thatraymond.com up and running, with only a few glitches

Yesterday the DNS transfer finally went through and the new site went online.  I got my SquirrelMail installed and working and now I just need to decide if I want to use just that or keep a “local” email going as well.  I’m thinking about going entirely online web based.  It would keep it accessible from anywhere with internet access which is handy, and my fear of losing important emails due to server problems is probably less likely than losing them from my laptop crashing.

Posted in Web/Internet | 1 Comment

New Balance Rocks!

It’s no secret that I love things Made in the USA. I spent 11 months working for New Balance making shoes in their Skowhegan, ME factory before settling into my current position as IT Manager at Franklin Printing. That very same factory got a chance to work with the Joe Gibbs racing team to make shoes for them and learn how to do an official NASCAR pitstop. Check out the link for the video:

http://counterkicks.com/2010/06/28/video-new-balance-x-joe-gibbs-racing-20-pit-crew/

**edit**

Link was dead, seems to work now, but here is the video on youtube anyway: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB2exKTnHZc

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments

So excited!

I’m going to be a Dad! My wife and I found out she was pregnant about a week ago and our first appointment is in 2 weeks. We are estimating our baby will be due May 3rd. I will keep everyone posted when we find out more 🙂

Oh, and if you want to know if I would like a boy or a girl, the answer is “yes.”

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on So excited!

A Little Nerdy

I’m excited – thrilled!
The idea of a baby in our home
Delights my soul.

My wife, bubbling with excitement
And trembling with worry
Tells me.

It’s ok.
It’s more than ok,
I couldn’t be happier.

JR 2010

Posted in Poetry | Comments Off on A Little Nerdy

3.0 Vulcan Duece Coupe

For about a year now I’ve had this dream of building a ’32 Ford Coupe replica with fiberglass body and a 3.0 Vulcan V6 mounted to a Tremec T5, turning a Ford 8.8″ rear axle loaded with 4.10 gears and limited slip.  The 3.0 Vulcan V6 was developed by Ford Europe and started being produced in 1986 for the Taurus and later the Aerostar.  It has since been used in the Ranger and ceased production in 2008.  The 3.0 Vulcan was the first mass produced Flex Fuel engine for Ford and is also known for it’s amazingly durable build quality – 300,000 miles before rebuild are not uncommon figures.  The Flex Fuel Vulcan in my Ranger, circa 2000, puts out 150hp and 190tq, which would be plenty of push for a 2,200lb car. Add this to the fact that nothing sounds like a Vulcan V6 and I’m a happy man.  Pushrod cast iron blocks with timing chains for the win!

Posted in Cars, Trucks and Tractors, Ideas | Comments Off on 3.0 Vulcan Duece Coupe