Mistakes and Screw-ups

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:20 am

pkni wrote:Mistakes and screw ups are such an integral and normal part of my life that I tend to forget them. One that does stand out because of the "pucker factor", involved a trailer loaded with 12 sheets of MDF.
I thought I'd gotten a great deal (free) on a trailer that a farmer had used to transport his tractors. After switching out the clevis hitch for a 1 7/8 ball reciever hitch and installing a ball on my Ford Fairlane, never thinking about trailer brakes, I drug it to Phoenix and bought the MDF, loaded it and strapped it down securely. Proceeded back through the city towards home.
Everything was fine and I was hitting all the green lights.....until I got to one that changed too quick. I hit the brakes and that trailer and MDF pushed me right through the intersection. Luckily, traffic was light and there was no cross traffic.
I finally got it stopped...well past the intersection. I just sat there for about 5 minutes until I stopped shaking enough to drive again. I don't think I got over 30 MPH the rest of the way home. That taught me about inertia, trailer brakes and guardian angels.
Now, we pull a 5th wheel (with brakes) and the episode with the MDF is always front of mind and I'm very cautious approaching any intersections.

A 'Fairlane'? How long ago was that? Why did you not pull it with a 'Falcon'?:D

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:47 am

I used to have a 1965 Ford Fairlane. LOVED that car. It had a straight 289 when I bought it, but I dropped in a big 302 V8 with tons of power. I loved how the car would dip to one side when I revved it up. But I had the same braking problem even without a heavy trailer!

But I digress...

To get back somewhat on topic, my screw up with that car was I replaced the column shifter with a cheap floor shift adapter kit and it kept getting jammed. Half the time when I stopped, I couldn't get it into gear because the shift kit would jam up and I would have to get out, crawl under the car and unjam it. But man, I loved that car.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:48 am

JPG40504 wrote:A 'Fairlane'? How long ago was that? Why did you not pull it with a 'Falcon'?:D

Early '90s, IIRC. That experience led me to get a 250. Haul that stuff in the bed, by golly! Falcon's trunk too small.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:52 am

pkni wrote:Early '90s, IIRC. That experience led me to get a 250. Haul that stuff in the bed, by golly! Falcon's trunk too small.

IIRC ???

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:52 am

If I Recall Correctly, We have been through this before...

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:14 pm

curiousgeorge wrote:If I Recall Correctly, We have been through this before...

But that was a different day

Every day is a new day.

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:24 pm

curiousgeorge wrote:If I Recall Correctly, We have been through this before...

You know what, I think there should be a Nationally recognized standard established for how to designate when an acronym is being used. When done on line, it should link out to the definition. When it is used in hardcopy text, it should kickout to a footer note.

Maybe one of us with some political clout can slid it into an upcoming senete bill so that funds could be appropriated. (couldn't resist putting this last sentence in. Ticks me off).

colday · Post by **colday** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:01 pm

You know what, I think there should be a Nationally recognized standard established for how to designate when an acronym is being used. When done on line, it should link out to the definition. When it is used in hardcopy text, it should kickout to a footer note.

Here is a source...

NetLingo

One would have to browse for the definition, or better yet use their browser's search function.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:13 pm

colday wrote:Here is a source...

NetLingo

One would have to browse for the definition, or better yet use their browser's search function.

Another method (the one that I use) is to do a "Google Search". Works every time for me.

mickyd wrote:You know what, I think there should be a Nationally recognized standard established for how to designate when an acronym is being used. When done on line, it should link out to the definition. When it is used in hardcopy text, it should kickout to a footer note.

FWIW, when an acronym is being used, it is presented in all capital letters.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:22 pm

mickyd wrote:But that was a different day Every day is a new day.

They are going to let me hide my own Easter eggs this Sunday... Three minutes after hiding them I won't have a clue where I put them.