Funkengroovin - News

VB has been busy with the invasion of the flying red ants, the electricity going out constantly, five kittens born on her windowsill, and some sort of strange illness. VB thinks it's called, "I'm sick of stinking bug spray, dirty air, hot weather, no electricity, and can't fucking wait to get out of Dodge blues." No she does not have a fever! Is she pissed (as in angry for you Brits out there)? Yes!!!!!! Someone explain to VB why the electricity needs to go off more than seven times a day?! Subsequently fucking up all connections - some including air conditioners, the Internet (glaciers move faster!), the Vonage phone (which operates through the Internet), the oven, blah, blah, blah, the fucking satellite TeeVee! Does the person in charge not realize that VB's life is based totally on electrical availability?! Rant over.

Today is mainly a news day since VB has been remiss at adding it on to the posts. Some old, some new, and two brand new music videos featuring VW Buses. Make sure you check those out. Both are very folksy - let's just say they're not the usual music videos VB features for Funkengroovin Wednesdays, but they do have VW Buses in them. The news articles are all interesting, and most have photos. Yes, some might be a bit oldish, but still newsworthy.

Here's your complimentary photo for the day (Thanks be to God for the most exquisitely allotted amount of electricity, which provides Internet, to download this totally worthless photo).

NEWS:

VW Related:

Touring Europe's Best Auto Museums
"Volkswagen's Autostadt, located directly adjacent to the sprawling factory that churns out Golf sedans, may be the most ambitious. In addition to a museum devoted to the history of the Beetle and other company products, the Autostadt (German for "auto city") features 11 restaurants, a Ritz-Carlton (MAR) hotel, and outdoor attractions such as an obstacle course where adults can muddy up VW's Touareg SUV. There's even a course where kids can learn driving basics in miniature Beetles."

You Will Respect This VW
"Count your blessings this thing isn’t running around your town, because the embarrassment of being shut down by a ‘53 VW van might be too much to bear." 1953 VW Bus Sets World Record on Dragstrip With 12-Sec Quarter Mile Run

Propane Conversion: How to Make LPG Cars
"It works. New York, Maine, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, Utah, California . . . I've traveled miles and miles and miles in a VW bus converted to run on LP (liquid propane) and the easy-to-install system really does result in lower operating and maintenance costs, much longer engine life AND 70% less air pollution."


Karmann Fixes Its Own Roof
"A subsidiary of the German company that made the Karmann Ghia with Volkswagen has begun an aftermarket business to restore convertible tops."

"Replacing the original fabric, steel supports and even wooden components that make up the relatively primitive convertible tops takes skill and attention. Restoration jobs are expected to cost from $1,000 to $3,000, the company said.

“When you do convertible tops, you have to know also the body and the engineering of the vehicle,” Mr. Roeren said.

Mr. Roeren said the company will be able to work on only two vehicles at a time and each restoration will take two days.

The company said it expected to open up to five such restoration centers in the next five years, including in California and Florida, and to reach about $5 million in gross sales.

Wilhelm Karmann filed for the German version of bankruptcy in April, but Karmann U.S.A officials said the filing will not affect the American unit."

Ten dangerous vehicles (or are they?), part two

(From Ottawa, Canada) Beker’s favourite Bug

Temple man's VW affection started 25 years ago

I’m Ready To Give This Deadhead Thing a Try

Thornbury couple's camper van business is riding the recession
"Their rental business, Campers Away, has seen a huge increase in demand as the credit crunch is stopping more and more families from travelling abroad and encouraging us all to explore the great outdoors."

Unlocking The Mystery Of The Mystery Machine On The Movie Awards Set


Teen finally gets to drive his vintage cars "Dylan Tischer has seven Volkswagens"

The Perfect Beetle "Paul Amicone's Dream for a Rust-Free VW Comes True"

VW Bug Out fun with the people's car (Slideshow)

Super Project '71 "Part One: Introduction to the Subject, a 1971 "1302" Super Beetle"

Students take spin into the future
"TRENTON - At first, the vehicle circling the bus loop behind Trenton High School appears to be just a relic of the past. After all, it is a 1968 Volkswagen SandRail dune buggy."

Editor's Note: It's a Small Show After All
"So next time you catch yourself saying, "I don't want to go to that show because it is too small," remember, every big show out there, from the Classic to the Florida BugJam to Bad Camberg, started life as a small get together with people who share a common bond, these little cars. Support your local shows."


Groundbreaking Works by Artists with Cultural Ties to Mexico and Latin America To Be On View
"PHOENIX, AZ.- Phantom Sightings: Art after the Chicano Movement, opening July 12, 2009, at Phoenix Art Museum, is the first comprehensive consideration of the legacy of Chicano art in two decades and the largest exhibition of cutting-edge Chicano art ever presented at Phoenix Art Museum."

I can't believe someone makes... Snail Art Cars (video at the link)


(Great photo) - Reindeer Sausage Van in Alaska, Not Yet on Twitter
"...The guy parks on West 4th Avenue and F Street (map), serving up reindeer dogs from the blue Volkswagen van..."

VW Owner Shifts Gears, Goes From Gas to Electric

Volkswagen's Newest Twist On Camping: The 2009 Volkswagen California Black Edition
"All this coolness doesn't come cheap though. Pricing for this sleek people mover is 77,736.75 euro, or around $109,921 in Yankee money. Of course, that's if you could buy one here -- which, ironically, you can't. At least we get the actual state as a consolation prize."

Need an escape? Author Gordon Hempton listens for the sound of silence in new book
"Hempton takes his quest for quiet on the road, crossing the country in his¤¤'64 VW van, listening to a landscape and a people, putting together a "sonic EKG" of the country. He originally intended to make this trip with his daughter, who begged off, unable to engage with his quest, unable to detach from -- you guessed it! -- her iPod."

Meals On Wheels: Ten Great Mobile Eateries
"Sénor Tacombi
Located in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the Sénor has combined two great Mexican products: the taco and the VW Combi, which was produced in Mexico until the mid-1990s. The story of Sénor Tacombi is one of a wandering soul/wrestler who marched across the Andes with Che, partied at Studio 54 with Freddy Mercury, and chilled with Gandhi in India. Today, he mostly served tacos to college kids who are looking to carb-up after a night on the town."

General:

Earth to California: Learn how to drive!
"GMAC surveyed more than 5,000 licensed drivers throughout the country, asking them to answer 20 questions gleaned from actual state drivers license exams. Based on the results of the survey, the insurer concluded that 20% of the licensed drivers in the U.S. — or about 40 million people — wouldn’t pass a written test if they had to take one today."

100 year anniversary of first woman to drive across America

Commute Driving You Crazy? Read On
"Commuting sucks. There’s no two ways about it. Our roads are clogged with half-aware nitwits less concerned with driving than with applying makeup or taking that call from Ed in accounting. If it isn’t brain-dead morons trying to kill you, it’s the potholes, congestion and countless other nightmares awaiting you every time you get in the car.

We feel your pain. So do the guys at Transportation for America. They’ve launched a website called, appropriately, My Commute Sucks, where you can spout off and tell Congress to do something about it."


World’s Smallest Car Fits In a Mini

Right-to-Repair Law Is Right On
"The Right-to-Repair Act would allow independent repair shops to compete for business that currently goes only to franchises and dealer-approved establishments. The bipartisan bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, would drastically increase the number of shops that could service late-model vehicles and make those repairs significantly cheaper.

By limiting the number of shops that can service your car, dealers drive up the cost to owners of those vehicles by 34 percent, according to a study Lang Research conducted for the Automotive After Market Industry Association. The study found consumers pay $11.7 billion in excess costs annually."

Not safe: Poll finds 1-in-4 Americans text while driving
"The problem is that texting while driving isn’t seen as an inherently dangerous activity, at least compared to something like drink driving; everyone knows that’s a no-no. “What’s the harm in sending out a text while I’m behind the wheel?” Well, mister-think-you’re-Fernando-Alonso, any time you take your eyes off the road that puts everyone in danger, and not just you. All it takes is one stray maneuver and you’re looking at a huge pile-up.

So, in conclusion, just knock it off already. That, or Greg will get really sad. We don’t want that to happen, now do we?"

(Photo Essay) - A Brief History of the Indianapolis 500


'Electric Car Guy' Has Been On The Energy-Efficiency Case For 40 Years
"He's watched as big car manufacturers compete to deliver the first practical all-electric car.

He celebrated when Northeast Utilities announced its plans last month to build the country's largest network of electric-car charging stations.

But the idea of an electric car is old news to Bob Rice, who for nine years has been zipping around in a Volkswagen Jetta that he converted to electric power. He recharges its batteries with an outlet he built and nailed to a tree outside his home in Killingworth.

The 67-year-old retired train engineer has been quietly tinkering and toiling for decades building electric cars and batteries. Thirty years ago, the automobile world wrote off guys like Rice as crackpots. Today, they're trying to catch up with them.

"Well," Rice said, "it's about time."

Even in electric car circles Rice is known as a pioneer. Members of the Electric Auto Association, a nonprofit group based in San Jose, Calif., described him as a "fundamental change agent" when they gave him a lifetime achievement award last month."

From Caracas, Venezuela
For a City in Gridlock, a Lifeline and a Scourge
"In an anarchic city, thousands of motorbike couriers known as motorizados make life there treacherous and viable at the same time."

(Slide show at the link.)
Sparkling Chrome, Beer Budget
"For those who would rather be driving an interesting car than fussing over the originality of its headlamp bulbs, there are many vehicles in the lower price brackets."

The Real Car Crisis:the Disappearance of Style and Passion in Design”

Funky Cars You Love to Hate


From reestore
Theo, The gearbox table
Date of birth:
2007
Previous occupation:
Car gearbox


Highlighting our investor's love of cars, the aptly named Theo table's glass top rotates on the salvaged gearbox pedestal. Suitable for meetings and dining alike, looks great accompanied with shopping trolley chairs.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Price:
£1600

Egypt:

10 Reasons to Visit Cairo
"Whether you love it or hate it, a Cairo taxi ride is a simultaneously life affirming and life threatening experience. Taxi drivers are a law unto themselves, and the only thing in Cairo more insane than the traffic is the cavalier way in which the drivers negotiate it. There’s nothing to do but hold on tight, and try to convince yourself that true traveling is more about the journey than the destination. Just pray you don’t get one of the taxis with musical brakes, because you really don’t want to know how seldom they get used!"

EGYPT TO LIQUIDATE OR SELL NASR AUTO
"Founded in 1960, and known for producing licensed versions of Fiat, FSO Polonez, Tofas and Zastava, “Nasr has a long history in Egypt,” said Salah El-Hadari, secretary general of the Egyptian Automobile Manufacturers Association."


Reed KD has spent the better part of the last three years between two places: his VW Vanagon (living out of it in 2007 and 2008, traveling the country and writing music) and his Santa Cruz bedroom (where he recorded his new album "In Case The Comet Comes," out June 9th). Reed KD shot a video for "Winding Roads," a song he wrote about traveling the country in his van. He filmed it recently while driving from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles. It's a trip he's made often - driving his van through forests, sprawling coastline, desert and maddening LA traffic.

Below: The video "Winding Roads"




Yusuf Islam (remember him as Cat Stevens) has a new video out as well. Here it is:
YUSUF Islam - Roadsinger

Funkengroovin - The White Chickens in Giza

After the Obama speech, we found all roads led to nowhere - well, nowhere we needed to be. (Thank goodness we took a map of Cairo. VB recommends Cairo, The Practical Guide, Maps, as it has the best map of Maadi, as well. Most maps ignore Maadi.) There was only one road available to pedestrians, and so many of us ended up there. The Boss Man and VB finally got to Bahi al-Din Barakat, where we found all the VW Buses in the video below. We turned onto al-Haram, as The Boss Man thought we could walk over 'Abbas Bridge to meet our driver on The Nile Corniche. At that point with major exhaustion setting in, jet lag, and in 95 degrees heat (at least - that's what VB's thermometer, back at the apartment in the shade, read), VB said, "no f-ing way."

All they had that morning was coffee. VB watched as the guards at the Obama speech threw bottles of water into trash cans. Water was not available for sale. If you wanted to go to the bathroom, you'd end back up at square one, bickering with the guards and auditorium personnel in order to get readmitted. So, most of us were left parched, and bloated.

It's A Small World:

The Boss Man then tried to get a cab to take us over to The Nile Corniche. The driver said he was waiting on his fare, who was in the pastry shop. He suggested we go up a bit further to see if we could hail a cab. As we were walking, the driver and his fare stopped. After a few questions, she agreed to take us over to The Corniche. While we were in the car, discussing Obama, she said, "I am an American too."

VB thought this woman looked familiar. So, VB asks, "Where in the States?"

The woman says, "California."

VB asks, "Were you in Alexandria last October?"

The woman: "yes."

VB: "We met you at the Alexandria train station. You helped us find the platform for the train back to Cairo." (At which time we had a few short conversations, and she said she lived in California.)

The woman: "Yes, I remember!"

The Boss Man: "It's a small world, who would think we could meet like this twice!"

The woman: "Yes, indeed, it is a very small world." We were all laughing.

At that point our ride was up, and The Boss Man paid enough to the cab driver, to take care of about ten other fares. VB & The Boss Man could not believe it! Cairo is a city of close to 8 million people, and for us to find this kind-hearted woman twice is pretty unbelievable.

From answers,yahoo.com: ""It's a Small World" originated with the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair - it was Pepsi's pavilion. After the fair closed, the ride was transferred to Disneyland and officially opened in 1966. Disney had songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman write the ride's soundtrack "It's a Small World (After all). The ride was intended to promote world peace and showcase the different cultures of the world. There is no reference to any Disney character having said it. "It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it." was said by US comedian and actor Steven Wright."

As promised, a slide show of the rest of our trek.
The White Chickens in Giza
Music: La Donna e Mobile ("Woman is Fickle"), by Verdi, from the opera Rigoletto.




(Below) Where we agreed to meet our driver along The Nile Corniche:

Obama at Cairo University

Weeks ago, when we heard Obama was coming to Cairo, The Boss Man asked Number One Son (who worked for the campaign a year and a half) of the possibility of being able to attend. As VB packed her bags, back in the States on Monday, she thought, "Should I take something nice to wear?" Then the thought occurred to her, that if it were to be, she would already know. Obama would be speaking three days later, and you'd think she'd know by now. So, no she did not pack anything nice.

Tuesday afternoon after being dropped off at Boston Logan and checking in, The Boss Man called and said, "We got in." Gee, that's nice - what to wear, what to wear! VB was so excited she couldn't sleep on the flight to Frankfurt. Normally, the combination of antihistamines for ear pain, and the alcohol at dinner make her pass out. Not on this flight. She was too psyched!

VB arrived in Cairo Wednesday afternoon, with a few short naps on both legs of the flight. Just a note, she had to fill out a card with name, address and phone number in Cairo, and then get photographed with a thermal device, before she could get her bags, to make sure she didn't have H1N1. (Isn't that panic passe' by now?)

VB promised herself a good night's sleep, as it was planned to leave at 8:00 AM to avoid traffic and the mad rush to get in to the hall. According to the invite, "Doors open at 10am." And on a typed note enclosed, "For security reason, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. Late arrivals are not guaranteed entry." Hmm - a half an hour to admit everyone, and in Cairo. Who TF are they kidding!?

We arrived around 8:30 AM to much emptiness. Our driver dropped us off in front of the gate to Cairo University. Below, the rotunda (that's what VB's calling it), as we enter. There was security at the gate, just like airport security. At the door of the rotunda, more security. Invite and IDs were checked and double checked. Since the idiot who filled out our invite used our nicknames, and proceeded to spell our last name wrong, the Egyptian guard had us wait to confirm our nicknames were really short names for what our passports had. Then inside, another security clearance, just like the first. This time we had to turn on our cameras to show they worked. Fortunately VB had the photo below as proof, and convinced The Boss Man to take a photo, as well. Security was uber high.


We heard the speech would be given at 12:10 PM. We were in the hall just a bit after 8:30 AM. Bored we started to take photos of just about anything. This is the dome, which is beautiful.


(Below): You can see how empty the place is. All those suits are security. We were told to sit on the left. VB picked the first row, back left, and began to sit on the aisle, when she was told that was for security. They immediately hustled one of the dudes from the front to sit there. The man behind him, also security, gave VB the stink eye every time she took a photo.


(Below): Just a bit after 9:00 AM the center starts to fill. Not sure how they designated seating, but eventually a few late comers got left out (and pissed.)


(Below): The back first level balcony was filled with the pros. We just kept an eye on them to tell where the action would be taking place.


(Below): After hours of waiting, the Presidential Seal arrives, and is put in place - perfectly. (Anal retentiveness pays off - sometimes.)


(Below): 1:00 PM, Robert Gibbs, Obama's Press Secretary peeks out from the side stage. We were sitting next to two other Americans (most likely we were the only white faces on the ground floor), and speculated that Obama would enter from the side stage, and walk to the main stage - you know, for a much grander entrance. Besides, Gibbs is pointing. You have to wonder, is he talking to Obama and showing him the path from the side stage to the main stage.


(Below): A few minutes later the White House Staff shows up, and just after Hillary makes her entrance. As VB took the photos, she noticed that no one in the audience noticed what was taking place. Of course, we know who Gibbs, Axelrod, and Rahm are. Most of the audience members - probably not.


(Below): While everyone gave Hillary a standing ovation, Obama enters. Here's he's into his speech. Unfortunately, at this point, VB was pretty wiped out. The excitement, lack of breakfast, and jet lag begin to st in. Yes, she heard the speech, and tried desperately not to fall over sideways into The Boss Man, from jet lag induced sleep. How can this happen? One of the most important speeches ever, and VB is almost comatose?


(Below): After the speech, a standing ovation, waves, and the "Obama" mantra got a start, but never really got going.


(Below): The limos stretched long and wide, line up for those worthy. Diplomats had to line up near the gate for their cars.


(Below): Protesters outside the gates.


(Below): Since the road rules changed from pre-speech to post-speech, chaos ensues. No cars are admitted into the area. The road we planned on taking on our walk to meet our driver was closed to pedestrians, as well. We were not the only ones left without a ride.


(Below): The police barricade. VB is starting to think that every young Egyptian man dreams of one day becoming an officer. There seemed to be more police, and security personnel than attendees.


(Below): As we begin our trek to meet our driver, VB takes another shot of the rotunda.


(Below): Buses of all sizes line up to gather their passengers.

This is not the end of our trek. VB will try to compile a slide show of the end - Inshallah. And, no, VB will not provide opinions or commentary on the speech. Unless you're living in outer space you have either heard, seen, or read it for yourself, and can make up your own minds. VB is just thankful that we now have a president who can speak proper English, is intelligent, understands complex matters, and believes diplomacy trumps military might. BTW, for more photos, go to VB's flickr set.

Obama at Cairo University

VB's invite (via Number One Son, through about a dozen other connections.) She went, she saw, she listened, and took lots of worthless photos. More later.

Sorry for the long pause in blogging. Number One Son got VB involved in some hard work around the house in Connecticut, plus traveling on Tuesday - Wednesday does have it's downside, particularly when you promise a weekly Wednesday blog. Blame it on The Boss Man (he booked the tickets).

My Latest Obsession

VB's latest obsession - the new kitten. We learn later this week what sex it is. This kitten is growing rapidly before VB's eyes. The first several photos were taken last week. The last six, just the past few days.

VB will continue with the trip to Mokkatam and The City of the Dead after Wednesday's Funkengroovin post.


(Below): We've been moving furniture. We folded and piled up the carpets, and new kitten likes to climb up and jump off of them.


(Below): VB has some old maijlis pillows piled vertically, and the kitten attempts an ascent.


(Below): Chewing on Cooper's leg. The kitten thinks Cooper is it's mom, and Cooper is a very even tempered dog.


(Below): Sexy Little Beast.


(Below): Hogging the dogs' pad.


(Below): Soft little paws.


(Below): Long whiskers.


(Below): Totally out of it.


(Below): Portrait - we think kitty would grow up to be an awesome biker (nice goatee). Possible name "Harley"? Number One Son registers his vote for the name "Pinto".

The Glass Factory - The Glass Blower

A continuation of our shopping trip to Mokkatam and The City of the Dead. In The City of the Dead, we visited a glass factory. We had to wait some time, as it appeared a tour group was visiting. It's a small shop, located across the street from the Qaitbay Mosque.

VB knows virtually nothing about glass blowing, except what was explained to her at the factory. For those of you, as uninformed as VB, here's a good article from Wiki on glassblowing.

(Below): The work area. The glass blower was busy with the tour group.


(Below): There's molten glass already in the oven. He's fetching some here.


(Below 2 photos): After he pulls it out, he shapes it on a slab of stone.




(Below): Now the blowing starts.


(Below) More shaping, as he holds it down to droop a bit.


(Below): More blowing. Now it's actually starting to look like glass.


(Below): More shaping, now of the lip part.


(Below 2 photos): A bit of reheating.



(Below): As he holds the vase in the oven to get reheated, he's grabbing (with his right hand) more molten glass, of a contrasting color, from a much smaller oven opening.



(Below 2 photos): He wraps the bright orange glass around the vase, for a decorative effect.




(Below): The artist with his finished product. The light you see reflected down on him is from an opening in the roof. We didn't ask, but VB guesses it's for exhaust. The fumes in the factory are quite strong, for those of us not used to them.


(Below): The rear of the oven. Oven temperature is regulated with the use of bricks. To turn up the temperature, he blocks the rear opening; and to reduce the heat, he opens it up. The pipe leads to canisters of natural gas.


(Below): The ad for their shop, out on the street.


Mamlukes Factory
El Souk St., Front of Qaitbay Mosque - Cairo

Funkengroovin - Egyptian Driver's License

Here's VB's ride to and from the traffic department, in Cairo, where she got her new Egyptian Driver's License. What does that entail? Basically just showing up, having a photo taken and halas (finished)!

Today will be mostly photos with short explanations. VB's computer system has been "corrupted" and she needs to wipe it clean and reload everything. Not sure how this happened, but it showed symptoms originally back in Cairo. VB suspects it might have been caused by a Firefox application she recently downloaded.

VB has an Apple MacBook, which has something called "Time Machine". Time Machine backs up everything on your computer daily, hourly, however you wish. This might take awhile, and VB will return ASAP to finish the series on her visit to The Glass Factory and Mokkatam.

Enjoy the trip through Cairo. (The photos look very hazy. It was one of those dirty, windy, sand blowing days in Cairo.)

(Below): Another view of a newfangled (T5?) VW Ambulance.


(Below): Somehow we always end up behind a green Beetle.


(Below): A blue Caravelle in traffic.


(Below): Close up of a driver of another blue Van.


(Below): The van he's driving.


(Below): He turns off, after we pass him.


(Below): A sunwashed yellow Beetle.


(Below): On the way home, VB's driver asks if we can go through The City of the Dead as a shortcut. VB loves the place and readily agrees. Here's the butcher and his driver. He has just finished butchering his meat. It is fresh, inside the large green container, and he's on his way to deliver it.


(Below): A horse pulled cart, sitting on the side of the road.


(Below): As usual, cut off again by a donkey led cart.


(Below): Behind an onion and garlic cart driven by two young men.


(Below): A white Beetle in oncoming traffic.


(Below): Another donkey led cart, carrying gas cannisters.


NEW:

Wheels: Beach Boys Didn’t Have a Deuce Coupe or a 409
"But before the gig, Mr. Wilson told AutoWeek that neither he nor his brothers were interested in drag racing.

“No, we never did, never went to the races,” Mr. Wilson said.

He added that there was no particular 409 or little deuce coupe. “I didn’t know much about cars, anyway,” he said.

The real hot-rod hero was Roger Christian, Mr. Wilson said. Mr. Christian, a Los Angeles radio D.J. and record producer, wrote many of the lyrics to the Beach Boys songs. He was known as the “Poet of the Strip.”

And you may have guessed, Mr. Christian also co-wrote “Little Old Lady From Pasadena,” “Dead Man’s Curve” and “Drag City” for Jan and Dean."


Fastball - The Way