Accelerated

quote:This is the seed of the coruption - and why nationalism can and ussually/often is taken too far - and is dangerous. But also, IMO nationalism/patriotism can be very useful on the domestic front. Look at Germany 1933-1939, the economy was very much restored under Hitler. Look at Sukarno's (not Soharto) Indonesia, same deal, from a bunch of villages into a modern economy. The Soviet Union would have never stood up to the Nazi invasion without the patriotic zeal infused in the people. They werent doing it for Stalin or the Party, but for the Motherland. Many other examples.... I realise, that nationalism had little to do with the economics conducted by Hitler, Mussillini etc. IMO nationalism is a great aid to any economic model (economy), TRUE nationalism/patriotism not pretence like that of the current ROA government.

OMG! Forget fuel prices and the environment, Detroit is weighing in with the works. Hot on the heels of Cadillac's monstrous V16-engined Sixteen comes news that Chrysler has shoe-horned a 373kW Viper V10 into a motorbike. The one-of-a-kind Tomahawk obviously is a flag-waver for the shaky Chrysler. In fact, it was launched by DaimlerChrysler's US Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche as part of a rev-up for Chrysler delivered at the Detroit motor show. No mentioned was made of the Tomahawk's overall weight but we can tell you that Chrysler claims 0-100kmh acceleration in a white-knuckle 2.5 seconds. And, yes, the V10 is the full 8.3-litre's worth. Nothing was said about the Tomahawk making it into production but Chrysler's Chief Operating Officer Wolfgang Bernhard made a significant comment along the lines of there being "an appetite for such vehicles". Hmmm Only in America.

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Man! Thats one ugly piece of sh!t!

Yes, thoth, I more or less agree with you. But I would like to add something else.... A few weeks ago I was watching a documentary on the French Foreign Legion, discussing its history and current status. It was very interesting to find how they are motivated to fight and die for a foreign (and distant) government. But I was quite surprised to find, that their allegiance is not to France but to the Legion itself. (ie. to each other). I am sure you are aware these guys are always in the thick of things ALL the time since French colonial times, and include people from all over the world, Asians, Africans, Europeans and even from the States. They are given French names and taught the language. An interesting event took place in the 1960s: The French were fighting a guerilla war in North Africa against the independence movements. The Legion bore the brunt of the fighting (they are also currently fighting in Ivory Coast). Realising that independence was inevetable and the war unwinable, de Gaul(sp?) ordered French troops out and made a political settlement. The Legion was furious, because it had lost so many and were now being backstabbed. SO, they sent an assassin to kill de Gaul! The VERY popular President of France (Im not sure if he was still popular in the 60s, but still a very famous historical figure). The assassin didnt succeed. Food for thought....not really nationalism or tribalism, but nevertheless a willingness to die for what? Pride in what? [ January 07, 2003, 12:32 AM: Message edited by: Accelerated ]

quote:That is the difference between honest men like Clinton Yes...."I did not have sex with that woman, Ms Lewinski"

A good example of 'nationalism' in the Ancient world could be found in the period of the Spartacist rebellion. During some crucial stages of the campaign (2 to be exact) the German slave contingent refused to fight alongside the rest (because they found themselves to be superior, somehow), and were promptly massacred by the Roman Army on their own. [ January 06, 2003, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: Accelerated ]

quote:Mostly I just don't trust Mitsubishi (gearboxes & overall build quality).Yes, Mitsu built quality is indeed questionable, but Subaru gearboxes/drivelines/clutches are also prone to failure under hard use. quote:And why do you think the AWD is better in the EVO? Hard to believe. The AWD system in the EVO is much more advanced. In the Sti, its just two LSD up front and back, relativelly simple. Check out the Honk Kong Mitsubishi site, last time I checked there was a lot of info on the EVO AWD system, and its in english quote:And arent the Horsepower and performance numbers pretty much the same? Horsepower is similar, but the EVO is significantly lighter, and therefore a little faster and quicker around the track (also thanks to the AWD system) quote:And what is it with the STi release in the States? Whats the delay? Anyone know? I wouldnt have a clue, but the EVO is going to be released this year

Yeah, I know, it should read lower-medium priced

quote:Nationalism was the logical consequence of the industrial revolution in Western Europe.I think it existed as early as the Roman Empire, Greek City States and probably even Ancient China. I guess it would depend on how one interprets 'nationalism'. [ January 06, 2003, 12:02 AM: Message edited by: Accelerated ]

For anyone who doesnt know, the Nissan GT-R is considered to be the 'Japanese Ferrari', and can certainly match low-medium priced Ferraries in performance, but only costs a fraction. This new GT-R is going to be on sale in 2005 and does 0-100 in 4.5sec! Oh, it also has a 7speed CVT (Formula 1 style) gearbox. All for around US$60000, thats a fully optioned C-class Merc. quote:way to fast for me And you prob wont find the full potential of this car on the street, unless your Shumacher or Makinen. But it looks very sexy, almost as good as the Supra quote:... you guys can buy me any of those ...After I get one for myself

A pic of what the next Nissan GTR will prob look like (or close to it) http://speed.supercars.net/cboardpics/2002-9-26/288524a.jpg and click here for a close-up [ January 05, 2003, 02:10 AM: Message edited by: Accelerated ]

From www.car.com quote:LOS ANGELES — Through artificial snow and smoke, U.S. journalists caught their first glimpse of the eighth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The 2003 model is the latest “Evo” in a line of rally sports-inspired cars that were first introduced in 1992. This launch is the first of four new products that Mitsubishi will introduce over the next 13 months. The Lancer Evolution VIII sedan is powered by a 271-horsepower, 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam, intercooled, 16-valve engine that mates to a full-time, all-wheel-drive five-speed-manual transmission. Large Brembo brakes help stop the car after it reaches 60 mph in just 5 seconds. The Evo VIII gets decent fuel economy at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Unibody construction on the front-wheel-drive sedan is credited for much of the car’s superior performance. The exterior design features a new bumper that meets stricter front-impact requirements and, thanks to a redesigned and reinforced steel bumper structure, improves airflow and intercooler efficiency. Wider front fenders and headlight assemblies project a stronger visual stance. The new headlights also cast a longer, stronger beam for better nighttime visibility. Inside, the Evolution uses the same layout as the other Lancer products. The suggested retail price for the Lancer starts at $28,987. The Evolution VIII will be available in U.S. dealerships as early as February. The typical driver is a married male between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. The Japanese automaker expects to sell about 6,500 units in the first year. Mitsubishi cars are also true performers in the Hollywood sense. The Lancer Evolution VIII and the Eclipse Spyder will be featured in “2Fast 2Furious,” the sequel to the street-racing movie “The Fast and the Furious.” Tyrese, the sequel film’s co-star, performed during this afternoon’s event. The movie is due in theaters June 6. As of Jan. 1, 2003, Mitsubishi Motors North America is its own entity in the Mitsubishi business family. For the fourth straight year — and marking another record sales year for the company — Mitsubishi enjoyed a 7 percent sales increase in 2002. The Sti was notably absent from the LA Auto Show. But the EVO is a much more focused tool - lighter, more powerful, better AWD system. THOTH, you may consider getting this instead of waiting for the Sti. http://drive.fairfax.com.au/content-new/images/2003/01/03/03evo4.jpg http://drive.fairfax.com.au/content-new/images/2003/01/03/03evo2.jpg

quote:... and interestingly enough, some of the most hurtful things that I personally have heard in life have been the truths.Thats because the person it has been told to also knows its true....

quote:When I visted Armenia a young Yerevantzi woman befiended me on the tour bus. I do not think she was aware of my true age. I think she found me attractive. LMAO! You crack me up sometimes!

quote:Seems like Ara's endless repetitions haven't found their way to your brain yet...I dont like your tone. When someone has nothing to say but wish to be heard they repeat themselves. In the case of Ara, the words may be different, but the underlying message is the same. quote:Accel, please reread Ara's posts.He may raise worthwile points on occasions, but his writing is boring and monotonous. I read the first paragraph and close the window.... And if I want to listen to an 'armchair philosopher', I'll go visit my uncle, at least he is mildly amusing when he tells me how I should live my life [ January 01, 2003, 07:23 PM: Message edited by: Accelerated ]

I read some of his posts everynow and then, but I dont think this will continue because he seems to be saying the same thing over and over again, only using different words.... And he is no genius for seeing our shortcommings, he may be a genius if he comes up with practical solutions to our problems, but all he does is criticise. [ January 01, 2003, 03:05 PM: Message edited by: Accelerated ]

quote:DARN: I don't remember what happened.LOL. Thats like that Russian joke. "So, how was your New Years?" "I dont know, no one has told me yet"

quote:hmmmm ... it's only 12:51 here and I'm about to attack the cheese cake!!!!I had, like, half a whole cheesecake yesterday . Just had the most beautiful sunset here, in contrast with yesterdays cloudy evening....hopefully an indication of a good year, Im badly in need of one after a string of luclustre(sp?) years. Yesterday we were drinking this cocktail called 'QuickF#$@'. Its like 1/3 Melon Midori, 1/3 Kahluha, 1/3 Bayleys....it punished me heavily . I was so dehydrated yesterday, that I could literally feel my eyelids scraping my eyeballs, because there wasnt any water to lubricate.

Oh man! Its 6:40PM the day after, and Im still F%#@ed!

quote:those are some noble qualities in deed which I hope to mimic one day Well, lets hope we wont have to make such great sacrifices to ensure the best for our kids...

quote:They tried this in the Soviet Union and it was a HUGE success.Actually, in the USSR labourers earned three times as much as foremans/site managers, despite the enormous responsibilities of the latter.... quote:Your story touches a very personal chord.Yes, same here....I remmember my dad sold everything we owned (we were pretty well off also), and all we were able to get here (after the expenses invloved in getting the status, airfares etc.) was a washing machine and a small TV (the smallest 34cm).

quote:My father travelled to Armenia few months ago and he was so impressed with the youth over there. He said that there's so many talented kids, unlike here.Well, this really is a shame, considering the opportunities that they have been presented in the US. I would think the kids born in the States (or moved at a very young age) would be the worst in this regard...

I see, I went to the GM site a while ago and found out that the Blazer costs around US$27000, thats approximatelly how much the base-model Landcruiser costs here. The Blazer may be manouvarable, but half the engine cutting out in the middle-of-nowhere doesnt exactly inspire confidence.

quote:But you know what they say: a 4x4 will only get you stuck farther away from help!!!!hahahaha, good one quote:So Jug, you still thinking "acceleration"? Yeah bro, but now its acceleration on two wheels: check out the bike thread.... I figure it would be damn good (and relativelly cheap) to own a 4WD for the family/off-roading and a bike for being a 'tarmac hero' on a regular basis