Leinninger.com

From the field...

For What It's Worth...

March 26th, 2010:
I’m a lazy blogger…

I really haven’t been posting much. Every once-in-a-while, I get burned out and just stop posting. For the 2 people out there that still read my updates: I’m sorry.

I’ve been running around a lot a work. It’s all quite exciting for me, but the details are sure to bore most everyone out there. Consider yourself spared. However in the category of "almost interesting" is how much work my brother (Christian from Degen Development Corp.) has gotten done on our basement project. He’s been coming over during the week when his big projects allow and we’re just a day of work away from insulation and drywall! I was stunned by how precise and meticulous his work has been. I didn’t expect anything less, but the level of detail in everything he does is amazing. Of particular interest is how cleanly he removed the old drywall from the basement stairs. It looks like it was just installed and the old stuff was never even there!

The weather has allowed temperatures to peek above the 50 degree mark on several occasions recently. That means that I’m officially obligated to get my butt out to the shop and finish up my race car for the season! More to come…

- Duane

January 7th, 2010:
I Asked American Automakers To Make A Car I Wanted… And They Listened!

It appears that my previous rant did not fall upon deaf ears… or at least that’s what I would like to think. Although not officially confirmed, the Buick Regal GS looks like it could actually make it to production. All-Wheel Drive, turbo EcoTec 2.0 liter 4 banger, 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes! Now the only question is whether or not it will actually be in a competitive price range. I have a feeling that dealer and manufacturer incentives will make it work… I hope.

The Buick Regal GS Concept In Person (via AutoBlog)

The Buick Regal GS Concept In Person (via AutoBlog)

- Duane

January 3rd, 2010:
Gina and I cover a U2 song… download it here.

About a year ago, our church band held a benefit concert for a friend and member of the band. I’ve been working on cleaning up the recording and preparing a CD for church. From the recording, I’ve grabbed a track of Gina and I playing "I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For" by U2. Feel free to download it and have a listen.

- Duane

December 16th, 2009:
American Auto Makers, Build A Car That I Want!

What the hell, Ford? (Same goes for you GM and Chrysler…) What do you have against people that know how to drive a car? Seriously! I don’t need auto assist lane change backup sensor stability control heated bum wiping! It’s quite simple: a touring car (sport sedan or coupe) with all-wheel drive, taut suspension, peppy performance and A MANUAL TRANSMISSION!!! I spied a car that I was truly interested in: a Ford Fusion Sport AWD. Ford doesn’t offer a manual transmission on any of the more powerful engine options for the Fusion. Step up to the new Taurus and you get a bloated car with soft suspension and poor fuel economy… still without a real transmission. GM, what do you have? Crossovers and luxury cars. Chrysler? The same. Sure, there are plenty of rear-wheel drive offerings that I would love to own. However, I live off of a county dirt road and even if I didn’t most of the options cost more than I could justify spending. I drive a Subaru daily. I love it. The recent economic climate has made me think twice about driving a foreign car. (Though the entire Legacy and Tribeca lines are built right here in the USA at a “green” facility that is officially a protected natural asset.) I can get any Impreza or Legacy with All-Wheel Drive (of course) and a manual transmission, including the potent GT, WRX, and STi variants. I could buy a Mitsubishi Evolution or Lancer. I could even step it up a notch (into the Taurus and LaCrosse price ranges) and get a well-equipped BMW 338xi or Infiniti G series. It’s not that the “Big 2 1/2” aren’t capable of building a sporty AWD car. They’ve done it in the past and offer several in Europe (Ford Focus RS, anyone?). America just doesn’t want to buy them. For most drivers on the expressway, it’s too much work to check one’s blindspot before changing lanes. Why would they want to have to row through gears as they enter and exit the highway? Come on America! Wake up! Pay attention! Put down that cellphone and cheeseburger and learn to drive! That’s the only way we’re going to get cars worth driving in the showrooms.

- Duane

December 7th, 2009:
Finally! A Link To Kidbits on You Tube!

Somebody has finally posted a link to some video from Kidbits on my nostalgia blog: Brat-Patrol.com. After a few years of searching for Kidbits and Gary Ed Mach, there’s finally a video. Thanks to those who posted the info!

- Duane

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