My Blog

V for Vendetta Invades Washington DC

Riff Raff — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 06:05:41 GMT

V makes an appearance in Washington. <div align="center"><embed src="http://creative.myspace.com/groups/_crs/v/v2.mov" autostart="true" width="320" height="148" showstatusbar="0"></embed><br><a href="http://creative.myspace.com/groups/_crs/v/trailerv.html" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to put this video in your profile!</div> http://www.givemeliberty.org/RTP2/UPDATES/Update2006-11-18.htm For full story click above link. November 18, 2006 ..V.. Makes A Mark In DC Worldwide Interest in RTP Stirred It..s working. We are making good use of the powerful concept of en masse activist resistance used in the movie, ..V for Vendetta... ..V.. is helping us as we build support for the unalienable Right to a Response from Government to our Petitions for Redress of Grievances regarding the Government..s violation of the war powers, tax, privacy and money clauses of the Constitution. ..V.. is helping us as we educate the public about the First Amendment..s guarantee of our Right to Petition Government for Redress of Grievances. On November 6, 2006, a lone man in a ..V.. mask and clothing visited security checkpoints at the White House, the main Treasury Building, the Department of Justice and the Capitol, to deliver a letter and the Petitions for Redress. A short videotape of the encounters has made its way around the Internet, including links from sites such as MySpace.com. The letter informed the leaders of the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government that up to 100 people in ..V.. masks and clothing would gather in silent vigil at those locations on November 14th to await a response to the Petitions for Redress. True to his word, at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, nearly 100 men and women in ..V.. masks and clothing could be seen walking along different streets in downtown Washington, DC, all heading to Lafayette Park across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.

New Baby- Fresh Floor Nov 17th

Riff Raff — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 19:58:20 GMT

November 17th- After work I spent the evening measuring and cutting fresh floor panels. Here Im bending a piece of sheet metal before cutting the pattern: http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/0742b117.jpg http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/0742b117.jpg Next, using a body hammer I straightened the original panel to use as a template: <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0831.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> After laying down the old panel I used a sharpie to make a pattern onto the new sheet metal. I went ahead and cut it. I was using galvanized steel which is coated with zinc oxide to prevent rust. This also gives off some pretty foul toxic fumes so I donned my mask. I got the sheet free from Mike from OC McDonald Sheet metal. Also, note my sitting position, dont try this at home as one slip wouldve been curtains for Riff Raff Jr: <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0834.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> Heres a pic of the old and new panel-passenger side. Note the rust on the old panel: <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0837.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> Heres a pic of the new panel on the drivers side before welding: <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0830.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> November 11th-13th I spent most of Veterans Day Weekend stripping and gutting the interior of the Biz Coupe. In cars of that era the factory laid down a thick coating of tar on the floor pan. Using a scrapper I ended up scrapping about 55 years worth of tar and rust by hand. It had that many years to cure and was prolly one of the more difficult things on the resto to do but I didnt know of any easier way to do it. After having taken most of it out Ill be brushing some Perma-tex Rust inhibitor on it (similiar to Por-15 rust killer) followed by some sound insulating material. I had also measured out and cut away pieces of rusted floor on the driver and passenger side of the interior. Heres a pic of me beginning the cut on the driver side floor: <img <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0813.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> Heres a close up of the rusted area that was being cut: src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0817.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> another angle: <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0820.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> I saved the rusted panels as templates for me to cut out new patterns for later. This weekend Ill lay down the new metal panels and JB weld them in place followed by TIG welds, grind them and rust treat the area. After the panel was cut off on driver's side. If you look close you can see China from here: <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0838.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> Uh oh. I did it. Call me crazy or stupid, I got a new baby. Not the human cute lil rug rat poo poo machine types, but the classic mechanical internal combustion type. I bought a Black 1950 Dodge Wayfarer Business Coupe. Yes, a Business Coupe, the hard to find kind, second only to finding a convertible. The ones they jack up the price on 4-5 times more then regular 2 or 4 door coupes. This one was practically in my backyard about 15 minutes away instead of The sticks, Kansas. This one actually has less rust, less dents and is in black primer. No need to weld a trunk panel (though there is rust in the floor). So bodywork wise there will be less work. Whats also ironic is that this car is in the actual same phase as my former project. Its practically ready for paint and then to get the 440" dropped in! I had kept a roving eye on a business coupe while doing my current project. I always loved the lines on them, more roadster then family car. Im stoked. What this means though is my current project, The '50 Coronet will be delayed as I focus my energy, time and money on the new car. I need a nick name for her. Hell I need money and time on her! Thats the ol hot rod mantra, 'No time, no money'. Sometimes I have one sometimes I have the other and when the rare opportunity comes when they both come together things actually get done. Anyway, she gets delivered this Friday. Im back (almost) to square one. Gonna weld a lil, gonna grind a lil, trim holes out, treat the rust etc etc etc. Itll be fun. Im up to the challenge. Gotta call the shops tell em Ron has a new project, Hold off, re schedule and get ready for the new ride! Ill write more soon. Right now Im so hungry, so tired...and so broke. Crazy or stupid, Im loving it!

RISK

Riff Raff — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 05:30:00 GMT

"To laugh is to risk appearing a fool, To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement, To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self. To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return, To live is to risk dying, To hope is to risk despair, To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, But he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live. Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom. Only a person who risks is free.

a new and different sun

Riff Raff — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 07:46:20 GMT

So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. -The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun'.

The 50 project (updated 8.15)

Riff Raff — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 01:42:47 GMT

The '50 Dodge Yeah!! In July 2004 I got my classic car, a 1950 Dodge 2 door coupe! Its a 3 speed column shift with a Flathead inline Six and is all complete. All the trim is there, the chrome still shines and the windows are complete, too! Body is straight w/ little bondo and has the sexiest curves. The dude who had it was restoring it for his gal and lack of fund-idge stopped the project. He put in a sweet carb and thick whitewalls with baby moons. The interior has been restored and the dash is nice, very ART DECO-ish. I do have some work cut out for me,some vandals smashed the headlights (those are the first things being replaced), the wiring is all screwy, master cylinder needs a rebuild and of course the paint is faded, but man she is a looker. And she purrs sexy at idle. Anyway, thanks for letting share my new joy and project with you all. I know theres a few classic car folks out there. Im just glad I got her a new home and saved her from getting recycled into a lawn chair somewhere. Ill post pics as soon as I can. Im hoping to replace most of the components including most of the electrical (see below) as well as: install the 'secret weapon' replace front end bushings, springs and shocks, convert the brakes from drum to discs, and get her painted! UPDATE: April 2005- Electrical- $300.00 I took the '50 into the electrical shop in Dec 2004 and finally got it out in April 2005..whew! I love Jose at P&P Auto Electric but that was a long wait- but it was a good wait because I have a fresh alternator, coil, solenoid and battery installed. They fab'd an alternator bracket. They also re wired the old (but beautiful old cloth wrapped wires) w/ fresh wiring for the 12 volt conversion and used voltage suppressors where needed to retain the stock wires. Also the old 6 volt bulbs were tossed and new 12 volt bulbs were used. All gauges work as well as horn, signal and interior lights. -Currently scheduled for a new fuel sending unit (gas guage out) and speedo cable. Free! Thanks Jose! <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/TheFlat6.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> UPDATE: April-June 2005 Brake system-$350.00 While the car was at P&P Electrical I had Jose also rebuild the brakes and wheel cylinders. Now brakes work good and stops pretty decently. However with the brakes being drum system it doesnt stop as well as Im used to. Im contemplating a switch to steel braided lines for better feel as the brakes feel a little soft now. Also found some info on the net (RustyHope.com) regarding brackets for a rotor and GM calipers. Bodywork- $500.00 and counting.. Ive been sanding and sanding and sanding after work to get her prepped for paint. Also hired Nick from Nick's auto body to tutor me on how to do body/sanding and bondo work. If you dont know how to do this DONT without first having an expert explain it to you. Youll end up doing it again later or having someone else $$ do it$$ for you. First day Nick prepped and bondo'd the trim holes then the next day Nick taught me how to prep and sand trim holes and then bondo them smooth while he supervised me. GOOD LESSON. . It cost me 5 bills for his work and tutoring but I saved alot just from the work and lesson alone. <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/IMGP0400.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> UPDATE: July 2005 Fuel system- $160.00 I picked her up from Pro-Star Auto after she stalled on me at an intersection (thanks for helping T). Found out it was a bad fuel line. she idles ALOT better. They also added a new fuel filter. UPDATE: July 20th 05 Radiator/cooling- $425.00 The radiator was on its last mile and constantly made the engine temp rise up and up so I took the '50 to AutoLand radiator shop to get her radiator recored. Basically they pull out the old radiator's middle (core) put in a brand new core and reuse the top and bottom of the radiator. Why I went this route? I still want her old school as Im running the flathead and trying to keep the look. The radiator when done will operate just as nicely as a new one but still retain that stock old school look (w/ newer design). Picked her up from Autoland Radiator Shop with a brand new radiator! Whats cool is it still looks stock but is totally updated. All fluids were flushed out in the radiator as well as the block. Temperature finally is stable, runs cooler and I can drive her without worrying about boiling over. Unfortunately the carb is still being a bee-yatch so Im having Pro-Star look at it again. Im hoping they fix it right this time as I need it to go to paint in August. August 11, 2005- Cruising around with The '50 the cabin was getting some fumes coming in from somewhere. Im suspecting a manifold leak and upon checking out the block felt some air rushing out the carb and manifold area. So I dropped it off to Paul at Motor Masters in Downtown San Jose. If ever youre around the area on 6th and Santa Clara you have to check out this shop, its total old school! It was originally built in the 20s and looks the part. High vaulted wooden ceilings, large windows, very airy inside. Just the right old school touches in the doors and floor area. I think my car will be happy here. Anyway back to Paul, I had him pressure test the cylinders and the radiator for the source of the leak etc. After Paul completed the tests he found all 6 cylinders firing well. Unfortunately he also found a small hairline crack in the engine block near the rear and under the manifold ( which I was hoping there wouldnt be one). This spells the death knoll for the flathead 6 and the flathead will be pulled and retired soon. Out with the old and in with the new-The 440" I had purchased a four hundred and forty cubic inch big block v8 back in February of 2005 for a future project. After much thought and only 4000 miles on it, the block will be dropped into the bay after some careful measuring and fab'd motor mounts. The 440" secret weapon has been waiting in the wings for a day like this. I have been calling and talking to several shops in the area who would be able to tackle a project like this. I have narrowed it down to the following: Freeman and Frame, Speed Merchant and Modifed Toys. I might have to toss my heater and trim the passenger side wheel well a few inches to make room since the 440" is a big MF. <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/sse7evo7/secretweapon.jpg" alt="> 1950 Dodge Coronet- $1000.00 (plus a rigid frame trade) 2 door flathead inline 6 cylinder 230 cubic inches 90 hp New chrome Edelbrock breather-$10.00 New chrome Edelbrock air filter cover-$24.00 Rebuilt Carter Carburetor 15 inch bias ply tires (suck) with baby moons 3" wide white wall tires P&P Auto Electric: Rebuilt master cylinder Rebuilt wheel cylinders New 12 volt conversion HotRodwires wiring harness $200.00 New battery and cables-$70.00/$15.00 New solenoid-$15.00 New alternator w/ fabricated bracket-$75.00 New coil-$15.00 July 2005- New fuel lines New fuel filter New radiator August 2005- pressure test cylinders and radiator-$224.00 paint (?!)

Imagine if..?

Riff Raff — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 06:03:53 GMT

...all that we were looking for was seperated by one preference? AND because of that one defined preference our certain path to meet that person of ours became set to a totally different direction? think about it. maybe you had already met him. maybe you were close to meeting him. -but because of that list you keep so close to you, that fear of 'settling' your path couldnt be. imagine all youve passed up and along simply by wanting this established 'must have' list. has that 'list' really helped you? what if that preference you seek had all along misled you or simply is a false belief set up by you maybe your friends, family, some romance novel youve read or even (sigh) some scene from a hollywood movie. been searching for awhile? i think we all have. weve all been disappointed, some due... -to our silly false beliefs. imagine you running late for some dinner party as the person of your future steps out the door as you rush towards it, but in your haste calling your friend on the cell phone apologizing profusely that the man of your dreams simply brushes past you not even a glance nor a smile. poof, just like that, just that close and just that gone. i gazed at the personals today, looking at all these beautiful, independent creative women..some living just miles from me. when i had this epiphany, thus i wrote this post. maybe someone out there will read these words and reset a different path. if we continue on that same path we will repeat those same mistakes, those same pains. so blaze a different path. throw away those must haves. they hadnt helped you before you think they will help now? im not trying to scare you, im hoping to have you think another way, something more real, more fair to you. what if we focused more on life experience rather then yearly income? character OVER personality, family over assets? if you think about it the former are much more important then the latter. i am not asking you to settle but what if we could set our goals to be more real? maybe we would be able to find who we were meant to find that much sooner...think about it.

My Last Goodbye

Riff Raff — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 06:01:51 GMT

I buried you today. With your family present. I watched as the black limo you rode in drove slowly past.. us. We all following in silent procession. Moments passed as people gathered finally to turn and watch as your father carried your casket to your final spot under the palm. He was your sole pall bearer, little one. How carefully and gently he clutched your little white casket close to him before placing you down. We all watched silently --as the casket lowered, between our sobs and private thoughts. Some bowed their heads as others shed tears, but not one person - turned away. I watched the men with shovels, sullen in expression, .. quickly respectfully ...quietly... ..cover you. they moved delibrately, automatically, as if having done this countless times before. Your mother kept strong as she sat, weeping within. Manong looked poised, sad yet poised. Roman sat quietly, at times running to family, greeting and reaching to them. I whispered to him' " where is brother"? "There", said the 2 year old, pointing to a fresh spot of newly tendered earth, "..sleeping". the service was done, people stood briefly by before walking away. I sighed a deep heavy sigh my eyes swelled.. bracing for the tears that were forthcoming finally falling, after realizing, -this was my last goodbye. My nephew was buried on Sat March 26. These were some of my thoughts as I observed what I saw, felt and experienced. I had not written in this style in years but the words just flowed out. Take a moment to hug that loved one. Take a moment in your day to look at somethign beautiful. I hope you enjoyed the above it was my little tribute in rememberance of the little prince.

Of 2 different paths

Riff Raff — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 05:58:06 GMT

I had been single for awhile, partly from choice, partly from experience. I know love cannot be forced. and because of this at times I have experienced hate and anger towards me from others because I stand by and share what I feel inside. Ive found that you have to be honest as much as ... you possibly can in relationships. To stay honest.. -as much as it hurts, as much as it goes against your comfort zone and sadly, as much as it may hurt another person. Ive found that despite two people getting along so well with one another thats not the guarantee for them to solidify a love relationship. Relationships dont neccessarily define you -but truth does. Ive found that along with the above or -despite it you should not feel criminalized to find yourself going a different path then the other and then share it as respectfully and honestly as one can. Because of ones hurt, ones fears, of rejection or abandonment or not following along the same path at that moment, these sentiments bring about pain, suffering, anguish, despair and distance. There should be no wrong when the two come to a realization of different paths, but at times we make it so. we govern our own pain, make it up, feed it. we make our own monsters. we personalize it so much we forget the realizations that this can happen, we lose ourselves in our fears. it is hard and it is painful to face fear but to take that step - to let it be to simply let it fear go then is when... you find love again. for now Im tired and exhausted, Im going to ride my motorcycle...but one last thought There is no more selfless act in love then to seek honesty and respect. hate me or love me for now i remain Misunderstood.