0001 Stratocaster

David Glimour of Pink Floyd has collected some very valuable and historic guitars his collection includes several sought after, highly priced items. In an interview with Guitarist in 1986, David mentions that his first collectable was a Gibson TV, which he bought during Pink Floyd’s visit to the States in October 1970. The jewel however is the Fender Stratocaster with the #0001 serial number.

Although stamped with the #0001 serial number, it’s not the first ever-made Stratocaster. The unusual colour and the gold hardware indicate that it might be a showpiece made for a special occasion or for an employee.


The neck is signed “TG 6.54”, referring to Taddeo Gomez June 1954 and the body has a handwritten signature “Mary 9.28.54”, referring to Mary (her last name is not known but she appears on several guitars from the period) September 28. 1954. According to Guitarist journalist David Mead, who examined the guitar for an article in 1995, the ash body is indeed white although it might appear to be aged Olympic White, pale green or even blue-ish on some pictures. The guitar features an anodized gold 8 hole 1-ply pickguard, custom gold plated tremolo system and output jack and Kluson Deluxe tuners. The pickups appear to be original 1954 Fenders with a 3-way pickup switch (the 5-way switch didn’t surface until the mid 70’s).

David explained to Guitarist in 1986 how he got his hands on the guitar: ”Eventually Phil wanted to borrow some money to buy a house, so I blackmailed him! I said the only way I’d lend him the money to buy the house, was if he sold me the white Strat…”. This must have been sometime around 1976-77. Apparently, the guitar had originally belonged to Leo Fender who gave (or sold) it to Seymour Duncan. Duncan later sold it to Phil in the mid 70’s for $900.

The guitar made its first appearance on the live promo clips filmed for David’s first solo album in 1978. It’s is not documented whether it was used for the album or not. However, it features on Another brick in the Wall (part 2) where David used it for the rhythms, which was recorded straight into the desk.

David also used the guitar on the recording of Paul McCartney’s “Back to the Egg” album and the song “So Glad to See You Here”. The track was also filmed at Abbey Road featuring David and the Strat as a part of McCartney’s “Rockestra” in 1979. The guitar was again used on the filming of the video for Brian Ferry’s “Is You Love Strong enough”. In 1991 David and the Strat is filmed with Jeff Baxter at Abbey Road for an impromptu jam.

For the celebration of the Stratocaster’s 50th anniversary in 2004 at the Wembley Arena it was only natural for David to showcase the Strat on two of the three songs he performed for during the show, - Coming Back to Life and Marooned (this was the second time Marooned was performed, the first being in Oslo, Norway in 1994 on the Division Bell tour). David used the red 1983 Stratocaster on the third song, Sorrow.

The alternate theory about the guitar’s origins
There was some discussion about the #0001 Strat’s origins in 2004 on the Seymour Duncan forum that seemed to stir up some controversy. According to Seymour Duncan, there were two guitars with the #0001 serial number and David’s guitar is a “frankenstein” consisting of several different parts. Apparently, in 1976 a guy named Richard Green wanted Duncan to repair his 1957 Strat. Duncan shipped the body to Charvel but it was too worn and full of scratches and it was replaced by a random, similar body and sprayed see-through root beer. The neck went to repairman Phil Kubicki, who refinished it and Duncan fitted the neck to the “new” body and returned it to Richard Green. The guitar had a #0001 serial number on the neckplate.

Later, Seymour got the original body at Charvel’s, slapped on a random 1957 neck that he’d bought from Phil Kubicki, wounded new 1960’s replica pickups and sold it to Phil Taylor. This guitar also had a #0001 serial number on the neckplate.

So to sum it up, according to Seymour Duncan, David’s #0001 Stratocaster has a 1957 light mint green ash body and a 1957 neck, from to two separate guitars, and the pickups are custom ‘60s Duncans. Seymour also insists that he actually didn’t sell it to Taylor but to Alan Rogan (Pete Towsend’s long time guitar tech), who then sold it to Phil. The neck could have been a 1954 but Seymour remembers that it had a ’57 neck with cigarette burns just above the nut, which David’s indeed has.

Whether or not this is the true story of David’s guitar or not is not for me to decide. There are very few sources and although Seymour Duncan might have a good memory, there are some holes in his “theory”, not least because David Meads examination of the guitar in 1995 reveals strong evidence of it being a genuine 1954 model. Phil Taylor also seems to deny the theory insisting on that Seymour is confusing the “frankenstein” with another guitar. One can also raise the question, why did Seymour only want $900 for it when he sold it to Taylor if it indeed was the #0001 Strat? Was it a symbolical price between friends or the fact that the vintage guitars phenomenon wasn’t an issue at the time? If one look at it the other way, baring in mind that Seymour knew it was a “fake” then why did he sell it for $900, which in those days was a bit too much for a seemingly ordinary guitar made up from different bits and pieces?

Nevertheless, David’s #0001 is a unique guitar in it self and while many collectors keep their items behind glass or in storage, David uses the Strat frequently and even more so during the last couple of years. The guitar was last featured on a photo session by Ross Halfin in 2006.

Sources:
- Guitarist, 1995
- Guitarist, 1986
- “The Black Strat - A History of David Gilmour’s black Fender Stratocaster” by Phil Taylor
- Seymour Duncan User Group Forum
- “The Strat Pack – Live in Concert” DVD 2004
- Live promo clips filmed for “David Gilmour” 1978
- “Comfortably Numb - A History of the Wall” by Vernon Fitch and Richard Mahon
- Thanks to Evan Skopp, Seymour Duncan VP Marketing & OEM Sales

Bikers

In BC last year there were 1400 bicycle accident related injuries, many of them severe including deaths, paralysis and other BAD INJURIES. In BC Bicyclists are allowed to share the road with motorists excluding Some highways and divided Roads. I don't think theres anything wrong with people wanting to commute around town and to work on bikes, it is even good for the environment taking thousands of tonnes of carbon pollution out of the air, if people are getting out of cars and onto bikes. However, Roads for about 110 years in North America have been designed for, Cars and Trucks for the most part. Lately There has been a push to go greener and fight climate change and this has resulted in more bikers than ever before sharing the roads. There has been some small integration of bike lanes in some areas but these are seldom and represent a very small percentage of our roads. The problem I see with Bikes being allowed to share our roads is,

Number one, The Huge weight and speed differetial between bikes and cars, Your average car in canada is going to weigh approximatley 3000 pounds, with trucks weighing in at double or triple this and commercial vehicles signifigantly more. Also the rate of speed cars travel, accelerate and deccelerate is far greater than that of bikes. The Problem is that when a 3000 pound car travelling at say 60 km/h hits a person on a bike whose weight is say 200 pounds travelling at 10km/h, or worse a 6000 pound truck travelling at 100km/h which is completly plausible on our roads, the force the car has is so much more then the bike that the person really doesn't have a chance if they do indeed collide. Simply Weight will always win, injuries sustained to bicyclists on the Roads place more stress on our health care system and could be far more avoidable.

Number Two, Bikers do not have the same rules as drivers in cars, yet they use the same infastucture, they do not require insurance or licenses, and are subject to different laws whilst on the road, causing lawsuit and claim problems.

Number Three, Modern cars are equipped with a net of technologically advandced saftey systems, including multiple airbags, seatbelts, steel structures surrounding you, firewalls, crumple zones, whiplash protection, some cars will even avoid accidents automatically, Biciclists have nothing but a helmet, and hard pavement to hit.

There is no perfect solution and i think more and more bikers will be hit by cars and be seriously injured, I think there has to be a far more signifigant degree of separation between cars and bikes to prevent collisions. Bicycles and cars should be able to share our roads but need to be kept seperate from each other at least to some degree, i think its a problem that will become progressivly worse and needs to be adressed.

Or More things like this will happen,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBOoWocZjHY


These are ICBCs current suggestions to bikers for greater saftey

TIPS FOR CYCLISTS

No. 1 - Brighten up: Bicycles can be hard for other road users to spot in the mix of busy traffic so cyclists need to be as visible as possible. Bright, reflective clothing is the best option for the rider, while the bicycle itself needs to have lights. If you ride at night, your bicycle must be equipped with a white headlight visible at 150 metres, and have a rear red light and a red rear reflector. Even if you are doing all of these things, never assume you have been seen by another vehicle.

No. 2 - Don’t rush: Remember to stop and look in all directions before cycling out of an intersection, driveway or lane. The majority of all children’s cycling crashes are caused by the child riding out onto a roadway without looking. Cyclists need to ensure they follow the rules of the road. Just like any other vehicle, you need to obey stop signs and other traffic control devices and enforcement.

No. 3 - Start at the top: While we’re talking rules, remember to always wear an approved bicycle helmet that meets safety standards - it’s the law in BC and you could be fined for not wearing one. Bike helmets alone could prevent up to 85 percent of serious injuries, which account for 80 percent of all bicycle-related deaths. Look for a helmet that is approved by a recognized body such as Snell. More important than who made the helmet is how it fits. It should be snug, but not uncomfortable, and should not be able to roll off of your head when the chin strap is secured.

No. 4 - Get well positioned: Position yourself so other road users can easily see you - don’t weave in and out of traffic. Importantly, ensure you always avoid riding in blind spots of other road users. Cyclists should ride on the right side of the road and in single file.

No. 5 - Be defensive: While it is fine to ride in an assertive manner, cyclists need to think and look well ahead - remember, a conflict between a bicycle and a motor vehicle usually results in injury to the cyclist. Pay particular attention for vehicles turning at intersections, and slow down and take it easy on the curves.

TIPS FOR OTHER ROAD USERS

No. 1 - Keep your eyes peeled: As a road user, it is important that you always actively look for cyclists in traffic - especially in the spring and summer months when there are more of them on the road. Wherever possible, make eye contact with the cyclist to let them know you have seen him - a cyclist often relies on eye contact as a means of communication as they try to anticipate your next move. Make sure you understand all of the hand signals that cyclists use. Shoulder checking is also important, especially when making right-hand turns at intersections and before you open your door to get out of your vehicle.

No. 2 - Put things in perspective: It is often difficult to judge the correct distance between your spot on the road and a bicycle as it is approaching, particularly when turning left. Be extra cautious for cyclists, especially when turning at intersections. Before you pass another vehicle, make sure you check for oncoming cyclists and bicycles ahead of the vehicle you are passing.

No. 3 - Don’t get close: Drivers need to pay attention and yield to people on bikes and, importantly, need to keep at least three seconds of following distance. Bicycle movements can be unpredictable so an increased distance will give you more time to safely react. A significant number of crashes involving cyclists result from side-sweeping, so make sure there is enough space if you want to pass a cyclist.

No. 4 - Keep out: Bicycle lanes are reserved for cyclists - do not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane. Sometimes you will need to cross a bicycle lane to turn right, or to pull to the side of the road. When you need to do so, take extra care - be sure to signal well ahead and remember to always yield to cyclists.

No. 5 - Be considerate: Like pedestrians, cyclists are vulnerable road users and don’t have the protection drivers have - both in terms of the shell of their vehicle and their seatbelt. Don’t honk your horn at a cyclist unless you need to give them a warning. A loud honk could startle them or even cause them to fall.

Top 10 Cars for less then 10 grand

10 Best Used Cars for Less Than $9,999
10 Great Budget Performance Cars

By John Pearley Huffman, Contributor | Published May 29, 2009

Poor So-So Pretty Good Good Excellent PoorSo-SoPretty GoodGoodExcellent16 Ratings 16 RatingsTen grand will get you a new car. You know, something like a Nissan Versa 1.6 Base or Hyundai Accent GS three-door base — solid, basic transportation with all the charm of Tupperware. Or, that same $10,000 will buy you a used ride any car enthusiast would be proud to call his own.

Our recent feature, "The 10 Best Used Cars for Less Than $4,999" started us down this road of cheap car fun. This time, we've doubled the maximum price point, but as before, we've done most of our shopping on Auto Trader with a few side trips to Craigslist and some confirmation of prices using the tracking on eBay Motors.

Compared with our $5,000 picks, the $10,000 cars started life as more expensive and/or exclusive vehicles. You know, top-of-the-line machinery or low-production models. But as before, we're talking about used cars here: vehicles with odometers often verging on — or well past — the six-digit mark. If you're lucky enough to stumble across one that's keenly priced and well kept, don't hesitate to buy.

1990-'96 Nissan 300ZX
Fully two decades after it was introduced, Nissan's "Z32" 300ZX remains a fine and futuristic-looking car. Look at those glass-enclosed headlamps and the graceful body sweep from its pointed prow to its elevated rear deck.

When new, every model of the Z32 was rightly praised for its outstanding handling, but this heavy, densely packed car can also seem sluggish in non-turbocharged form. When equipped with twin turbos however, it's astonishingly quick, if technically even more complex. An automatic was available, but the five-speed manual is the one to have.

Finding a decent, naturally aspirated 300ZX for less than $10,000 is a lot easier than finding a twin-turbo model at that price. But even low-mileage (less than 50,000 miles on the clock) early 300ZXs are available for less than $9 grand if you look hard enough. There doesn't seem to be a premium or discount for the longer-wheelbase, four-seat 2+2 model or the rarer convertible. And when the occasional twin turbo shows up for under $10K, it's almost too good for anyone to pass up, even with higher mileage.

If it were our money: The 300ZX is a great driver no matter what the model. But we'd skip over the awkward-looking 2+2 and the T-top and convertible models. Our cash would be spent on the best two-seat hardtop we could find. A turbo, with any luck.

Online sources: Datsun/Nissan Z-Car History, 300ZXClub.com, ZCar.com

1985-'91 Porsche 944 Turbo
To many purists' eyes, Porsche's flirtation with front-engine cars during the '70s and '80s was misguided and unfortunate. But that's only because they've never driven a 944 Turbo. It's one of the best-handling, sweetest-driving cars Porsche has ever built with the engine in front, middle or back.

A derivative of the underwhelming 924, the 944 was a significantly better vehicle when it was introduced in 1982. However, Porsche's big 2.5-liter four (essentially half a 928 5.0-liter V8) was only rated at 150 horsepower. But then Porsche added a turbocharger and intercooler to the equation and output jumped to 217 hp, improving acceleration dramatically. Magazine tests at the time had it ripping from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds. Beyond that, Porsche also threw in chassis refinements that turned the 944 Turbo into a car often praised as the best handling in the world.

Forget low-mileage examples or the rare 944 Turbo S for your $10,000. The 944 Turbos at just into five figures all have odometers reading well past 100,000 miles. But the 944 Turbo is a stout machine, and pushing them past 200,000 miles isn't unknown. Just don't expect Porsche mechanics to work cheap.

If it were our money:
We'd simply opt for the best possible example within our meager budget. Just remember, fixing Porsches is never cheap, so paying a little more up front will usually get you ahead in the end.

Online sources:
Porsche Club of America, 944Online.com

1999-2000 Honda Civic Si
The major challenge when it comes to buying a 1999 or 2000 Honda Civic Si is finding one that hasn't been made worse by lunk-headed modifications. But there are clean, unmolested, sweet-driving Civic Si coupes out there for under $10,000.

While other Civics of this vintage have dropped well below $5,000 in value, the Si Coupe has kept its value up because it's fundamentally a different beast. The big change being, of course, the presence of Honda's famed "B16" 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC four under the hood.

Rated at 160 hp, the B16 doesn't make a lot of torque, but it will rev right up to its 8,000-rpm redline with an astounding eagerness. But beyond the engine swap, the Si also got stiffer springs and shocks, a neatly detailed interior with vastly better seats, and a set of neat 15-inch alloy wheels.

One reason this generation of Civic Si is so cherished is because it was the last generation of Civic to use a double-wishbone front suspension. That suspension design was once one of Honda's signature engineering elements, and many claim none of the Civics equipped with MacPherson struts built since can match the old ones for handling.

If it were our money: We'd hold out for a low-mileage, well-maintained, well-documented, never wrecked, never modified, near pristine Civic Si. Then we'd upgrade the wheels and tires and maybe — maybe — go for freer-flowing intake and exhaust systems.

Online sources: Temple of VTEC, HondaClub.com, ClubSi.com

1995-2001 BMW 740i and 740iL
The variety of used BMWs available for around $10K is staggering — ranging from sweet-looking but ancient 2002s to classic 635i coupes, to not-that-old 5 Series sedans. But the one that stands out at this price is the 1995-2001 "E38" 7 Series sedan. You know, the one before Bangle got a hold of it. The one James Bond drove in Tomorrow Never Dies.

BMW built the big E38 to be an everyday car for the world's elite, and that's how they've been used. There are E38 740iL sedans that have racked up huge mileage numbers. Surprisingly, though, even 740iLs with barely over 70,000 miles on their odometers are available for less than $10K — though at that price we'd perform every sort of inspection including an MRI before turning over cash for the car. After all, buying a problem BMW is bound to mean big expenses down the line.

Both V8- (740i and 740iL) and V12-powered (750iL) E38s are available at our price point. But the V12 is a more complex, thirstier and temperamental machine than its more common V8 counterparts. And when a 750iL is busted, it often takes bigger bucks to un-bust it.

If it were our money: We crave a 2001 silver 740iL with the Sport package. Deep-dish wheels. Classic lines. And high miles wouldn't scare us as long as there's a service history that indicates the car has been well maintained.

Online sources: BMW Car Club of America, E38.org, BMW 7 Resource

2002-'06 Acura RSX
The RSX succeeded the Integra back in 2002 when Acura decided to get out of the real name business. But outside North America this car was sold as the Honda Integra, and that's exactly what it is.

Built only as a three-door hatchback coupe, the front-drive RSX was offered in two trim levels: base and Type-S. Both featured Honda's then-new K-Series 2.0-liter four, with the base car's engine making 160 hp, while the Type-S engine was more highly tuned to produce 200 hp (bumped to 210 hp in 2005).

The base RSX could be had with either five-speed manual or automatic transaxles, while the Type-S came solely with a six-speed manual gearbox. Compared to previous Integras, the RSX had a more relaxed, easygoing personality that can be traced to the greater torque production and quieter operation of the new engine and a more isolated ride.

The old Integras were street fighters: eager, roaring beasts with an appetite for competition. That just isn't in the RSX's more robust, low-key personality. And many Integra loyalists will never believe an RSX can handle because it runs MacPherson struts up front instead of the beloved double-wishbones. But the RSX is a well-built, exceptionally solid, small coupe that has always been fun to drive.

If it were our money: The Type-S is the one to go for here; the extra power and 8,000-rpm redline of the VTEC-equipped engine make it vastly more entertaining than the base car. But that would restrict us, almost solely, to 2002 models with higher mileage. Adding a free-flowing exhaust would add some rip-snort to the RSX's personality and, if we could afford it, we'd upgrade to a limited-slip differential to improve cornering.

Online sources: Temple of VTEC, Club RSX, Integra and RSX History

2002-'03 Subaru Impreza WRX
An advanced all-wheel-drive system, turbocharged and intercooled engine and a winning race record...all wrapped in one of the most innocuous four-door sedan bodies imaginable. What isn't there to love about the Subaru Impreza WRX? And now prices on early, higher-mileage U.S. models have fallen to under $10K.

There never would have been a WRX if Subaru hadn't decided to go rally racing in the early '90s, and at its heart every WRX is a racecar. This is a focused all-wheel-drive performance machine with a 2.0-liter turbo flat-4 and a robust five-speed manual transmission. The WRX may look dumpy, but every one of the 2002 model's 227 horses is there to gallop.

That racing DNA, however, also means a lot of WRXs have been, well, raced. Or at least driven hard. Often. And sometimes on unpaved roads. So beware of any WRX that shows signs of abuse. And don't be surprised if you wind up looking at many WRXs that have been creatively and tragically modified.

And no, there aren't any WRX STi models out there near $10 grand.

If it were our money: An unmodified wagon-bodied example with the five-speed manual is our pick. There was a four-speed auto available. Avoid it like Kenny G.

Online sources: Club WRX, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, i-Club.com

2001-'05 Volkswagen GTI
Almost 35 years ago, VW fortified its new small, front-drive three-door Golf with a more powerful engine, stiffened suspension and the letters G, T and I. The result simply revolutionized what the world expected from performance-oriented small cars, and the original hot hatch has been getting better ever since.

For $9,999 you'll be shopping GTIs based on the "Mark IV" Golf platform and featuring either the throaty narrow-angle 2.8-liter VR6 or the flexible 1.8-liter turbocharged-4. It's a pick-'em between the two engines: The VR6 is torque-rich and rated at 174 hp, while the 150-hp 1.8T (180 hp starting with 2002 models) is easier on gas and can be tweaked for far greater output. If you like thrilling exhaust notes, go for the VR6. If the sound of turbo whine and blow-off valves excites you, the turbo awaits.

VW's quality control has often been uneven, and buying a well-maintained GTI is critical. Fortunately, at this price point it should be possible to snag a 2002 or '03 model with modest mileage and a service record.

If it were our money: The turbocharged GTIs are strong runners, but it's the VR6s that have the engaging, seamless personality. So we'd buy a VR6, add a free-flowing exhaust, drop the windows and go looking for tunnels.

Online sources: VWvortex.com, Volkswagen Club of America, Volkswagen GTI Central

1998-2002 Chevy Camaro Z28
If you're after sheer speed, it's pretty much impossible to beat the LS1-powered Camaro Z28. Displacing 5.7 liters, the all-aluminum LS1 was rated at 305 hp in the regular Z28 and a stout 320 hp in the much rarer Z28 SS. Given enough room (and a powertrain control module free of a speed limiter), a regular Z28 is a true 160-mph car. And it will hustle there with the sort of explosive acceleration that only comes from a large-displacement V8.

The Z28 was offered as a convertible or coupe, with many coupe buyers opting for removable T-tops. While the convertible has its charms, it still carries a price premium in the used market and isn't as structurally rigid as the coupe. Chevy also let you choose between a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

Questionable modifications and abuse are common in the Camaro world, but these cars are so numerous, there's no reason to purchase a car that gives you the willies. Just walk around the corner and there will be another one.

In fact, there are a surprising number of 1998-2001 models with less than 100,000 miles on their clocks that can be had for under $9,999. There are even some low-mileage 2002 Z28s out there at under $10K.

Of course all of the above also applies to Pontiac's Firebird Trans Am.

If it were our money: The Z28 to have is a solid-roof example that came with the standard six-speed transmission and Z-rated tires. Simply buy the best example you can.

Online sources: Chevrolet Camaro History, American Camaro Association, Chevy Camaro Forums

2001-'05 Audi A4
Audi's A4 was a hit from the moment it appeared in 1995, and it only got better when the second generation was introduced for the 2001 model year. Now many of those second-generation A4s are right in our target price range.

For 2001, North American market A4s were offered with either a 170-hp, 20-valve, 1.8-liter turbocharged-4 or a 190-hp 2.8-liter V6. The 1.8T carried over into 2002, but there was a new 3.0-liter V6 producing a full 220 hp. The fours may be easier on fuel, but the 3.0-liter V6 is the best driver and the most straightforward to maintain. Audi offered either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

Combine the A4's optional Quattro all-wheel-drive system with the A4's sophisticated all-independent suspension and easygoing engines and it's just about the best daily driver available at this price. Since Audi buyers are usually responsible adults, there's little reason to settle for a car without a comprehensive service history.

If it were our money: We'd hold out for a later Quattro model powered by the 3.0-liter V6. Then we'd drive it. And drive it. And drive it.

Online sources: Audi World, AudiForums.com, Audi A4 Central

2000-'02 Audi S4
As sweet-natured as the Audi A4 has always been, its more powerful brother the S4 has always been more exciting. And now all those thrills are available for less than $9,999! It's like finding out ice cream has no calories.

The S4 under discussion here is the one with a 2.7-liter DOHC five-valve, variable timed, twin-turbocharged V6 under its first-generation A4 hood. It was only rated at 250 hp here in North America, but backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic, it could zoom to 60 in under 6 seconds and almost effortlessly bounce against its 155-mph electronic speed limiter. And with a few tweaks from tuners like ABT or Torque Factory, the V6 is easily capable of more than 400 hp.

As with any high-performance car, many S4s have hard, hard driven lives. So finding one that's been well-maintained is critical. No, there aren't a lot of S4s out there, but don't hesitate to walk away from one that's obviously been abused. Be patient, and a better car will surface.

If it were our money: Our ideal S4 would be mechanically sound even if it's a bit challenged cosmetically. Making the car look good is, after all, easy. But trying to fix a rare turbo engine on a budget is almost impossible.

Online sources: Audi World, AudiForums.com, S4biturbo.com

Don't Touch My AMP!

Keith Richards Getting a old school guitar lesson and bossed around from pioneer Chuck Berry, There is a little ego goin around that room, clip from Hail Hail Rock'n Roll. Steve Jordan, drums, T-bone Walker, piano, keith is drunk....obviously!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClgtoM2RwQY

Twenty Three year screw up

For 23 torturous years, Rom Houben says he lay trapped in his paralyzed body, aware of what was going on around him but unable to tell anyone or even cry out.

The car-crash victim had been diagnosed as being in a vegetative state but appears to have been conscious the whole time. An expert using a specialized type of brain scan that was not available in the 1980s finally realized it, and unlocked Mr. Houben's mind again.

The 46-year-old Mr. Houben is now communicating with one finger and a special touchscreen on his wheelchair.

“Powerlessness. Utter powerlessness. At first I was angry, then I learned to live with it,” he said, punching the message into the screen during an interview with the Belgian RTBF network, aired Monday. He has called his rescue his “renaissance.”

Over the years, Mr. Houben's family refused to accept the word of his doctors, firmly believing their son knew what was happening around him, and gave no thought to letting him die, said his mother, Fina. She was vindicated when the breakthrough came.

“At that moment, you think, ‘Oh, my God. See, now you know.' I was always convinced,” she said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

The discovery took place three years ago but only recently came to light, after publication of a study on the misdiagnosis of people with consciousness disorders.

While a 23-year error is highly unusual, the wrong diagnosis of patients with consciousness disorders is far too common, according to the study, led by Steven Laureys of Belgium's Coma Science Group.

“Despite the importance of diagnostic accuracy, the rate of misdiagnosis of vegetative state has not substantially changed in the past 15 years,” the study said. Back then, studies found that “up to 43 per cent of patients with disorders of consciousness are erroneously assigned a diagnosis of vegetative state.”

The issue is fraught with difficult medical and ethical questions. Patients diagnosed as being in a vegetative state with no hope of recovery are sometimes allowed to die, as was done in 2005 with Terri Schiavo, the severely brain-damaged Florida woman at the centre of the biggest right-to-die case in U.S. history. Her feeding tube was removed.

“It makes you think. There is still a lot of work to be done” to better diagnose such disorders, said Caroline Schnakers of the Coma Science Group.

Mr. Houben was injured in an auto accident in 1983 when he was 20. Doctors said he fell into a coma at first, then went into a vegetative state.

A coma is a state of unconsciousness in which the eyes are closed and the patient cannot be roused. A vegetative state is a condition in which the eyes are open and can move, and the patient has periods of sleep and periods of wakefulness, but remains unconscious and cannot reason or respond.

During Mr. Houben's two lost decades, his eyesight was poor, but the experts say he could hear doctors, nurses and visitors to his bedside, and feel the touch of a relative. He says that during that time, he heard his father had died, but he was unable to show any emotion.

Over the years, Mr. Houben's skeptical mother took him to the United States five times for tests. More searching got her in touch with Mr. Laureys, who put Mr. Houben through a PET scan.

“We saw his brain was almost normal,” said neuropsychologist Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, who has worked with Mr. Houben for three years.

The family and doctors then began trying to establish communication. A breakthrough came when he was able to indicate yes or no by slightly moving his foot to push a computer device placed there by Mr. Laureys's team. Then came the spelling of words using the touchscreen.

Houben's condition has since been diagnosed as a form of “locked-in syndrome,” in which people are unable to speak or move but can think and reason.

“You have to imagine yourself lying in bed wanting to speak and move but unable to do so — while in your head you are okay,” Ms. Vanhaudenhuyse said. “It was extremely difficult for him and he showed a lot of anger, which is normal since he was very frustrated.”

With so much to say after suffering for so long in silence, Mr. Houben has started writing a book.

“He lives from day to day,” his 73-year-old mother said. “He can be funny and happy,” but is also given to black humour.

Recently he went to his father's grave for the planting of a tree.

“A letter he wrote was lowered into the grave through a tube,” his mother said. “He closed his eyes for half an hour, because he cannot cry.”

There is little hope that Mr. Houben's physical condition will get better, but his mother said she refuses to give up: “We continue to search and search. For 26 years already.”

Brussels — The Associated Press
Published on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 6:26PM EST

Last updated on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 9:43AM EST

not a suggesstion, a recomendation

(AP) -- Women who perform the act of fellatio and swallow semen on a regular basis, one to two times a week, may reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 40 percent, a North Carolina State University study found.

Doctors had never suspected a link between the act of fellatio and breast cancer, but new research being performed at North Carolina State University is starting to suggest that there could be an important link between the two.

In a study of over 15,000 women suspected of having performed regular fellatio and swallowed the ejaculatory fluid, over the past ten years, the researchers found that those actually having performed the act regularly, one to two times a week, had a lower occurrence of breast cancer than those who had not. There was no increased risk, however, for those who did not regularly perform.

"I think it removes the last shade of doubt that fellatio is actually a healthy act," said Dr. A.J. Kramer of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who was not involved in the research. "I am surprised by these findings, but am also excited that the researchers may have discovered a relatively easy way to lower the occurrence of breast cancer in women."

The University researchers stressed that, though breast cancer is relatively uncommon, any steps taken to reduce the risk would be a wise decision.

"Only with regular occurrence will your chances be reduced, so I encourage all women out there to make fellatio an important part of their daily routine," said Dr. Helena Shifteer, one of the researchers at the University. "Since the emergence of the research, I try to fellate at least once every other night to reduce my chances."

The study is reported in Friday's Journal of Medical Research.

In 1991, 43,582 women died of breast cancer, as reported by the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Len Lictepeen, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, said women should not overlook or "play down" these findings.

"This will hopefully change women's practice and patterns, resulting in a severe drop in the future number of cases," Lictepeen said.

Sooner said the research shows no increase in the risk of breast cancer in those who are, for whatever reason, not able to fellate regularly.

"There's definitely fertile ground for more research. Many have stepped forward to volunteer for related research now in the planning stages," he said.

Almost every woman is, at some point, going to perform the act of fellatio, but it is the frequency at which this event occurs that makes the difference, say researchers. Also key seems to be the protein and enzyme count in the semen, but researchers are again waiting for more test data.

The reasearch consisted of two groups, 6,246 women ages 25 to 45 who had performed fellatio and swallowed on a regular basis over the past five to ten years, and 9,728 women who had not or did not swallow. The group of women who had performed and swallowed had a breast cancer rate of 1.9 percent and the group who had not had a breast cancer rate of 10.4 percent.

"The findings do suggest that there are other causes for breast cancer besides the absence of regular fellatio," Shafteer said. "It's a cause, not THE cause."

Associated Press
http://www.tatom.org/documents/CNN.com-StudyNewstudyshows.htm

In Control While Out

Ken Block, A Co-Founder of DC Shoes, and an accomplished pro rally car driver, recently has made a number of video's with the aim to showcase his driving ability in a purpose built rally car, so dont try this in your civic hatchback it probably won't work! heres a few vids of what happens balls out in a 700 horsepower crazy subaru racecar.

1. Gymkhana Training
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkNzkutTiGs


2.GYMKHANA TWO THE INFOMERCIAL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ7R_buZPSo


3. DC Mountain Lab NZ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av0VsTxJd78

SRV

Life By The Drop performed by SRV, blues song written by Doyle Bramhall, a friend of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He wrote the song about Stevies drug and alcohol addiction for much of the 1980's. After Kicking his habits SRV recorded it and his Guitar, voice and the lyrics make it a haunting song, when it was realeased poshhumously in 1991.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ZPMScX9-k

Battle Studies

While John Mayer's personality and personna i do not particularly appreciate and the fixation tabloids have, John mayer Still happens to be one of the best guitar musicians around, and hes got quite the list of Hollywood Honeys. His new album Battle Studies was just realeased, at first run through it is very poppy easy listening kind of stuff, not really the best music hes come out with, in my humble opinion. A funky version on Robert Johnsons Crossoads can be found on the album which showcases, mayers still got it on guitar, "who says", and "im on fire" by bruce springsteen are also highlights.

Keep it with the real stuff,
Mayer, Clapton JAM!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh4n1bZi4d8


Bold as Love Hendrix Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQSGa8nZs8g

Queens Of The Led Fighters

Supergroups are nothing new, from Velvet Revolver, Bad Company to Cream, they bring together a group of established musicians, this can result in some fantastic music, blending some of the industrys most talented into making music together. Them Crooked Vultures is a new group with some of the industrys heaviest hitters, consisted of Dave Grohl,drums,(Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails) Josh Homme, Guitar+Vocals,(QOTSA, Eagles Of Death Metal) and John Paul Jones, Bass + Keyboards,(Led Zeppelin). Combining Jones's Four and a half decades of expeience With Grohl and Homme at the helm This Band Rocks Hard! With Legendary Drums, Stoner Metal Guitar and Nothing But The Best On Bass these guys deliver a slightly obscure hard rock metally album and these guys really work well together. The Album, Them Crooked Vultures was realeased November 2009 and has been greeted with very favorable reviews, Singles include New fang and Mind Eraser, No Chaser.

precision and tone

Dave Matthews Band Perfoming, Neil Young cover, Featuring One of my favorite guitar players Warren Haynes not to mention some radical lead.

louis v

These ads have been around for a while, while its not like i'm a huge fan of louis vuitton, however these ads are awesome, They do not just put a recognizable celebrity to endorse their product like so many other big companies, they use people who have elevated themselves above celebrities, they use people who have some way pushed boundries, and changed things in our world and have reached an iconic status in the last 45 years , whether is be art, music or our planet these people are few and far between.

1. Sally Ride, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell



2. Sean Connery



3. Francis Ford Coppola



4. Madonna



5. Keith Richards, the best one

Ramble On

Foo Fighters Wembley stadium concert June 2008, special guests John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page (Still got it, Crazy good)

The Beginning

wanted to try out this new hip blogging thing, here she goes!