses—it's just you and what's underneath you, and as long as you both stay upright, there's no better feeling in the world.
I could keep going like this all day, but let me bring it back to Bike Week 2013. I can't make it this year, but if I could, I'd be rolling in on my 17-years-new Ducati 916, which is the best motorcycle ever made, if I do say so myself, and which I plan to be buried with when that day comes. I just put on a fresh set of Ferodo brake pads – only the best for my baby – and she stops on the proverbial dime, better than the day I met her. So when all you Bike Weekers are having fun in the sun down there, I'll be with you in spirit. Ride with pride, and be safe out there.
By the way, I've prevailed on the good folks here at Advance Auto Parts to stock some Ferodo brake pads of their own, and they've got some great deals right now. And, I promise they'll hook you up with the right pads for your ride.
Editor's note: If you're heading out to Bike Week, be sure to check out some of the great events in store!
Five surefire ways to get a traffic violation in 2013
Yeah, yeah, I know: with all the hybrids and electrics in the news these days, it's hard to believe an old gearhead like me can find five new cars worth talking about. But you want the truth? Those battery-powered contraptions are still just a small slice of the market. That means most new vehicles sold in 2013 will run on good old-fashioned dino juice.
And I've got five of 'em here that are guaranteed to get your motor running. Here are the best 2013 cars from one gearhead's point of view.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Every gearhead appreciates the value of a tough truck, but the old Chevy Silverado 1500 had a problem: that's all it was. Meanwhile, rivals like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 were taking their interiors uptown, creating mobile man caves full of luxury and technology. Fortunately, the redesigned 2014 Silverado finally brings Chevy up to speed. In particular, the boring old dashboard has been completely redone with new materials and an available iPad-like touchscreen interface. I'm fired up about the new family of engines, too—I've got my eye on the 6.2-liter V8.
2013 Ford Focus ST
Look, I'm not a front-wheel-drive kind of guy, so don't get the wrong idea. I'm not going soft in my old age. The real story here is that Ford has brought neutral handling to this notoriously understeer-happy segment. My automotive blogger counterparts are referring to the ST as "the
best handling front-wheel drive car I've ever driven." I'm talking about hot hatches, and the turbocharged, 252-horsepower Focus ST is arguably the hottest one yet. It's bound to be one of the top rated 2013 cars. Toss it into a corner and the clever brake-based front differential makes sure you stay right on your intended line instead of plowing wide. I got a chance to drive this thing on a road course, and I loved it. The Focus ST the only new Ford other than a Mustang V8 that I'd consider buying.
2014 SRT Viper
I'm gonna be in the minority here, but that's never stopped me from speaking my mind: the new Viper's front end looks a little too European for my taste. Fiat runs Chrysler nowadays, you see, and I just know some Italian designer in tight pants was behind the Viper's dainty new headlights. But that's nothing 640 horsepower can't fix, is it? That's right, the venerable 8.4-liter V10 has been reworked to pump out exactly two more horsepower than the swan-song-singing Corvette ZR1. Not too shabby, and neither is the all-new interior with fancy Sabelt sport seats and Chrysler's excellent uConnect touch-screen. I wouldn't kick this Viper out of the garage, if you know what I mean.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette
Speaking of Corvettes, there's a new one of those, too. The redesigned C7 and upcoming C7 Z06 Corvette have pretty radical looks that show a little too much Japanese-style angularity, if you ask me. So the Viper's not alone in borrowing from overseas. But I can't wait to put the new 6.2-liter V8 through its paces. Dubbed "LT1," the new V8 is bound to confuse car guys like me who remember the original LT1, a 5.7-liter V8 featured in the C4 Corvette of the 1990s, among others. (Hell, I even remember the hyphenated "LT-1" 350 V8 from the '70s.) But you know what, with an estimated 450 horsepower and about the same amount of torque, who cares? Plus, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette has finally got an interior that cuts the mustard for a world-class sports car, or at least comes reasonably close. Any list of the best 2013 cars has got to include the new 'Vette.
2013 Porsche Cayman
I'll be the first to admit that I've got a pro-Detroit bias, but when a car as good as the all-new 2013 Cayman comes along, a man's gotta give credit where credit's due. We're talking about the best 2013 car models here, and the Cayman might just be the best of the best. I especially like the styling of this car: the Cayman used to look like the entry-level Porsche it was, but now it looks like a pint-sized supercar with those squarish headlights and beautiful taillights. Plus, a Cayman S with the 3.4-liter motor is every bit as fast as a 911 in a straight line, and probably faster around a track. This has yet to be conclusively proven, however. Hey Porsche, are you listening? Just give me a 911 and a Cayman S for the day, and I'll test my theory at your earliest convenience.
Editor's note: Our resident gearhead's need for speed is almost as great as our need to get our DIY projects done. If you've got projects, look to Advance Auto Parts for the best selection—and even better deals.
A New Year's dream: the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible
I'll be honest with you: I've never known how to feel about the current C6-generation Chevrolet Corvette.
On paper (yeah, I still use the stuff), it's got everything an old muscle-car guy like me could want. Right out of the box, this thing gives you a tried-and-true 6.2-liter pushrod V8 with 400-plus horsepower.
But the motor I really want is the 505-horsepower, 7.0-liter V8 in the limited-production Z06 coupe. Seven liters is a newfangled way of saying 427 cubic inches, and that's a special number in Corvette lore. Chevy put its first "big-block" 427 in the 1966 'Vette, see, and that ferocious V8 had already become a legend when the 454 replaced it a few years later. I've driven the Z06, and its 427 is as fierce as the original. Makes the standard 6.2-liter job feel a little too docile for its own good.
No problem, you're thinking, just buy a Z06, right? Thankfully, I'm at a point in life where I could probably make that financial stretch, assuming the ol' ball-and-chain didn't find out till it was too late. But here's the problem: I love the Corvette convertible's lines. This is a car that was born to be topless. It just looks right as a roadster. And Chevy has never offered a Z06 Corvette convertible, no sirree Bob.
Never, that is, until model-year 2013.
One of a Kind
That's right: for this year only, as the Corvette production team in Bowling Green, Kentucky prepares for the new C7 and C7 Z06 Corvette's arrival, the C6 Z06 ragtop is a reality.
Oh, sure, the marketing types are calling it the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible, but blah blah blah. To a man, this is a Z06 roadster. Same big brakes. Same race-inspired V8. Same dragstrip-proven, slam-it-home Tremec six-speed. And you get even more of that exuberant NASCAR-style soundtrack, since there's no roof between your ears and the 427's Z06-spec quad exhaust tips.
Yeah, I got to drive one. And, you're probably a little jealous, as well you should be. The 7.0-liter "LS7" is one of the greatest V8s ever to grace an engine bay, using every bit of its 7,000-rpm operating range to plaster a terrified grin on each lucky driver's face. It's less powerful than the exclusive ZR1 coupe's "LS9" supercharged 6.2-liter V8, of course, but whereas the LS9 makes basically the same broad-shouldered torque from idle to redline, the LS7 just keeps piling it on as engine speed rises. From where I sit, it's the most thrilling motor under $150,000.
And now it's available with the Corvette convertible's alluring bodywork and fun-in-the-sun freedom, all for barely half that cost. 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible pricing starts at a very reasonable-for-what-you-get $76,900.
Personally, I think the jury's still out on the C6 Corvette. If you're looking at the base 6.2-liter version, I'd suggest waiting to see what the redesigned C7 is all about.
But I know exactly how I feel about the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible. I'm a big believer in buying Christmas presents for myself, and as we close out 2012, next year's wish list has a new number-one contender.
Attention 'Vette Owners
If you're already a member of the C6 Corvette club, I should add that the kind folks who allow me to write this column have a bunch of C6 Corvette accessories and C6 Corvette parts on offer right now. MagnaFlow exhausts, Covercraft car covers—you name it, they've got it. Check out the Advance Auto Parts site or just head to your local store for details.
Editor's note: While I'll leave the specs and such to our resident gearhead, I will add that you can get your order even faster when you select the "Store Availability" option as you shop at AdvanceAutoParts.com. You certainly don't want to keep a beauty like this waiting. —JK
Paintless Dent Removal: A Gearhead's Best Friend
Look, there are two kinds of people in the world. You either pull in right next to the other cars in the parking lot without thinking twice, or you leave a nice buffer zone so that Soccer Mommy and her kids won't assault your sheet metal with their humongous SUV doors.
You and I both know that the only reasonable approach is the second one. But sometimes a door ding shows up anyway, and you know you're gonna die a little inside every time you see it.
Now, back in the day, we only had one option for removing car dents, right? Take it down to the local body shop and hope for the best.
But these days they got something called paintless dent removal, and let me tell you, it can be a gearhead's best friend.
How Do They Do It?
I was wondering the same thing when I first heard about it, so I had a local fella come do a little surgery on my own ride. (He's a "mobile" technician, so I got the work done right in my driveway.) He told me it's all about understanding the shape of the dent. That's why he uses these special lights and mirrors to get a real good look at what kind of dent he's dealing with.
Then he pulls out the tools, and the whole thing turns into a real art form. The metal wants to go back to its original state, you see, but it needs some coaxing. My guy likes to tap around the perimeter of the dent with a special blunt hammer; your guy might use a different technique.
Just make sure he's got experience and good customer reviews, because it's a little unsettling to see someone hammering away at your pride and joy.
Does It Really Work?
I knew you'd ask, and the answer is yes. My goodness, yes. As long as the dent doesn't have a big old crease in the middle or something like that, a skilled paintless dent repair man can make your metal look like new. A couple of my dents, I thought there was no way that one guy with a toolbox could fix 'em, but now I can't hardly remember where they were. That's how good the results can be.
But How Much Does It Cost?
Paintless dent repair cost varies by contractor and region, but I can tell you that I had about ten dents removed all over the car, and my bill came to $300. Now that's a pleasant surprise. And if you've just got one or two you want taken out, it could be as cheap as $50-100.
As for those body shops I used to go to, well, I think they charged me $500 just for walking through the door. Put it this way, I've never been pleasantly surprised by a body shop bill, and I bet you haven't, either.
Bottom Line
Find a reputable paintless dent removal technician and make an appointment. It's a game-changer for people like us. Mind you, I still give other cars a wide berth in the parking lot, but if that plan gets foiled, I know who to call.
Editor's note: Once you've gotten your dents worked out, maintaining your car's exterior is easy with quality auto parts, supplies and accessories from Advance Auto Parts. Buy online, pick up in store.
The great debate: Camaro vs. Mustang vs. Challenger
Let me cut right to the chase: the great thing about classic muscle cars was how damn honest they were. What you saw was what you got. These things were built for speed, but they weren't trying to be all fancy about it like a Ferrari. Take a common man's car, drop in a big ol' V8, and lay some rubber. Then add some muscle car parts if you got bored. That's all there was to it. I still can't get enough of 'em.
Now look at what we're dealing with these days. You've got traction control to keep our tires from spinning. Computer screens in the dashboard, because God forbid we have to sit somewhere for a while without some gadget to stare at. And don't get me started on all these safety standards that keep getting in the way. Hell, you can't even hang your arm out the window anymore because the doorsill's too high.
But stop the presses, because they got these so-called modern muscle cars nowadays, right? Chevrolet Camaro SS, Dodge Challenger R/T, Ford Mustang GT. All-American coupes with big V8s, just like the classic muscle cars we drove back in the day.
Well, I got to wondering whether they could make an old gearhead smile, so I went down to the dealerships to find the best muscle car on the market. Manual transmission, windows down, foot to the floor. Put these things through their paces. Not that anyone's asking for my opinion, but here's how I figure they stack up.
3. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS
To me, there's not much that's "retro" about this Chevy. Yeah, you can get a four-pack of gauges inside like the old cars had, but from the outside, the 2013 Camaro looks like a Hot Wheels car my son played with growing up. The original '60s Camaro was beautiful. This one's a cartoon character.
Don't get me wrong, the power's still there. Big time. Wood the throttle and you've got 426 horses to play with. The exhaust sounds like it can barely breathe, but you can still find plenty of muscle car parts in 2013. I'm thinking a nice cat-back Flowmaster would do the trick.
But you'd still have to crane your neck to see out of this thing. Visibility's terrible, and the doorsill is at my shoulder. Wham bam, no thank you, ma'am.
2. 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T
Now we're talkin'. This thing's huge, just like Challengers used to be. It sounds great right from the factory; love that V8 burble out the back like old school muscle cars. The ride's super smooth, unlike the overly stiff Camaro. You can even fit adults in the back, and there's plenty of room for their stuff in the trunk.
So why isn't it number one? Simple: I like a car that I can toss around a little. Just think about the movie Bullitt. Remember how McQueen was in a fastback Mustang, and the guys chasing him were in a Dodge that took up half the road? I don't need to tell you which car had the upper hand. The new Challenger's an honest muscle car, that's for sure, but I want something that's at home in tight corners, too.
1. 2013 Ford Mustang GT
I keep telling people I'll never buy a new car again, but tell you what, this modern Mustang muscle car had me thinking twice. You gotta hear the noises this V8 makes, first of all. They say that Ford did something funny with the intake to make it sound better, and you know what, I don't even care. I could listen to this thing run toward redline all day.
But the best thing about the 2013 Mustang muscle car is that it's a sports car, too. See, even the sportiest Mustang muscle car from the '60s was happiest when the road was straight. But this new one, my goodness, it'll go around a corner with the best of 'em. It's smaller than the other two, so that helps, and the visibility's better as well.
Truth is, the Mustang's still got an electronic throttle, electric power steering, and a whole bunch of other unnecessary stuff that gets between me and the road. Those are rental car parts, not muscle car parts. I don't think this Ford could ever really win my heart.
But if you ask me what's the best muscle car today for getting an old car guy's heart pumping, the answer's clear. Now that I've driven one, I'll always give a nod of respect when I see a new Mustang GT drive by.
Editor's note: If your DIY routine includes maintaining muscle cars and other prime examples of American Steel, look to Advance Auto Parts for the best in tools, parts and accessories. Get your order fast—buy online, pick up in store.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
I'm a very simple guy. I like a cold beer and a bloody burger, and I love old muscle cars. Nothing sexier to me than a '66 GTO, although it's hard to beat a fastback Mustang for classic American looks. And of course, AC/DC. It's always a chore for me when I'm hauling down the highway to decide which I'd rather listen to: the opening riff of "Back in Black" or the rumble of an American V8.
Being a classic car guy, I'm always kinda unsatisfied. I can always upgrade to a higher-performance air filter or some lowering springs, maybe some adjustable shocks or an aftermarket exhaust system to add a few more horses. Some of these upgrades can be handled by anyone with a willingness to get their hands dirty, while others require some more specialized equipment and knowledge.
Let's start with the basics: wheels and tires. They're a snap to upgrade and you'll immediately notice an improvement in handling.
When you drive, you only have four points of direct contact with the road (your car tires), and the information transmitted between them and your hands on the wheel makes all the difference in how connected you feel to the road, and how confident you feel going around corners. Think of a car like a band. You've got your steering, braking, handling and suspension, which work together as a team. Plus, each can be upgraded for more performance.
Most modern car manufacturers engineer car tires and wheels for three things: ride, comfort and — these days — fuel mileage. The only trick is that if you improve in one area, you're likely to suffer in another. You want a sweet summer tire with a high sidewall? It'll help your car handle better, but you'll feel more of the road, you'll have to be more careful when it rains and you may lose a few mpg's in the process.
More road feel means exactly that: for better or worse. You'll be more in tune to the road for driving, but you'll also feel more of the bumps and imperfections. And since summer tires are designed differently from winter or all-season tires, they're not designed to repel rain but rather stick better to a hot road.
The other good thing about wheels and tires is there are so many places that offer car tires online so you can really improve the look of your ride as well. Plus, many offer side-by-side comparisons, so when you shop for car tires online you can hopefully find top-rated tires.
We're even seeing customization from original equipment manufacturers, where they'll offer a new car with a couple different wheel and tire sizes and a variety of different wheel looks so you can customize it right from the factory.
Bear in mind that aftermarket tires will be anywhere from a little to a lot more expensive, but you'll see noticeable differences in your handling and grip.
And once you get that going, you may suddenly find yourself looking into lowering springs, a suspension upgrade, or maybe even some adjustable shocks. The bottom line is your imagination and, of course, your wallet.
Editor's note: Advance Auto Parts carries a wide selection of tire supplies and digital tire gauges, performance quality brakes and suspension parts, plus tons of other quality auto parts to get your projects in gear. Get your order fast—buy online, pick up in store, in 30 minutes!
Graphic courtesy of Sven's World of Wheels.


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Kirsty's PlaceCHECK RATES
From $19.09
About Kirsty's Place
Rue Hamadani, Lot 5, Essaouira
Essaouira, Morocco
My place is only 2 mins* from the medina, a guest house where you can make yourself at home - it's like staying with friends or relatives. I can give you handy hints for your stay, organise little outings and you can come & go as you please. You can use the kitchen or I can cook for you if you want (inc veg vegan). I live here too , so do 2 kittens (born early Feb) *by taxi & costs only 50p Payment Accepted:
Getting there:
Let me know the time your coach arrives & I'm happy to meet you if you if you .
To make your own way... I really really don't recommend that you try, there have been too many disasters. No matter how independent a traveler you are - let me meet you off your coach But if you won't take no for an answer... Flag down a petit taxi, little blue cars. It will only cost 6 dirham before 8pm and 7 dirham after for the trip, NOT per person. Ask for l'ecole de coiffure (hairdressing school) Lotisment cinq (5). The road opposite the hairdressing school is my street and my place is the 5th house door on the right. Download the details from my website http://kirstysplace.moonfruit.com/#/get-here/4535246221
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We chose the Aux Armes de Champagne because of its ideal location close to the A4 motorway east of Rheims and exactly halfway on our journey from England to Switzerland. Our room was charming, the house champagne delightful and dinner in the restaurant was exceptional but also expensive. Unfortunately our French is not very good and there was some reluctance... More
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