I guess it is the goal of the suits at NBC to completely destroy the once good name of “Knight Rider” and to leave no stone unturned in the process. Next week they bring back KARR to do battle with KITT, but instead of it being an alter ego Mustang of sorts KARR is now a transformer…le sad.
SOURCE: YouTube
Is it me or do these movies become less and less about cars despite having more cars in each of the sequels progressively? Whatever, here is the latest trailer for the fourth installment of Fast and Furious which hits theaters on April 3, 2009.
SOURCE: YouTube
On new year’s day Andrew from Goldberg Film and I met up with Adrian (TORCH FRC), owner of Elite Custom Auto to shoot his custom painted Monterey Blue Corvette C5. I will have pics up soon to go along with this video.
Normally I post pics of exotics spotted in the wild, but every now and then I come across something just too peculiar to not snap a pic. Today was one of those days. I was at the bank about an hour ago and parked next to the Volvo pictured above. I don’t know if the owner was going for a homemade custom paint job or if they parked it in National City for too long and some taggers got to it.
In attempt to fix California’s ballooning deficit the majority Democratic legislature has submitted to Governor Schwarzenegger a budget with “revenue enhancements” that the Democrats call fees, not taxes. In this new budget there is a provision for a $0.39/gallon gas “fee,” as well as an increase in the state sales tax and personal income tax.
Democrats were able to cheat the system in passing this new tax, I mean “fee,” with a simple majority vote instead of the mandatory 2/3 majority required to pass new taxes. Their reasoning? The definition of the word “tax.” By calling these additional charges “fees” democrats claim this new budget “does not technically increase the amount of taxes on Californians.” For instance, because the gas “fee” would be set aside for transportation projects only, it isn’t a tax, it’s a user fee, and so it doesn’t require a 2/3 majority vote. Yeah like it matters, the end result is the same, we the citizens will be paying more in the long run during a time of an economic; way to pass the buck.
Republicans have vowed not to support what they correctly call increased taxes. Citizen’s groups have also promised to sue the state if Schwarzenegger signs the proposed budget as is. Schwarzenegger however has already vowed to veto it, but not over the increase in taxes. What he is looking for in order to pass this, are bigger spending cuts.
SOURCE: Yahoo
PRESS RELEASE:
SEMA Call To Oppose Federal “Cash for Clunkers” Program
Diamond Bar, CA. December 29, 2008: Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.
The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.
Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!
Call: 202/225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: HOUSE.GOV
Talking Points
Oppose the Use of U.S. Taxpayer Dollars for Cash for Clunkers
“Cash for Clunkers” programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.
I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a “Cash for Clunkers” provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a “minimal” payment to purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country’s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being improved.
I work for [company name] located in [city and state]. My company is part of the specialty automotive industry, an industry which enables consumers to enhance their vehicle’s appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and safety. “Cash for Clunkers” programs deny our small businesses the availability of older cars necessary to develop and market their products and services. The programs will hurt my company and our customers.
Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
“Cash for Clunkers” programs will reduce the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.
“Cash for Clunkers” ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.
We hope we can count on you to reject “Cash for Clunkers.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.
Please send a quick note and/or a copy of your message to Speaker Pelosi to:
E-mail: briand@sema.org
Fax: 202/783-6024
SOURCE: SEMA