Wow, what a flurry of activity the last several days. Moving in to the new apartment. Training for the new job. Dealing with gettting the apartment set. Dealing with classes and getting everything setup.
And on top of it all it is nearly 90 during the day, with no clouds, and little wind. blah.
I'm slowly getting to know where and how Mankato is layed out, though I can't remember where the Super Target is. Luckily there is little tiny grocery across the way that hopefully has a decent selection of basics, and not just booze.
My first actually day at work is this Friday. First day of class is Monday. Wish me luck! (and send money!)
-Gabe :)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Buses, AGAIN!!
the DNT, the largest paper in the Twin Ports I believe, has some of the worst reporting of any "news" source. But today there was a an example that shows that the reporting really is onlyl as good as the people being reported on. You avid readers may recall my article about the DTA's hybrid bus plans? This is down the similar line only this time it is the local school districts! Young childrens education is on the line!
The the article, in short, says "OMG, Diesel is like so expensive! We like can't even afford it anymore. Like shit." But there are a few real gems in the article that I will quote.
"The District has dropped three bus routes and bought several larger school buses to conslidate longer routes..."
WTF!? they are bitching and moaning about how they cannot justify additional cost on fuel, and then turn around and PURCHASE NEW BUSES!? WTF. I am still waiting for information from BlueBird as to how much new buses actually cost (info left out of the DNT article) but i'm guessing $75k+ each. so they increased their fuel budget by $140,000 (from the article) AND spent $200,000+ on new buses (maybe three new beautys?)
" "I don't know how to get around it" said Phil Minkkinen, superintendent of Lake Superior School District"
No shit. Thats because you can't "go around it" its called baseline cost of operations. If you can't even cover that you better not be worrying about how many teachers you can "afford"!!
" "We're still banking that we're going to be OK..." Phil Minkkinen"
WHAT!? The superintendent of a school district is "BANKING" with childrens education!? are you serious? That is the same as saying that he is gambling with their education, which is a Huge no-no in my morality book.
More of the article goe sinto the "ways the school districts were trying to cot transportation costs."
4 day weeks with longer days.
Eliminating the "two tier" bussing whereby the buses make TWO passes on the same route for some kind of accomidating for age differences. WTF is that??? PC bullshit is what that is. So kid got his lunch money stolen back in the day and now they have to spend $140,000 a year because of that?? Who came up with that solutioin!? Some shiester lawyer I suppose.
So yea, good job Northwoods school districts on completely missing the target; childrens education, and fucking up your supposed target; better fuel efficiency.
I might post more later when I get word from bluebird.
-G :)
The the article, in short, says "OMG, Diesel is like so expensive! We like can't even afford it anymore. Like shit." But there are a few real gems in the article that I will quote.
"The District has dropped three bus routes and bought several larger school buses to conslidate longer routes..."
WTF!? they are bitching and moaning about how they cannot justify additional cost on fuel, and then turn around and PURCHASE NEW BUSES!? WTF. I am still waiting for information from BlueBird as to how much new buses actually cost (info left out of the DNT article) but i'm guessing $75k+ each. so they increased their fuel budget by $140,000 (from the article) AND spent $200,000+ on new buses (maybe three new beautys?)
" "I don't know how to get around it" said Phil Minkkinen, superintendent of Lake Superior School District"
No shit. Thats because you can't "go around it" its called baseline cost of operations. If you can't even cover that you better not be worrying about how many teachers you can "afford"!!
" "We're still banking that we're going to be OK..." Phil Minkkinen"
WHAT!? The superintendent of a school district is "BANKING" with childrens education!? are you serious? That is the same as saying that he is gambling with their education, which is a Huge no-no in my morality book.
More of the article goe sinto the "ways the school districts were trying to cot transportation costs."
4 day weeks with longer days.
Eliminating the "two tier" bussing whereby the buses make TWO passes on the same route for some kind of accomidating for age differences. WTF is that??? PC bullshit is what that is. So kid got his lunch money stolen back in the day and now they have to spend $140,000 a year because of that?? Who came up with that solutioin!? Some shiester lawyer I suppose.
So yea, good job Northwoods school districts on completely missing the target; childrens education, and fucking up your supposed target; better fuel efficiency.
I might post more later when I get word from bluebird.
-G :)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Good times be rollin.
Well...good luck is following me these days it would seem. It's been a while!
I have two roommates to fill up the apartment. I got the job working at the university. I got a new phone. I got my truck registered in MN without getting hassled. Life is good.
Now I just have to get moved into my apartment without trouble and I'll be good to go for a few months.
I think the whole Omega car plan has been removed; too much work to get the parts from Germany. I'm back to the E36 plan. Especially after seeing Gardemiester's success and speed this year! I looked at the photos of his car...and it looks scarily stock for the success. So I better give it a try! Just need to sell this silly truck thing... :D
later people,
Gabe :)
I have two roommates to fill up the apartment. I got the job working at the university. I got a new phone. I got my truck registered in MN without getting hassled. Life is good.
Now I just have to get moved into my apartment without trouble and I'll be good to go for a few months.
I think the whole Omega car plan has been removed; too much work to get the parts from Germany. I'm back to the E36 plan. Especially after seeing Gardemiester's success and speed this year! I looked at the photos of his car...and it looks scarily stock for the success. So I better give it a try! Just need to sell this silly truck thing... :D
later people,
Gabe :)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
MaxAttacked!!!!
Wow. 40 hours on the road payed off for Eixenburger Rallysport!
Chad and Ben did an excellent job of keep the car between the ditches- with only very minor damages and mechnical hickups.
Day 1- Leg 1 went okay but a burst hose and overheating engine caused concern on stage. Luckily a quick hose fix and the removal of the cooling fan assembly resulted in enough cooling to finnish the rally that way.
Leg two had no major issues.
Day2 - Tire punctures and the loss of the front bumper were the only major concerns. Neither a major problem, although the flat did cause a loss of time in the long run dropping the car from 3rd to 4th at the end of the day.
Many thanks to Chad for putting up with me for the entire weekend as well as letting me crash at his house pre- and post-rally and the many beers/meals/good times. Congrats to Ben, although I was sad that there was no Go-Karts to be found in Elkins. Fun to meet new people- Matt Bushore, Bill Wood, the russians, the irish, the polski, and several crazy locals! I also wish the best to Brian Dondlinger and crew on getting the GTI back in running condition after the crash.
Chad and Ben did an excellent job of keep the car between the ditches- with only very minor damages and mechnical hickups.
Day 1- Leg 1 went okay but a burst hose and overheating engine caused concern on stage. Luckily a quick hose fix and the removal of the cooling fan assembly resulted in enough cooling to finnish the rally that way.
Leg two had no major issues.
Day2 - Tire punctures and the loss of the front bumper were the only major concerns. Neither a major problem, although the flat did cause a loss of time in the long run dropping the car from 3rd to 4th at the end of the day.
Many thanks to Chad for putting up with me for the entire weekend as well as letting me crash at his house pre- and post-rally and the many beers/meals/good times. Congrats to Ben, although I was sad that there was no Go-Karts to be found in Elkins. Fun to meet new people- Matt Bushore, Bill Wood, the russians, the irish, the polski, and several crazy locals! I also wish the best to Brian Dondlinger and crew on getting the GTI back in running condition after the crash.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Rally WV
wow, I am more stressed out than I thought I guess! I just realized that I haven't even mentioned Rally WV on here yet! Silly me.
Yes, Gabe Johnston - Crew chief extrordinare, will be in Elkins, WV come next Thursday for NASARallySport Rally WestVirginia! WOOT. I will be head service truck operator for my man Chad E and the incredible car 687, being navigated by non other than the rally pirate himself- Ben Slocum.
Wish us luck. I'm hoping Ben keeps Chad out of the deep stuff. No rolls this time, cause that means I will get very little sleep!
PEACE!
Gabe :)
Yes, Gabe Johnston - Crew chief extrordinare, will be in Elkins, WV come next Thursday for NASARallySport Rally WestVirginia! WOOT. I will be head service truck operator for my man Chad E and the incredible car 687, being navigated by non other than the rally pirate himself- Ben Slocum.
Wish us luck. I'm hoping Ben keeps Chad out of the deep stuff. No rolls this time, cause that means I will get very little sleep!
PEACE!
Gabe :)
ah school.
So, classes are lined up. Housing is in the works. The only really vague item at this point in finances. Job feelers are out, resumes are out, applications are out, but no returns as of yet. I am really hoping for an on-campus job...even though it will likely have zero to do with AET. The benefit of being able to walk to work, school, and most of life for the next 4 years would be incredible!!
Wish me luck!
dont forget to donate to the collegiate fund at www.rallybimmer.com!!
Ciao,
Gabe :)
Wish me luck!
dont forget to donate to the collegiate fund at www.rallybimmer.com!!
Ciao,
Gabe :)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Sixx AM
Well... Hows it been internet world?
Both BMWs are gone so I am currently NOT representing deutschland.
The Chevy is...getting expensive for somebody without a job.
School is, going nowhere fast. I have spent the last week or so between Minneapolis and Mankato trying to secure a job or housing. No luck on either front and to top it off My financial aid was processed and They don't want to give me DICK. LSC had no problem laying down a ton of money for my education, and now I am getting nothing basically.
AARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGHHHH
So the real question that I now ponder is- might it make more sense to simply stay in Duluth for another semester? Money says yes...but my heart wants out form under that "parental wing" that I have been living under for the majority of my life. *Sigh*
ANYWAY...cars...yes...
So I have decided to again represent the German motherland once I sell the truck. Think Omega...Think German.
Both BMWs are gone so I am currently NOT representing deutschland.
The Chevy is...getting expensive for somebody without a job.
School is, going nowhere fast. I have spent the last week or so between Minneapolis and Mankato trying to secure a job or housing. No luck on either front and to top it off My financial aid was processed and They don't want to give me DICK. LSC had no problem laying down a ton of money for my education, and now I am getting nothing basically.
AARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGHHHH
So the real question that I now ponder is- might it make more sense to simply stay in Duluth for another semester? Money says yes...but my heart wants out form under that "parental wing" that I have been living under for the majority of my life. *Sigh*
ANYWAY...cars...yes...
So I have decided to again represent the German motherland once I sell the truck. Think Omega...Think German.
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