Monday, February 08, 2010

Larwyn's Linx: Public Service Alert -- and InstaPundit's Caption Contest

Have a great link you'd like me to review? Drop me an email. You can also install a Larwyn's Linx blog widget.

Nation

Public Service Alert: Mullings
Populist Constitutionalism and the Tea Party: AT
Stolen Honor as A Pick-Up Line?: Kesler

NY: NAACP Keeps Inner-City Kids Down: Maggie
Fracking the Academic Left: AT (Lewis)
48 liberal lies about American history: ONN

Obama invites GOP to health summit: Corner
'Buried in an Obama t-shirt': York
Granholm on record pace of commutations: BlogProf

Hand Jive: Malkin
Palin's ready for 'another revolution': Corner
Holder under the bus?: JRubin

Economy

How National Debt Drives Out Jobs: Langbert
Voters Hate the Obama Deficits: YWL
Europe Risks Another Global Depression: Baseline

Who'll Call the Blue Dogs Out?: AT
Could California Really Default?: RCM
Obama's Outrageous Bank Tax: Times

Climate & Energy

India Sets Up Its Own Global Warming Panel: RWN
UN's Climate Cronies: Conflicts-of-Interest Galore: PJM
'The global warming movement as we have known it is dead': Globe & Mail

RFK Jr. Beclownment Spectacular, Chapter 9 million: Maggie

Media

InstaPundit's Caption Contest: InstaPundit
Obama's Theology: Patterico
Sarah Palin Reviewed: Surber

A few words written on your palm is exactly the same thing as complete dependency on ghost-written speeches scrolling on twin teleprompters.: RWN
Retracto Round-Up: These Sites Ought to Correct the Record: BigJournalism
Another Look at Obama's Origins: AT (Cashill)

The Uber Scary Tim Tebow ‘Pro-Life’ Super Bowl Ad and Feminist Lunacy: RWN
Diesel’s Ad Campaign to Teens: “Show Us Your Boobs”: RWN
Let's take a ride in the Wayback Machine: iOTW

America, a nation founded on Individualism, not Collectivism: DaleyGator

World

War for Islamic Sharia Law: AT
Sharia’s Dominion: Two books argue that repression, cruelty, and fear are central to Islam: City Journal
Dog Bitten: Crittenden

Clinton Reveals Hollowness of Iran Engagement: JRubin
Buried Alive in Turkey: Chesler
China and Tiny Bubbles: Belmont Club

Turning History Into a Politically Correct Cartoon: BRubin
Test Your Palestine IQ Part I: INN
Test Your Palestine IQ Part II: INN

SciTech

The Olympics -- on your PC and in high-def: CNet
A Job Opportunity Without a Single Name: Sophos

Cornucopia

Americans to Thank God For: WBK
Regrets, I've had a few...: Belmont Club
The End Is Near: Mirror

Sunday, February 07, 2010

140 Years of Records Shattered by DC's Snowpocalypse

Playbook relays this weekend's record-setting winter storm stats from the AP:

Washington took on a surreal, almost magical feel even though it was one of the worst blizzards in the city's history. The nearly 18 inches recorded at Reagan National Airport was the fourth-highest storm total for the city. At nearby Dulles International Airport, the record was shattered with 32 inches.

The snow comes less than two months after a Dec. 19 storm dumped more than 16 inches on Washington. According to the National Weather Service, Washington has gotten more than a foot of snow only 13 times since 1870. The heaviest on record was 28 inches in January 1922. The biggest snowfall for the Washington-Baltimore area is believed to have been in 1772, before official records were kept, when as much as 3 feet fell, which George Washington and Thomas Jefferson penned in their diaries.

The Office of Personnel Management said today that federal employees need not show up for work on Monday due to power outages and hazardous road conditions. About a quarter of a million government workers get to hang out at home tomorrow -- and the closings will only cost taxpayers about $100 million, but that's petty cash given Washington's recent spending proclivities.

The organized crime syndicate known as the IPCC could not be reached for comment at press time, but faux scientist-slash-disgraced buffoon Al Gore was overheard mumbling something about it being Bush's fault.


Finally! Fatwa Issued Against Facebook

It's about time. The curse that some know as Facebook suffered a religious edict from a prominent Muslim cleric (let's just call him Yabba Dabba Doo for ease of reading).

A prominent Egyptian cleric has issued a fatwa forbidding Muslims to use Facebook, blaming the popular social networking site for rising marital infidelity and divorce, Daily News Egypt reported on Sunday.

Sheikh Abdel Hamid al-Atrash labelled those using Facebook 'sinners' and said the site 'endangers the Muslim family', the newspaper reported, citing an interview in London-based daily Asharq Alawsat.

"It's an instrument that destroys the family because it encourages spouses to have relations with other people, which breaks Islamic sharia law," Atrash, former head of the fatwa commission at Cairo's Al-Azhar University, was quoted as saying.

"While one or other of the spouses is at work, the other is chatting online with someone else, wasting their time and flouting the sharia."

Atrash went on to say: "While they (social networking sites) permit the spread of Islam, they allow people forbidden love and relations. That is why whoever uses such websites must be considered a sinner..."

In what appears to be an unfortunate gaffe, however, Dabba Doo's fatwa was initially posted on Twitter.


Middletown, CT's Kleen Energy Plant: Photos From A Helicopter Tour Taken Before the Explosion

"Mass casualties and an unknown number of deaths" occurred earlier today at the Kleen Energy plant in Middletown, Connecticut. About 100 people were reported to have been working in the plant at 11:17 this morning. The 620-megawatt plant was not yet operational.

There are bodies everywhere," a witness told the Hartford Courant.

Medical rescue personnel told the newspaper there were at least two fatalities, and at least 100 people injured — including four in critical condition. The paper also reported that as many as 20 ambulances were on the scene.

This evening the Hartford Courant reported the latest details and published photos.

A devastating explosion that was heard and felt for miles destroyed a power plant Sunday morning as workers purged a natural gas piping system, killing at least five and injuring many more, emergency response officers said.

Homeowners miles away said the 11 a.m. explosion at the Kleen Energy Systems power plant on River Road created a shock wave so intense that some mistakenly thought the central part of the state had experienced an earthquake.

A photo of the plant taken earlier:

To give you an idea of the scale of the plant -- and the possible devastation associated with this disaster -- the following aerial views pan from west to east along the Connecticut river just east of Middletown.










Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those touched by this horrific explosion.


We interrupt our regularly scheduled broadcast...

Because he hasn't talked at the American people enough, President Obama is scheduled to interrupt our Super Bowl celebration in a matter of moments.

Given the President's media exposure, perhaps I should state it this way: we interrupt this Presidential sermon for the Super Bowl.

Who was that character you couldn't escape in Orwell's 1984?

 

Oh my heavens! Sarah Palin wrote some words on her hand. Wait here while I alert the media.

Joe Weisenthal at Business Insider saves us the trouble of surfing to the Stuffington Roast:

You can stop making fun of Barack Obama for his dependence on a teleprompter. Sarah Palin -- the biggest hero of the right -- was caught by AP photographers with cliff notes on her hand.

See on her left hand there?

Maybe not. That's okay. HuffPo zoomed in and cropped it closer:

We can read the top word, energy, pretty clearly.

We also see the word "tax" in there.

We're not sure what the other ones are.

Any thoughts?

Near as I can tell, the notes read: "Energy   Budget Cut   Tax   Lift American Spirits."

What hasn't been disclosed thus far is that President Obama was recently observed using handwritten notes on his hand as well. Cub Reporter Biff Spackle took this photograph at a recent press event using a telephoto lens.

Ah, so that's why President Obama always appears to be observing a geriatric tennis match while he gives his speeches!


Linked by: Michelle Malkin, The Washington Examiner, Jammie Wearing Fool and Memeorandum. Thanks!

Mark Levin's Top 50 Nicknames for Loser Politicians and MSM-ers

Bestselling author and talk radio icon Mark Levin routinely mocks the left with some great nicknames. My top 50:

1. Milhaus (aka Barack Milhaus Obama, aka Barack Hussein Obama)
2. Plugs (Joe Biden)
3. Stretch (Nancy Pelosi)
4. Mary Landfill (Mary Landrieu)
5. Jim 'Melon-Head' Webb
6. Al Capone (Rahm Emanuel)
7. Meyer Lansky (David Axelrod)
8. John McLame (John McCain)
9. Harry 'the Body Odor' Reid
10. Jon Leibowitz (Jon Stewart)
11. Benedict Nelson (Ben Nelson)
12. The Dwarf Senator (Barbara Boxer)
13. John D-Student Kerry (John Kerry)
14. The New York Slimes (New York Times)
15. Washington Compost (Washington Post)
16. The 8pm-er (Bill O'Reilly)
17. Screwball on Screwball (Chris Matthews)
18. MSLSD (MSNBC)
19. The Associated Depress (AP)
20. Little Dick Durbin (Richard Durbin)
21. Dianne Frankenfeinstein (Dianne Feinstein)
22. The Spiteful Troll (Al Franken)
23. Schmucky (Chuck Schumer)
24. Olympia Snowjob (Olympia Snowe)
25. Arlen Spectacle (Arlen Specter)
26. Stempy Hoyer (Steny Hoyer)
27. Keith Overbite (aka Countdown to No Ratings, aka Keith Olbermann)
28. The 5pm-er (aka The Backbencher with Tourettes, aka Glenn Beck)
29. Her Thighness (aka Hillary Rotten Clinton, aka Hillary Rodham Clinton)
30. BJ (Bill Jefferson Clinton)
31. Meet the Depressed (Meet the Press)
32. Rachel Madcow (Rachel Maddow)
33. The Buck-Toothed Moron (David Letterman)
34. The Jerkinator (aka Moron in Two Languages, aka Arnold Schwarzenegger)
35. John Dingleberry (John Dingell)
36. Lindsey "Goober" Graham
37. Barney's Frank (Barney Frank)
38. Anthony's Weiner (Anthony Weiner)
39. The Crminal Front Group Known as Media Matters
40. RuPaul (Ron Paul)
41. Jesse Jerkson (Jesse Jackson)
42. Al "Not So" Sharpton
43. Weiner Nation (aka Savage Nation, aka Michael Savage)
44. Steven Cole Bert (aka Spock Ears, aka Steven Colbert)
45. Repubicans (Moderate Republicans)
46. Tom Brokejaw (Tom Brokaw)
47. Huffington Compost (Huffington Post)
48. American Criminal Liberties Union (American Civil Liberties Union)
49. National Organization for Really Ugly Women (National Organization for Women)
50. Colon Polyp (Colin Powell)

I'm sorry, but "Milhaus" never gets old. And -- who'd I miss?

 

Larwyn's Linx: Palin's Speech --- and My New Project

Have a great link you'd like me to review? Drop me an email. You can also install a Larwyn's Linx blog widget.

Nation

Gillibrand to Appear With Disgraced 9/11 Truther: JWF
New Black Panther Stonewall Continues: JRubin
New Black Panther Stonewall Part II: JRubin

ObamaCare: What Went Wrong?: Patterico
Sarah Palin’s Speech in Nashville: RWN
Reagan: Green Room

My New Project: Patrick Kennedy Must Go: LegalIns
Timing Is Everything: Crittenden
Who Did Palin Remind You Of?: Riehl

Child pornographer's pals cry for leniency: Grand Rants
A Lie, an Ego and a T-Shirt: Fausta
Obama 'Faith' Advisor Attacks Pope!: FloppingAces

Economy

The Grasping Hand: City Journal
The President's Bigger Budget: Hennessey
Budget Buster Express: Amtrak still off the rails: Times

Climate & Energy

Our Wrong-Headed Approach to Alternative Energy: PJM
Global Warming puts White House press corps in danger: BlogProf
'Snowmageddon' blankets Mid-Atlantic in heavy snow: Times

Media

Corpseman - It's No Mere Gaffe: Breath of the Beast
Pictures from Sarah Palin's Speech: InstaPundit
Strap-On Whines: Hey, Your Crazy Rightwingers, My Ratings Are Actually Going Up: JWF

‘Bob, You’d Better Just Pull Back’ — Does Beckel Have a Problem with Women?: BigJourn
Scott Lee Cohen: Case in Point How Chicago Media Covers for Criminal Democrats: RWN
Axelrod's Quote of the Day: Patterico

Healthy Insanity: Sensing
Barack Obama: Imaginary Friend of Democrats. Cause and Cure.: AmDigest
Video: “The Age Of Reagan: An Interview With Steven F. Hayward”: RWN

World

Sounds Familiar: Sensing
Father Buries Daughter Alive for Talking to Boys: JWF
Legacy: R&OR

From Himmler with Love: Atlas
U.S. and UK Must Hang Together in Face of Terror: PJM
Doomed to Failure?: The Politics and Intelligence of the Oslo Peace Process: Grobman

SciTech

How To Hide An Airplane Factory: Think or Thwim
Obama vs. Einstein: PJM
Is this Google's Super Bowl commercial?: Insider

Cornucopia

It's in the DNA: Mirror
The Final Frontier: Awkward Family Photos
Revolutionary Axe Cleaning Product: Axe

13 Year Old Commits To USC: MyFoxNY


Saturday, February 06, 2010

Porsche 930: turbocharging the likes of which the world had never seen

The Porsche Club of America pays homage to what may be the most beautiful supercar in history.

The Porsche 930 made history. It was the first production car to make practical use of a turbocharger. First of all, let me answer the obvious question: "What's a 930?" Well, when you hear "930," it's a reference to the factory "type" number given to production vehicles.

For instance, when the original 911 was introduced in the sixties, it was called a "911", but often referred to as "type 901". In this case, "type 930" designates a 911 with a turbocharged engine. So you might see a turbocharged Porsche referred to as 930 or 911 Turbo--these designations mean the exact same thing.

For the 1976 production year, a new model, called the "Turbo Carrera" was available (type 930, but officially titled "Turbo Carrera"). The car was a 911, but a very special one. It was turbocharged. This new model had the 3.0 liter engine, modified suspension, fender flares, and the most well-known trademark of all, the whaletail. It developed 234 hp and 246 lb-ft torque. It could go from 0-60 in 6.7 seconds, and cruise to 156 mph. The car was fast, powerful, and extremely tail-happy.

However, the 1976/77 Turbo Carrera was simply an intro to the "big" 930, of the 1978 model. In 2 years of further development, the car was upgraded into a 3.3 liter, intercooled, turbocharged monster that could go from 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, and allow the speedo needle to soar past the 165 mark. The 930 was now just titled "Turbo" on the rear deck lid. Sadly, 1979 was the last year for the 930 in America. The 930 was discontinued in the US due mainly to emissions requirements. There are grey market 930's running all over the states, though.

...Each year, we thought that the 911 Turbo was at its peak. Not yet so, because for 1993, the engine size was increased to 3.6 liters, and more power, more speed, and better handling was set forth. It now had 360 horsepower and 383 lb-ft torque. It had dual exhaust, better brakes (how???), and totally redone engine components. The 911 Turbo 3.6 (below), as it was now called, showed the world how much Porsche could improve on something already thought to be perfect.

The Turbo 3.6 led the way for 2 years, and was discontinued by 1995. At Geneva in 1995, Porsche introduced the 1996 911 Turbo. It had the updated 993 body style with flared fenders and a new, melted-look whaletail. The engine was of 993 variety, but this time with twin turbochargers...


You won't believe these BART salaries: reason #4,062 the Democrat Utopia of California is circling the drain

One of Mish's contacts emailed him a link to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transportation) System salary database.

Let me preface this by saying that BART San Francisco employees are generally considered a tad less customer-friendly than the staff of a Zimbabwean DMV.

What -- you expected something different from yet another Rathke-SEIU™ enterprise?

As suggested, I did a quick perusal of BART Salaries.


40 pages deep I found this:


The above images show two station agents making approximately $85,000 a year.

Inquiring minds just might be asking "Why So Little?"

Indeed, I am rather puzzled over this immense travesty of justice. After all, BART station agents are highly renown worldwide for their politeness, helpfulness, and willingness to assist customers above and beyond the call of duty.

Moreover, I feel obliged to point out that station agents must meet the stringent requirements of having a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Upon further reflection I am quite sure my California Banker friend meant to say "As underpaid compensation levels go for municipal employees, BART might be close to the top of the list."

If you live in the Bay area, please contact the mayor and your city council representatives stating your willingness for further tax hikes to provide much needed raises for the underloved, underappreciated, and underpaid BART employees.

Gee, Nancy Dodd-Schumer, wouldn't card check be awesome?

 

Hiding Under the Steps Is Not An Option: GBU-57A/B

Bernie sends this one along with the missive, "the fact that this story was leaked when it was is a little whisper in Ahmadinejad's ear."

GBU-57A/B

The Pentagon is accelerating by three years its plans for a super bunker buster, the GBU-57A/B or Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a powerful new bomb aimed squarely at the underground nuclear facilities of Iran and North Korea . The gargantuan bomb is longer than 11 persons standing shoulder-to-shoulder or more than 20 feet base to nose and weighs over 15 tons (31,862 pounds). Some 18 percent of its total weight is comprised of explosives.

The GBU-57A/B MOP is so immense it can only be carried by either a B-52 or a B-2A Stealth bomber. The weapons explosive power is 10 times greater than its predecessor, the BLU-109. Moreover, the GBU-57A/B MOP is one third heavier than the MOAB dubbed the Mother of All Bombs.

This super buster all started with a break-through by the Raytheon Company when it developed and tested a new conventional warhead technology to defeat hardened and deeply buried bunkers. The new technology, called Tandem Warhead System, consists of a shaped-charge precursor warhead combined with a follow- through penetrator explosive charge.

A small MOP prototype was exploded deep under the rugged mountains of the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in the caverns of the little-known Weapons of Mass Destruction National Testbeds. The slender orange-colored MOP small prototype was vertically hung, nose down, just inches from the floor of a narrow cavern and then detonated. During the test, the newly developed 1,000-pound-class test warhead set a record when it punched through 19 feet, 3 inches of a 20-foot,330-ton, steel rod-reinforced concrete block rated at 12,600 pounds per square inch compressive strength. In fewer than 10 milliseconds, the explosion delivered into the target more than 110 million foot-pounds of energy via a high-velocity jet of molten metal.

Simultaneously, the Air Force contracted to have an extremely accurate GPS guidance system developed for the MOP; a system more accurate than those deployed in Iraq . It is believed that the CEP (Circle of Error Probably) for the new system is less than five meters.

Guided by the new precision GPS system, the MOP can penetrate an unprecedented 200 feet down before exploding with devastation into an underground bunker, such as those buried in Iran and North Korea currently used to shield rogue nuclear programs.

A test of the full sized prototype was conducted using a B-52 for the test drop. The prototype weapon met each and every flight, guidance, penetration and detonation requirements.

Its sheer explosive power was demonstrated in the test. By the end of 2007, a full-size dummy mock-up of the eventual GBU-57A/B MOP was loaded into the bay of a B2 at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri . A member of the 509th Maintenance Group personally handling the bomb remarked, "I couldn't help but notice how enormous the bomb was hanging in the weapons bay".

A crash program was then approved to modify B-2A Stealth bombers to carry a payload of two GBU-57A/B MOP bombs. The speed and urgency comes at a time when Iran , NATO and Israel are approaching a denouement over Tehran 's nuclear ambitions, its development of long-range, multi-stage missiles and a new awareness that it is clearly developing a nuclear bomb. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and the AFRLs Munitions Directorate and the Air Armament Center , both headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida , are now rushing to modify the bay of a radar-evading B-2A Stealth Bomber to deliver the bomb. A collage of private sector subcontractors is also working on effort, from Stealth bomber manufacturer Northrop Grumman to Boeings Phantom Works, maker of the bomb itself and prime contractor for the entire project. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency in Virginia has been coordinating among the various air force groups from the beginning.

Thus, we will now have a non-nuclear weapon capable of deep penetration and massive explosive power. Welcome to the.....

GBU-57A/B

Daddy like.

Won't you please help grow our federal bureaucracies? President Obama wants you to receive your tax refund in Savings Bonds

I came across a news story from last September that makes a lot more sense today. President Obama then announced that, starting in 2010, tax refunds could be sent as government savings bonds, rather than as checks. Just mark a box on your return, and *voila!* -- you're helping fund the Democrats' out-of-control deficit spending.

What's next: a telethon?


We need Jim DeMint's balanced budget amendment now. Before it's too late.


Linked by: The Washington Examiner. Thanks!

Al Gore's Visit Blamed for DC's Record-Blasting Snowstorm: Up to Three Feet of Warmal Colding Expected

Al Gore must be visiting Washington, DC. The unexplained attraction severe weather has for the tubby grifter -- known in scientific circles as "The Gore Effect" -- is the only rational explanation for the monstrous snowstorm now burying the nation's capitol.

Up to three feet of snow (between 28" and 36", depending upon which meteorologist you trust) will warm the Beltway before the storm peters out to the Northeast.

Bean-o, my trusted reporter in the Bethesda, Maryland area, reports he's been without power for 12 hours and there are estimates of a half-million similarly affected households.

But remember, folks: weather ain't climate. The United Nations' International Panel on Climate Crime (I hear that's what "IPCC" stands for) says that all of the record-crushing cold is because of warming. Or something.


Larwyn's Linx: How's that Al Franken doing?

Have a great link you'd like me to review? Drop me an email. You can also install a Larwyn's Linx blog widget.

Nation

How's that Al Franken doing?: LegalIns
Beyond Hope and Change: AT
Tea Parties need to take down Democrat fundraising: HillBuzz

The Super-Sized Census Boondoggle: Malkin
The 5 Stages Of Liberal Obamacare Grief: RWN
Obama Addresses Birther, Faithers, Constitutioners: Powers

CT Senate Race and Retard-Gate: RWN
Dem Conyers go nuts: too many whites on Haiti staff: BlogProf
The Tillman Act and Clarence Thomas: Maggie

Economy

GOP Pushes Balanced Budget Amendment: Wizbang
Is Toyota Paying Price for Not Supporting Obama?: BMW
What's really behind Toyota recall?: HillBuzz

Imagine "Card Check" -- This Happened Without It: Jawa
Why Buy-and-Hold Investing Can Never Work: Bennett
US loses more jobs but U-2 rate 'drops': GWP

Yikes: Obama Sells Obamacare by Describing Cancer Victim Buried in Obama Shirt: Powers

Climate & Energy

The Global Warming Guerrillas: Driscoll
Steyn: Glaciers Aren't Melting. The IPCC's Credibility Is.: Ace
Climate scepticism 'on the rise': BBC

"Dr." Pachauri: Hey, Those Who Claim I Profited From IPCC Decisions Should Rub Asbestos on Their Faces (And Die of Cancer): Ace
Look who’s opposing EPA’s war on carbon now: Malkin
For IPCC, ClimateGate writing is on the Wall, written in Chinese: PJM

Media

Strap-On Sinks to New Low with Repellent, Vulgar Cheap Shot: Strap-on Watch
Sky Is Falling, Fire The Senate Quick: LegalIns
Report: NYT ready to drop scandal bombshell on New York governor: Hot Air

Obama the Fiscal Conservative?: AmPower
Mysterious ex-Coakley Campaign Advisor Appears on The O'Reilly Factor: Obamanation
That Didn’t Take Long: ABC Attacks Tea Party Leaders at Press Conference: BigGovt

The great peasant revolt of 2010: Hammer
James O'Keefe is a CIA-Israeli Spy!: Jawa

World

Putting Women in Their Place: GoV
Depressing Report on Antisemitism: Harry's Place
Dubai to seek Netanyahu arrest on Hamas death: Maktoob

The Iranian Revolutions Devours Its Young: Ledeen
Why I Stand with Geert Wilders: Pipes
Is Obama Blocking Apache Sales To Israel, "Dismayed" At Use During Cast Lead?: Mere Rhetoric

Responsible when it isn't your fault.: Stilletos
Kabul Street Scene: AT

SciTech

Friday Night Random Crap: DPU
The mystery of the disappearing Zune music: CNet

Cornucopia

The Obligatory Exploding Breast Implants of Death Post - or something: MNR
The Best Clothing Drive Ever: Bud Light
Video: How not to right an overturned semi truck: AutoBlog

As We Speak: C&S
Snowpocalypse Now!: Breitbart TV


Friday, February 05, 2010

The Car That Changed Everything: the Datsun 240Z

Piston Heads features the 'car that re-wrote the GT rule book' in 1969.

[Datsun] wasted no time formulating a blueprint for a 'personal GT' that would slot in below the hallowed 'Vette but above 'boutique' European sportsters like the Opel GT, MGB GT and Porsche 914, and deliver a genuine two-fisted driving experience in a thoroughly modern, good looking and, above all, affordable package.

In truth, the 'hairy-chested' aspect of its character wasn't a million miles removed from the Austin Healey 3000's, a car close to Americans' hearts, but even closer to the retirement home. It was the fusion of more aspirational elements, though, that made the 240Z an instant sensation and gave notice of something the Japanese would become renowned for: artful plagiarism.

Which is why the first thing you notice is the long, low bonnet complete with a power bulge, just like an E-type Jag's. The fastback roofline swoops down to a sharply truncated tail that, from some angles and in the right light, looks teasingly Ferrari-esque. Inside, the seating is low slung and leanly padded in the best sportscar tradition, while the dials of the instrument display are sunk into deep cowls, just as they would have been in a '60's Alfa Romeo. Its stubby gearlever has a wooden knob and a baggy gate frock that makes it look even shorter and more 'snickety'.

And that engine. Who'd guess it's the 1595cc single overhead cam four from Nissan's dull 510 saloon of the day with an extra couple of cylinders welded on the end? In the 240Z it's a lusty, throaty 2.4-litre straight six thoroughbred that develops 151bhp and 146 lb ft of torque. All right, outputs that seen laughably puny by today's standards but, at the end of the '60s, potent enough in a car that weighed just over 1000 kilos to propel it to 60mph in 8.0sec, the ton in 25.6sec and 125mph flat out - quicker than a Triumph TR6 or a Porsche 911T.

It doesn't feel slow, even now. A respectably flat torque curve and five neatly-stacked ratios team up to give the 240Z decent in-gear punch and bags of flexibility, which is just as well because the engine's throbby roar becomes almost intolerably harsh and thrashy above 6000 revs, despite the 7000rpm red line.

...What's perhaps most remarkable about driving the 40-year old 240Z again is how close it is in character to the current 370Z. The 370 goes and stops harder and can negotiate long sweeping bends travelling faster than the 240Z could manage on the straight. But the striking good looks, compact size and tough, unfrilly personality are almost perfectly aligned. As is its chassis' predictable, forgiving balance and clear lines of communication...

When I was a kid, a 240Z was the next best thing to a beautiful woman. To Nissan's credit, kids around the world feel the same way about the current Z.

 

The Spreadsheet That the NEA Doesn't Want You to See

How come no one ever compares the number of dollars spent per student with standardized test results? I'm kinda surprised that the teachers' unions -- the NEA and the AFT, for instance -- don't demand that newspapers publicize these results.

I put together a workbook that compares spending-per-student to test results and discovered some revealing data. For instance: the District of Columbia spends the most (by far) and has the worst results (by far). Yes: most spending, worst results. I blame Bush.

4th Grade Reading8th Grade Reading4th Grade Math8th Grade Math
StatePer-pupil spending ($)Rank% meeting state prof stndrd % at or above NAEP level % meeting state prof stndrd % at or above NAEP level % meeting state prof stndrd % at or above NAEP level % meeting state prof stndrd % at or above NAEP level
District of Columbia13,18714412407
New York11,54627133493387365631
New Jersey11,43638137743881456436
Connecticut10,00146638773478427635
Massachusetts9,8565484439494243
Vermont9,6786
Alaska9,58677927822671346529
Delaware9,271880305630
Rhode Island9,1789
Pennsylvania8,8411064366231
Wyoming8,667114734393639433729
Wisconsin8,574128333863574407536
Maryland8,507138232683078385330
Michigan8,4891473386129
Maine8,35115
Ohio8,100167734803665436333
Illinois8,0221772315429
New Hampshire7,75018
West Virginia7,748198026802275257118
Minnesota7,69120
Oregon7,6212164336534
Indiana7,580227230662872387030
California7,51123482139215128
Virginia7,50124
Nebraska7,41825
Georgia7,340268726832575306923
Iowa7,305277733723480377634
Hawaii7,253285623371830272018
Kansas7,0522978358547
Montana7,027308136
Missouri7,0183141311526
South Carolina6,984323526302539362430
Washington6,8943380366042
Colorado6,884348637863290397432
Texas6,746358129832682406131
North Dakota6,728367635723780406535
New Mexico6,606375020521939192414
Louisiana6,519386520542063245616
North Carolina6,511398229882791408432
Kentucky6,4934067313723
South Dakota6,31941
Oklahoma6,256428225712574296721
Arkansas6,119435330572653343422
Alabama6,11544
Florida6,056457130442563375826
Nevada6,0344648215226
Tennessee5,984478827872687288821
Idaho5,923488733823291407030
Arizona5,5244963236126
Mississippi5,382508818581879195314
Utah4,89051

Now you can see why the anti-school-choice teachers' unions hate standardized testing.

It exposes them like streakers at the Rose Bowl Parade.