21 Classic Pontiacs!

Pontiac Catalina - Photo: Wikimedia

So, you think you know your cars now, do you? Well, consider this to be a test of your knowledge of Pontiac history. 21 Pontiacs are featured here: some are current models while others are truly classic in every sense of the word, dating back to the early 1960s. 

6000 – Full sized [or almost] front wheel drive sedan of the 1980s.

Aztec – Ugly is as ugly does. This crossover vehicle ashamed the Pontiac fleet for two years during the early 00s.

Bonneville – Full sized Pontiac sedan excitement retired in 2005 after more than 40 years of service. Part of GM’s massive restructuring and retiring of top model names.

Catalina – This model hearkens back to the mid-60s when two door hardtops ruled the day. Discontinued during the late 70s during GM’s “downsizing” shell game days.

Fiero – Mid-engine sports two-seater built for Pontiac during the go-go 80s. GM reached into their parts bin and took out Chevette and other components to create this little roadster.

Firebird – It goes without saying that this “pony” car is sorely missed. The good news is that it may be back by the time the 2009 model year rolls around.

Firefly – Twin to the Geo Metro, the Firefly was Pontiac’s 3 cylinders captive import of the late eighties to mid-nineties.

G6 – Current compact model in Pontiac’s arsenal available in rakish coupe or sporty sedan.

Grand Am -- With its 1973 debut, the Grand Am quickly became the division’s mid-range performance car. Retired in 2005 with a host of other Pontiac model names.

Grand Prix – Hidden tail lights and a concave rear window marked the Grand Prix’s 1963 debut. The car has survived GM’s model name shake out and today’s car is a mid-sized, front wheel drive sports sedan.

GTO – Introduced in 1967, the GTO was a true coupe turned sports car. Eliminated in the 1970s, the GTO is back thanks to GM’s Australian division, Holden. Rear wheel drive and a big V8 too.

LeMans – Originally a Tempest model, the LeMans became its own model once the Tempest name was retired in the 1970s. Retired in the mid-1990ss after a cheap Korean car was allowed to carry its name. Sheesh!

Montana -- A minivan for Pontiac, if not for the ages.

Parisienne – During the 1980s Pontiac needed a version of the Chevrolet Caprice. This full sized, rear wheel drive sedan filled the bill.

Phoenix – Part of GM’s “X cars” of compact import fighting vehicles introduced during 1979 as a 1980 model.

Sunbird – Nothing but a rebadged Chevy Cavalier. 

Sunfire – Compact coupe retired in 2005 as part of, you guessed, GM’s model restructuring.

Sunrunner – Nothing but a rebadged Geo/Chevy Tracker.

Tempest – From the early sixties until the early seventies, the term “muscle car” befit this hot coupe. Especially nice as a convertible!

Trans Sport – Hideous looking minivan that debuted in the early 1990s. Mercifully replaced years later by the Montana.

Vibe – A currently produced compact five door sport wagon; cousin to the Toyota Matrix. 

So, there you have it. At least another half dozen models were left out from this time period plus many models that dated back to the division’s founding as part of the Oakland Automobile Company in 1926. Pontiac excitement…have you caught it yet?

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Buy Wireless Burglar Alarm to Secure Your Home

The Vivint Skycontrol touchscreen smart home hub - Photo: Wikimedia

Today, a crime can happen even in one's own home, more and more people are purchasing burglar alarm for their homes since this is the safest thing to do in securing security not just for their possessions, but for their family as well. 

Because of the increasing demand for burglar alarms, these are further developed to provide more efficiency. And one of the most demanded designs nowadays is the wireless burglar alarms. 

These systems do not necessitate wires anymore to be connected to one another. Instead, these utilize radio waves coming from the different sensors connected to the control panel to observe the activities inside the home.

The system of wireless burglar alarm is the utilization of motion sensors with the contact in the door and window to notify that there is an intruder within or near the house. The system is directed by a keypad situated in a part of the home. This keypad can activate or deactivate the alarm system remotely. 

Here are the following elements that compose the wireless burglar alarm:

Control Panel: The wireless system’s “brain.” This is situated in a cabinet, cellar or attic for security purposes. The function of this is to receive signals coming from the sensors which have been set up around the area. The alarm immediately sounds when the sensors transmit a warning that directs to the Control Panel. If the alarm system is monitored aside from the sounding of the alarm, the monitoring unit is given an alert by the Control Panel to call for the appropriate authorities.

Keypad: As the name implies, its where the code is keyed in to either activate or deactivate the system. Along with the evolution of the alarm system, the keypad today becomes simpler to use. The keypad is assisted by illuminating screens when used during night time. It also includes the function keys’ feature of single-touch, which allows the press of one button to activate or deactivate the alarm system.

Magnetic Contacts: Here, the magnet is situated near the switch place that calculates the augmentation of distance between the magnet and the switch place. This is set up at the doors and windows guarded by the system. The switch directly sounds an alarm when the activated system detected any increase in the distance of the sensors, like when the doors and windows are forcibly opened. 

Contact sensors: These utilize a reactive infrared light which perceives motion or body heat in an enclosed spot. These are also termed as PIR or Passive Infrared Sensors, and these are usually utilized when the house occupants are not around. These are located on the home spots which are uncommonly used and a persons’ presence is not likely to be expected. PIRs sound an alarm when it perceives motion or body heat in the area. 

Home security cameras: these are added protection, these can be set up through wireless signals that transmit directly to video monitors any activities in the area it covers. These also identify both the burglars and visitors. 

Monitoring: This is an added service offered to the homeowner, this monitor any signals taken by the control panel. By utilizing radio waves, the signals are tracked by the central location produced by the security system. The monitoring service can call for the authorities once the system produces an alarm. 

So, why wait to be victimized by these burglars? Buy a wireless burglar alarm now for your home for more security and peace of mind.

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Getting You Started With Gas Powered RC Car Or Truck

There are many ways on how to start with gas-powered RC car or truck. There are many realistic features offered by these remote-controlled cars and trucks. They come in a variety of styles and types in the industry. In choosing one, there are many considerations you should take before eventually owning one. 

Radio-controlled cars and trucks lack the power and running time. But if you want to consider, you can convert them into gas powered RC cars, with the use of nitromethane-based fuel. This fuel provides RC cars a level or realism or performance, which are absent on other battery-powered vehicles. Aside from this, they are also highly customizable making it possible for you to integrate RC car accessories and personalize them. There are options of engines and transmitters available to allow you to choose one depending on how you’d want the RC car works.

To help you begin in finding the right gas-powered RC car, the following are the factors you should consider:

1. Engines. The most important aspect of a gas RC car, you can choose from the variety of engine models available to choose from. Generally, most RC cars use a specific type, which is commonly called as "glow" engine. It is a 2-cycle combustion engine, which creates power to the RC car preparing it for realism that also produces exhaust in the process. In replacement of spark plugs utilized by automotive engines, a "glow plug" is used for this engine. It is being heated in turn by a "glow starter." The heat will be held by the "glow plug" to which this is now used to fire engine strokes for rest of the running power. 

2. Fuel. Just like the actual gasoline used in automobiles, the nitromethane-based gas fuel the RC cars. The fuel mixture is formulated with special lubricants so that it protects the engine from the excessive heat produced by the combustion process. The lubricants are the same with the gas-oil you use with your small engine equipment or some chainsaws. Accessories such as a special bottle pump may be needed to get nitro-fuel into your fuel tank of the RC car. Filters are also used on these cars and the same with your automobile they require replacement at a proper time interval. 

3. Radio. Radio controller is used to controlling the RC car and could be the same type used on electrically-powered RC cars. It is radio controller operates on a 2-channel system that needs batteries to make it work. Additional batteries would be needed to power the receiver though there are other receivers that are fed from the motor itself. 

4. Sport or competition. This is an aspect you most considered when choosing body style. There are different options for you; you have choices from sedans, trucks, buggies, stock cars, and other popular car models. These are basically available in two versions: sports, and competition version. Sports RC cars typically cost less than the car you intend to race, which of course would need more power and higher speeds. Ball bearings and oil shocks are some of the advanced options included in the competition RC car version. 

Depending on the type you need, RC car kits and ready-to-car or RTR kits are available. If you are a beginner, RTR kits are what you need as this comes out of the box ready for the fuel. RC car kit, on the other hand, requires heavy work but allows you to decide how they would be put together. 

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Comets - Visitors From Beyond.

Comet - Photo: Pixabay

The one thing we love the most in the world of astronomy is a good mystery.  And if there was ever a mysterious and yet very powerful force of nature that we witness in the night skies, it is the coming of the mighty comet.

The arrival of a comet within view of Earth is an event of international importance.  Witness the huge media attention that the Haley or Hale-Bopp have had when they have come within view The sight of these amazing space objects is simultaneously frightening and awe-inspiring.  

Above all, it is during these comet viewings that the astronomer comes out in all of us.  But what is a comet?  Where did it come from?  And how does it get that magnificent tail?

We should never confuse comets with asteroids.  Asteroids are small space rocks that come from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  While still quite stunning to see, they pale in comparison to the arrival of a comet.  Asteroids also have received considerable study by the scientific community.  

Not as much is known about comets.  As a rule, comets are considerably larger than asteroids.  The composition of a comet is a mixture of nebulous, gasses, ice, dust and space debris.  One scientist called the composition of a comet as similar to a “dirty snowball” because the composition is so diverse and changeable.  The center or nucleus of a comet is usually quiet solid but the “snowball” materials often create a “cloud” around that nucleus that can become quite large and that extends at great lengths behind the comet as it moves through space.  That trailing plume is what makes up the comet’s magnificent tail that makes it so exciting to watch when a comet comes within view of Earth.

The origins of comets are similarly mysterious.  There are a number of theories about where they come from but it is clear that they originate from outside our solar system, somewhere in deep space.  Some have speculated they are fragments left over from the organization of planets that get loose from whatever gravitational pull and are sent flying across space to eventually get caught up in the gravity of our sun bringing them into our solar system.  

Another theory is that they come from a gaseous cloud called the Oort cloud which is cooling out there after the organization of the sun.  As this space debris cools, it gets organized into one body which then gathers sufficient mass to be attracted into the gravity of our solar system turning into a fast moving comet plummeting toward our sun.  However, because of the strong gravitational orbits of the many planets in our solar system, the comet does not always immediately collide with the sun and often takes on an orbit of its own.  

The life expectancy of comets varies widely.  Scientists refer to a comet that is expected to burn out or impact the sun within two hundred years as a short period comet whereas a long period comet has a life expectancy of over two hundred years.  That may seem long to us as earth dwellers but in terms of stars and planets, this is a very short life as a space object indeed.  

Scientists across the globe have put together some pretty impressive probes to learn more about comets to aid our understanding of these visitors from beyond.  In 1985, for example, the United States put a probe into the path of the comet Giacobini-Zinner which passed through the comet's tail gathering tremendous scientific knowledge about comets.  Then in 1986, an international collation of scientists was able to launch a probe that was able to fly close to Haley’s comet as it passed near Earth and continue the research.

While science fiction writers and tabloid newspapers like to alarm us with the possibility of a comet impacting the earth, scientists who understand the orbits of comets and what changes their paths tell us this is unlikely.  That is good because some comets reach sizes that are as big as a planet so that impact would be devastating.  For now, we can enjoy the fun of seeing comets make their rare visits to our night sky and marvel at the spectacular shows that these visitors from beyond put on when they are visible in the cosmos.

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Must Visit Molokai Attractions

Molokai - Photo: Pixabay

Are you looking for an amazing, yet relatively private and peaceful destination for a Hawaii vacation?  If you are, you should examine the Hawaiian Island of Molokai.  Molokai and Lanai are two islands that are known for their natural beauty.  This is the beauty that seems as if it was left untouched from the common commercialization that takes place at many popular vacation destinations.

Despite the face that Molokai isn’t as popular of a vacation destination as the other Hawaiian Islands, such as Maui, Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai, it is still a great place to be.  Why?  Because there is so much for you to and see.  Many travelers are surprised to learn all that Molokai has to offer them, in terms of fun, relaxation, and entertainment.  To help get your planning starting, a few popular Molokai attractions are outlined below.

A hike through the beautiful Halawa Valley is one of the many must-visit attractions you will find on Molokai.  The area is also known as the “cathedral valley,” of Hawaii.  Here you will find amazing landscape.  This landscape includes distinctive and rare Hawaii plants and flowers.  Hidden throughout the valley are ancient places of worship and the Mooula Falls.  The double-tiered waterfall is a sightseers dream come true.  According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, guided hiking tours are the only way to explore the Halawa Valley.

The Kalaupapa National Historic Park is another attraction that is rated as a must visit by past visitors.  It is located along the northern shore of Molokai.  Here, you are able to take amazing pictures and learn about the history of Molokai.  The Kalaupapa National Historic Park is only accessible by a guided mule ride.  The trial is just under three miles long and takes on average 90 minutes.  Along the way, you will see breathtaking views of the ocean and ride along the tallest sea cliffs in the United States.

The Waikolu Valley Overlook is another must visit on the Molokai Island.  The area is only accessible by hiking and a 4-wheel drive vehicle.  For that reason, it is advised that you take this into consideration when making reservations for a car rental.  When driven to by a 4-wheel drive vehicle, this great Molokai attraction is perfect for individuals of just about any age range.  At the main lookout point, you are able to look out into the ocean and see waterfalls and beautiful sea cliffs.

If you opt for visiting the Waikolu Valley Overlook, you will want to continue on the path to the Kamakou Preserve.  The Kamakou Preserve is not located far from Kaunakakai.  It has been said that the preserve is left exactly “the way Mother Nature intended.”  The Kamakou Preserve is situated on 3,000 acres of beautiful land.  Here you will find rare plants that are only home to the Kamakou area.  A visit to the Kamakou Preserve is only a small hike and ideal for individuals of most age groups.

Another must visit attraction is that of the Papohaku Beach, which is located on the western end of Molokai.  Papohaku Beach is also known as Three Mile Beach, as it is home to three miles of beautiful white sand beaches.  According to Hawaii’s Official Tourism Site, it is the largest white sand beach throughout all of Hawaii.  From numerous lookout points, you can see the neighboring island of Oahu.  Camping, picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing are all popular activities enjoyed on Papohaku Beach.  If you schedule your Hawaii vacation in May, you can participate in and witness one of the island’s biggest festivals.

As you can see, there are a number of great attractions that can be found on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai.  Although Molokai isn’t always listed as a popular Hawaii vacation destination, it should be.  In addition to the above-mentioned attractions, there are also many “hidden gems,” throughout the island.  In fact, after visiting some of the most popular and well-known attractions, you are encouraged to just explore the land and see where the road leads to next.

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The Legacy of Columbus

Portrait of a Man, Said to be Christopher Columbus - Photo: Wikimedia

If you thought back to the first things you ever learned about the history of America, the one that jumps out is that Columbus sailed the ocean blue and discovered America is 1492.  While the date is correct, we later learned when our study of history became more scholarly that there is some dispute about whether Columbus discovered America at all.  So what is the real legacy that this legend of Columbus has given to the American culture that has made him such a revered figure in cultural history?

So much of the Columbus story is approximate that, at first review, we would almost relegate the story of how Columbus discovered America to the level of a myth that borders on superhero worship.  But Columbus was not a myth.  There really was an explorer named Columbus who carried out three bold journeys across the ocean and during those journeys, he did indeed discover “the new world.”  His ships really were named the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria and he did indeed embark one of those three voyages in 1492.

The legacy of Columbus then is more than just the facts of his exploratory journeys and their outcome.  There is a reason to believe that Columbus’s fabled “discovery of America” did not occur on North American soil but somewhat further south of here, somewhere in the Bahamas.  But the legacy of Columbus lies in his spirit and the challenge he took on that is part of the American spirit and one we identify with so strongly.

Part of the legend was that Columbus embarked on this trip for the new world despite the prevailing “scientific” belief that the world was flat.  Now research in recent times has surfaced sufficient documentation to show that sailors of that time never did believe that teaching.  Their extensive knowledge of navigation and astronomy, which is crucial for any successful sea voyage, was sufficient for sailors to know that the earth was round and that they would never “fall off the edge.”  However, the image of those brave men launching out to sea, against the advice of popular opinion, to find something new and exciting so connects with the American spirit of discovery and adventure that this myth persists as part of the legacy of Columbus.

Christoper Columbus arrives in America (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Americans do have a tremendous sense of discovery and adventure and a deep-seated need to conquer new lands, to reach out beyond their own grasp and to do the impossible.  This was the spirit of Manifest Destiny which gripped the nation long before there was any reason to believe that this meager band of colonists had the resources to settle a great nation.  Americans always have had such a firm belief in themselves and a core faith that they could do the impossible.  That part of the American spirit is what connects to Columbus’s setting out on these bold missions facing certain dangers so he too could discover new lands and have great adventures.

The legacy of Columbus also lies in the American desire to explore.  Even though the source of the quotation is only a science fiction show, the “mission” of the fictional spaceship “The Enterprise” sums up a deep desire in the heart of all Americans.

Space, the final frontier.  These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise.  Her five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds.  To seek out new life and new civilizations.  To boldly go where no man has gone before.

For Americans, the mission of James Kirk is a perfect restatement of the mission of Christopher Columbus.  And it is the mission of America which has driven this country and its citizens to discoveries and achievements that have never been done before.  It is that spirit of Columbus in all Americans that is one of the things that have made this country great.

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Click HERE for more information about Christopher Columbus

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On the Nature of the NAZCA LINES

Nazca Lines - Photo: Flickr

In my prior posting, entitled "Ancient Astronauts and Contemporary Skepticism," I challenged the skeptics (assuming they do not want to acknowledge that the Nazca Lines were made to be viewed by an ancient astronaut) to provide a credible explanation of those geoglyphs. I argued that the people of Nazca cannot be considered unique in human history and that the skeptics need to find parallels elsewhere. However, I imagine that, instead of trying to produce a mundane explanation of the Nazca Lines, the skeptics could simply argue that I have not proven the contrary case.

The basic facts of the Nazca desert are easy to comprehend. Those large geoglyphs cannot be grasped by humans from the ground; in most cases, the hills or mountains are too distant for anyone to even notice that they are there. The figures on the ground can only be recognized from the air. Since humans were unable to fly until relatively recent times, it is logical to consider extraterrestrials as a potential explanation. I have seen skeptics, in desperation, argue that the people of Nazca, in the sixth century, knew how to make air balloons, but I do not believe it for one second. 

For whom or for what did the people of Nazca make those ground drawings? Surely, they made those geoglyphs to be viewed by someone or something. That is unquestionable; it is not rational to believe that mass insanity could last the more than one hundred years it took to complete the project. If they made the geoglyphs to be viewed by an ancient astronaut, then where are their drawings of the ancient astronaut? Such drawings do exist. I provide one of them on my website, in a footnote to Gersiane De Brito's "Tiwanaku Alien and Evolution" article. That picture is not a geoglyph, however; it comes from Nazca pottery, but the timing coincides. This makes sense. They likely thought it might be offensive to the alien to draw a picture of the alien on the ground so they only put it on the pottery, where the alien could not see it. 

Beyond any doubt, the ancient astronaut depicted on the Nazca pottery is the same ancient astronaut depicted in the Tiwanaku engravings. In the Tiwanaku versions, the aquatic, alien nature of the creature is easier to spot. Also in Tiwanaku, with all that bird symbolism, it is apparent that this ancient astronaut could fly, freestyle, up and through the air.

Thus, the Nazca Lines have a viable explanation: the geoglyphs were made to be seen by an ancient astronaut that could fly like a bird with the aid of anti-gravity hand-held propulsion devices, without the use of aircraft or spacecraft of any kind. The people of Nazca drew diverse animal figures on the ground to attract the alien's attention and to entertain it, and they drew lines and directional arrows on the ground to lead the alien back to the people of Nazca.

I think it times for the world's scientists, archaeologists, anthropologists, psychologists, etcetera, to come to their senses and try to evaluate, objectively, the thinking behind the Nazca geoglyphs. The potential for uncovering an instance of genuine alien contact makes it a worthwhile endeavor.

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