#Civic R Review

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

Do you have anything to say about my baby, the Honda CR-Z?

(Please excuse the low resolution, I wanted to introduce it with a pic from my collection and this was the only stock one I had)

Oh, the CR-Z... Pepperidge Farm here remembers obsessively following its debut on Top Gear Magazine! Pepperidge Farm and not many others, it seems, as in present day the CR-Z seems to be as relevant in today's car world as basket weaving. Wait, no, less.

In fact, coming up with an answer to this question was the most I thought about the CR-Z in almost a decade.

But thought I have, so here's your answer:

I don't get it.

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like it! I am on record as a serial Honda liker -hell, to those who think it counts I own one- and I see no reason this one should buck the trend (although I've always felt it would look better with something between the headlights to stop it looking so big-snooty, as the bumper below does a good enough job of exemplifying that I won't bother rendering something better).

It's just that... I don't know what the point of it was. And looking at its sales that seems to be the experience of most vertebrates.

(To be fair, U.S. sales started in August 2010 and production ended in 2016 with the following years's sales just being stock clearing - but still, pretty bleak picture.)

It's not like we don't know what Honda were going for, they told us plainly: it's a sporty hybrid car, light on the wallet but heavy on the fun. And Honda would know of sporty compacts - what were they producing as the CR-Z rolled out?

Oh. It's the most hated of all six Civic Type R generations. Hm.

It's a joke, "most hated Civic Type R generation" is a bit like saying "most normal Kia Soul commercial".

If that car looks unfamiliar to you yankees, however, that's because y'all got different looking Civics for a while, such that your sporty Civic was this, the Si - seen here in the bewinged Mugen trim.

The Si is meant to sit below the Type R, but, since America wasn't getting the Type R, the yankee Si and non-yankee Type R were free to get the same 200hp from the same venerable engine (one day I'll go over all that makes the K20 so great) and the usual great handling, courtesy among plenty things of a limited slip differential. Wait, why is that not a link? Ah, right, I've never explained differentials... well, for now you can just trust that it's a cool type of differential that helps maintain grip when you're giving it the beans. Wait. Is it "giving it the beans" because you're stomping the gas pedal? Surely not. What is it from? Let me google this... Okay, sources seem scarce and shaky but apparently the idea was that if you fed horses beans they wou- wait this post is about the CR-Z. How did we get here? I swear this NEVER happens.

In short, Honda knew, and has always known, how to make proper sporty cars and give them great engines, whatever their size. So can it possibly have been a surprise when this thing came out and, forget motoring journalists, even the more talkative stray cats were meowing that the CR-Z did not have the engine grunt to back up its sporty pitch?

And look, if anyone here will say a car with as little as 120-130hp cannot be worth bothering with, it won't be a diehard of the Mazda Miata, which sold well over half a million units no more powerful than that. But that's a car that focused on open top enjoyment and getting a lot out of a little, just like the 60s European spiders it threw back to. What did the CR-Z throw back to?

Well that'll be the CR-X.

Introduced in 1983, the CR-X was a coupe version of the Civic of the time (hence its 1987 update corresponding with the Civic's). And just like the Civic in question, it is most fondly remembered for its sporty, proper-fun Si guise (pronounced "ass eye", because eye me dat ass) and the even sportier SiR that yankees never got. Which makes perfect sense, considering its main appeal against the Civic was the sportier looks.

Sure, since the CR-X left us North America got a Civic coupe in its stead, but am I going to pretend this thing looked half as good as the CR-Z that was about to join the lineup?

Not for free I'm not.

So now, imagine the stellar engine and manual transmission from a Civic Si/Type R, but now with electric assistance for even more power AND fuel efficiency, all in a car hundreds of kilos lighter, significantly shorter -thus more agile- and with the sleek CR-Z looks.

Then keep imagining.

The CR-Z never got an Si or Type R version, it was just left to sit there with its 122hp (later begrudgingly upped to 130) that, forget the contemporary sporty Civics, compared unfavorably to its 30 year old predecessor.

The CR-X was the sportier Civic. If its successor gets walked not just by the Civic but even by the CR-X itself, what's the point of the resurrection?

However, I concede there's an objection to this argument: this graph.

These are the US sales figures for the second generation CRX (which I think dropped the dash?), and, if you were to be able to parse it, you'd notice that the sporty Si version made up about a third of the sales - meaning most buyers forewent the sportiness in favor of the lower cost of the standard DX model or the High F-iciency of the even slower HF model. So if those versions sold well, why shouldn't the CR-Z have?

Well, if you ask me: image is more than looks.

This blog -and other affiliated entities- touched on the concept of race wins on Sunday bringing sales on Monday, and the same phenomenon happens with cool sport versions. Today's Corolla is a much cooler car in the eyes of the people who see in it the underlying foundation of its extraordinary GR version, and this phenomenon is most amplified the smaller the gap -or perceived gap, at least- between the version you're admiring and the more modest version you could realistically be interested in. I strongly believe that many people bought the dog slow CRX HF because the CRX Si ingrained within them the idea that they were buying something cool.

And Honda, as we touched on, had the perfect engine to dump into the CR-Z to make a wicked sport version. Hell, they could even have just given its regular engine forced induction - and we know it because the CR-Z Mugen RZ did just that!

Here at last was a perfectly respectable sport version that, while still underneath the Civic's best power-wise, was more than good enough to make car enthusiasts give a damn about the CR-Z. And what did Honda do with it? They limited the production to 300 units and only sold them in Japan. Take a fucking drink.

I cannot fathom why they would do that. It's not that they couldn't homologate the power additions or whatever, because a. that doesn't justify the limited production run and b. the supercharger (or at least a supercharger, not sure if it's the same) was made available in the US in the form of a dealer-fitted optional extra. Not by selling a supercharged special version altogether, no no, that may cause the public to -gasp- notice and care.

What was the point? Were they deliberately trying to keep the CR-Z's image one of an efficiency-focused... sleek hatch-coupe with minimal backseats?

Wait what?

Dear God, yankees, what have you done to Honda to get done so comically dirty?

Is it just that they thought y'all too big to fit back there?

That makes it even crazier!

Why in tarnation would they think people would care about a sleek, three-door, two seat, manual... efficiency-oriented hybrid?

Oh, right. Because they made the first generation Honda Insight. Which I myself love.

This was even sleeker and more hardcore than the CR-X: it was as light as the lightest ones despite the electric powertrain, it did without backseats entirely, it was the most aerodynamic production car that had ever been built... but all this wasn't about performance at all. It was about milking every drop of your hard-earned fuel for every single fucking inch of forward movement it was worth.

And it sold very well! I mean, look at the yearly sales figures!

Look how much America loved it! In a year of production that started from December it sold around a third the units the CRX sold in a full year!

So imagine what the production numbers were like for the year 2000!

huh?

Oh you mean these are the total sales. Like, all the first generation Insights ever sold in its entire six years and change of production. Oh. And it totals to like 17.000. Which is around how many CRX Si they sold in a year in North America alone. Hm.

Yeah, it suddenly makes a lot more sense how the second generation Insight was a Prius wannabe.

In fact, now that I look at it... that back looks familiar, doesn't it?

Wait...

Wait!

Well, now suddenly the car makes a lot more sense. And actually, come think of it, let me check the sales figures for the Mk2 Insight...

Considering, again, the CR-Z's US debut happened in August 2010, they match up pretty well, and it would be a pretty reasonable sales split if we were to consider them the 5 and 3 door versions of the same car.

Now, this may make it seem like it wasn't such a failure after all, and it did well in the segment it was actually intended to compete in. But let's give some context on how good those Insight sales figures are.

Yeah. Yeah no. The second Insight just wasn't a hit either.

But at least, now I can say I get the car. The Insight was pretty big and... uncool, so the CR-Z was a good way to offer that same hybrid efficiency to people who wanted a more compact, sleeker package - though perhaps not as extreme as the first gen Insight. Unless you're a yankee, I assume.

The name still doesn't make sense.

I mean, it would if I could see Honda seeing CR-X as just... a body style, and its resurrection of it akin to resurrecting, say, the Civic Shuttle.

(It was the only side picture I had saved.)

And Honda's press material made another point to this end, that I wasn't aware of.

So sure. Point taken. The CR-X was shaped by the quest for efficiency, so it follows that its successor would be efficiency focused as well.

But that's not how the CR-X is remembered. In everyone's minds, the CR-X is cemented as the sporty version (that Honda sold, mind - this is not like with the Supra, whose reputation was defined by modders). And the weirdest thing is, they don't just know that, they bring it up.

And indeed, they call the CR-Z's role "quite different from the original Insight coupe's" - they want this car to "change the current perception of hybrids" by blending hybrid efficiency and sportiness. They rightly sell its looks as sporty, take great pride in the manual transmission and explicitly state it's for driver engagement, over and over talk about 'enthusiastic' owners and 'enthusiastic' driving and 'enthusiastic' engine note etc etc. They brag about how much of a difference their Sport mode makes. They call attention to the valves per cylinder. They constantly remind of how (unlike the Insight) it has the legendary V-TEC. (If this is the first you hear of it, ask about it in the tags).

This is the press release for a sports hatch.

But when time came to give it a sports hatch's power? Japan got 300 units, North America got a dealer-fitted kit with a numbered plaque two years before the car's nixing, and we had to hope to never have a flat tire because Europe didn't get jack.

Was it to avoid stepping on the toes of the sporty Civics, because if the sporty CR-Z's potential buyers will otherwise just get a sporty Civic then why make two models to get the same amount of buyers? If so, I'll tell you why: because that was the only chance of moving regular CR-Zs, which surely must have been a worthwhile pursuit if you made the damn thing.

Was it the fear of a power-focused engine resulting in fuel economy so underwhelming it would undermine the model's eco premise? If so, heyo, you have electric assistance, which means you can either get more speed out of the same engine marking a win for the hotboys or get the same speed out of a more efficient package - and in both cases you're showing a hybrid powertrain bringing something to the table, which is how you actually "change the perception of hybrids" in the minds of people who consider them synonymous with boring.

I'm not saying my counters are bulletproof or that there is no argument against a hot CR-Z. I'm just saying that if there is, it's an argument against the regular CR-Z also. Because if the CR-Z was never to be something worth considering over anything that could be called sporty, then they should never have bothered to begin with - at least, if they were going to aim it so squarely at "the enthusiastic drivers".

In short,

Honda sought to make a sportscar - be it to sell the car itself or to sell a concept like "we're committed to preserving driving enjoyment even into electrification" or "hybrids are cool, so buy a hybrid, and please don't whine if we ever need to make a hybrid Type R or whatever thanks". And I'm always down for Honda building a sportscar. It was Honda that wasn't, for whatever reason. And so there the CR-Z stood, waiting until its passing for a sportier engine that would show the world how cool it was. But it never came. And it bugs me. Because I find it a shame. Because I remember reading of the Mugen prototype and waiting with bated breath for the production version that we ultimately never got. Because I still would love to see them about more than I do. Because I wish the second generation that apparently was in the works got to see the light of day.

Because, even after all these days of thinking about Honda's strategy and learning all we went over, and perhaps because of it,

I still don't get it.

Links in blue are posts of mine about the topic in question: if you liked this post, you might like those - or the blog’s Discord server, linked in the pinned post!

[gaycarboys]

Honda Civic Type R Nabs No. 1 at Nürburgring Nordschleife

[mariacallous]

Subverting the federal government was on the minds of state lawmakers Thursday in an hours-long civics lesson from far-right speakers. 

As promised in the 2023 session of the Tennessee General Assembly, the idea of nullification was heard during a summer study session in Nashville. The idea is, basically, for Tennessee to be able to nullify rules from the federal government that it does not like. 

(Read our cover story — “Who’s Got the Power?” — from March to get more details on Tennessee, state sovereignty, and nullification.)

Bills to outline a nullification process in Tennessee go back to at least to 1995. A similar resolution passed in 2021 but it was specific to Covid. It condemned the federal government for mandating vaccinations, restrictions, or requirements. 

Another came last year when state Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) and state Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) filed the ”Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act.” 

In it, the legislature could decide what federal rules they wanted to follow or not. Also, if a voter scraped together 2,000 signatures, they could submit a petition for a nullification to the Speaker of the Tennessee House.  

The bill gained very little traction, if any at all. Neither bill even got enough support to place it on the calendar for a full committee hearing. The idea was slated for a summer study review in 2023. However, that study was interrupted with a special session on school safety, in the wake of the Covenant School shooting that left six dead.  

But Bulsey and Bowling’s idea did finally get that summer study review, even if it was actually in the fall of 2024. True to form on these sessions, Thursday’s hearing yielded no votes or promise of any course of action. It was purely for review. 

The session was not a town hall. State Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the committee chairman, said he knew the idea was “controversial” but did not allow members of the public to speak, or clap, or boo. That right to speak came only for the experts called upon by the legislature. Those selected for this duty Thursday were roundly (and soundly) conservative. 

Jeff Cobble is an attorney and member of the conservative Federalist Society. Joe Wolverton is the inaugural constitutional law scholar for the ultra-conservative John Birch Society. Mark Pulliam is an attorney and writer who, in an August blog post, prayed “… a single juror would vote for President Trump’s acquittal in the circus-like show trial …” in Manhattan. 

The hours of their testimony ranged back to the Declaration of Independence, through the 1781 Articles of Confederation, and to 1787 when the U.S. Constitution was proposed. Lots of it dove deep into definitions of the words of the constitution, like “all,” for example. 

“I’m going to take you like elementary school students through this so this is plain,” said Wolverton in a detailed section of the Constitution to elected lawmakers. “We’re going to go through it phrase by phrase.”  

As for the meat of the separation of powers (and therefore what power Tennessee really does have in nullification), Wolverton presented his ideas wrapped like a click-bait-y YouTube video. “In an hour,” he began, “I can show you how the 14th Amendment is taught wrong.”  

“State — capitalized — has a specific meaning,” he said. “It’s got to do with the sovereign. Nations today are nation states. They are sovereign. 

“I’m suggesting to you something radical, something I did not learn in [constitutional] law. The states are sovereign over the federal government. Now, take that and chew on it. That’s what this bill’s about.” 

Some spice in the meeting came late as state Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) began asking questions of the panel. He asked if the work of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helping out now in East Tennessee was an example of what they were taking about.

Yes, Cobble said, “It’s usurpation, whether it’s used for good or bad,” adding that communities come together in times of tragedy, noting specifically that “the Amish, they build their own barns. They raise their owns houses.”

“You know, good things can happen without a government,” he said. “So, my answer is yes, FEMA is clearly unconstitutional.”

[eptodaytommorowforever]

Events In The History And The Life Of Elvis Presley Today On The 22nd Of June In 1974.

Elvis Presley In Providence Ri Evening Show On June The 22nd In 1974.

Two Elvis Presley Fans From Providence Ri there true Experience being At the Elvis Presley's Two Shows On June The 22nd In 1974.

News of an Elvis Presley's concerts in Providence, R. I. first broke in late April when there was a small mention of it in one Boston paper. It was such a small article that many people nearly missed it and we had to be told about it by a friend who reads the paper more thoroughly than we do. We immediately rushed out that same night to put our ticket order in the mail hoping an early Postmark would get us better seats... but things don't always work out that way., do they? The Civic Center was so swamped with mail orders they not only were forced to dis-regard postmarks, but they didn't mail out tickets as soon as they'd promised. When our tickets finally came, they were upper balcony, quite a ways back from the stage. But we were able to borrow binoculars, so all was not lost. 

It had been two years since we saw Elvis Presley at Madison Square Garden,. and we were really looking forward to seeing him again. We wanted to try meeting his plane, so we went to the airport early the morning of June 22. While waiting around, we were approached by a man who offered to take us up for a ride in his plane. Feeling adventurous, we went up for an aerial tour of Rhode Island. Our guide, Ted Hopkins, was kind enough to radio in and ask if Elvis Presley had landed yet. Held come in a 2:00 a. m., so we went on to the Civic Center. 

We saw both the 2:30pm matinee and the 8:30pm evening show. This review is of the 8:30 show, although both shows were basically the same. 

Elvis Presley came running out on stage in a white jumpsuit with a blue "rainbow" swirled around his body and down his leg. He didn't wear a cape for either show. He went into " C. C. Rider, " obviously in a great mood, doing a spirited " one.. two.. three.. four " followed by a corresponding number of thrusts of a leg. Then he did " I Got A Woman " combined with ''Amen, " giving special recognition to J. D. Sumner Is deep voice. This was followed by " Love Me " and " Trying To Get To You " ( in which he says, " I've been travelling night and day, I've been streaking all the way... " which the crowd just loved ). Next came "All Shook Up, " " Love Me Tender, " " Hound Dog, " and " Fever. " He did a great version of " Polk Salad Annie, " which was really loved by the crowd. When he finished " Why Me Lord, " the reaction was so good, he repeated the chorus once again. 

Linda Thompson was at both shows, coming out just before Elvis Presley and sitting up front, to the side of the stage. When Elvis Presley did "Suspicious Minds, " instead of doing the line "I never lied to you. . . no, not much, " he left out the "not much" and looked in Linda's direction. 

Next, he paused long enough to introduce the band. At the matinee he introduced John Wilkinson as being from Providence and at the evening show he introduced Charlie Hodge as being from Pawtucket... both times he had a mischievous grin on his face and you could tell he was putting everyone on, but the crowd really loved it. 

" Know what I can't do? "... " I Can't Stop Loving You, " and with those words, he launched into a beautiful version of the song. Then he mentioned having a record out entitled " Help Me " and " If You Talk In Your Sleep " and said they'd like to do " Help. Me. " This song has so much more impact when you hear it live than it does on record- -fantastic. 

During "American Trilogy, " he clowns slightly when he sings ". . look away Disney... dixieland. 

Something fairly new for Elvis Presley is " Let Me Be There. " As he's done before, he can take someone's hit song and make it his own, putting such vitality and life into it. This song was a great new treat and we hope he'll continue to do it. 

After having the house lights turned up so he could look at the audience, he sings " Funny How Time Slips Away " (Steve says to me thank God for, Elvis Presley). At the matinee he sang... " Never know when I'll be back in town... 8:30 tonight. " 

Something different for a live concert was " Big Boss Man, " which he did marvelously. One older man down in front of us kept calling out " Teddy Bear " all during the show, and we were so happy for him when Elvis Presley did a " Teddy Bear " / " Don't Be Cruel " medley. 

Naturally, the saddest part of any concert is the beginning of " Can't Help Falling In Love, " and this was no exception. Elvis Presley had put on such a fantastic show, had been in such a great mood, and looked so darned handsome, we all hated to see this song come. But he gave the crowd a beautiful surprise by not rushing off the stage at the close of the song, but spending some time shaking hands around the edge of the stage. 

Time had stood still for an hour, but suddenly it was all over and the clock started up again. We met many fans outside afterwards and everyone agreed that it had been a magnificent concert; one we will long remember. Thank you, Elvis Presley for such a beautiful gift.

Rare Unseen Till Now! The Two Fans Private Live In Action! Candid Photo's Here Of Elvis Presley Taken At This Show Venue.

[rainydaydriversclub]

Build idea for a silly fun street car:

First gen is300

Engine swapped to a 2UR 5.0L V8

Transmission swapped to an R154 5-speed

KAAZ 1.5 way diff, 4.3 ratio

KW fancy street coilovers with the hydraulic lift kit to give it more ground clearance.

18x8” stock looking rims with Michelin pilot sport cup 2 tyres

Valved exhaust for party mode and quiet mode, equal length headers for the sound.

Tune engine for cylinder deactivation purely to get some degree of fuel efficiency while driving.

FL5 Civic type r seats up front (supposedly the best oem reclining bucket seat ever reviewed)

Idk why but I keep coming back to the is200/300 as a perfect daily. Its small, RWD, manual with immaculate build quality and insane suspension geometry for its day. The very fact that BMW bought a few of them to take apart and baseline is wild. I’ll definitely be owning one during my life time, even if it’s an auto 2L that remains completely stock

[jaydofmo]

Ozma of Oz by the Toronto Civic Light Opera Company

 The Civic Light Opera is back with one more Oz story, the third Oz book, Ozma of Oz, which they have decided will be their final entry. They've released (and I've reviewed) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz, so to avoid being an Oz company for a long time, they're concluding with Ozma and going on to other stories. The CLO is sticking with MP3CD to distribute their audiobooks. These are CDs that have MP3 files on them as a data track, allowing for a lot more audio than you'd get from a standard audio track on a CD. Modern CD players can play these, and you can also play them back in a computer with a disc drive or use it to copy the files to a portable device. Or you can do what I did and put it in a home theater DVD or Blu-Ray player, pull up the folder of MP3 files and just start playing. Ozma of Oz goes back to the Outside World (our world), where we find Dorothy and Uncle Henry on a trip to Australia on a stormy night. While looking around for Uncle Henry, Dorothy goes on deck, only to be washed overboard, finding refuge in a chicken coop. She awakens outside of the Land of Ev with Billina, a talking chicken. On their way to find out the best course of action, they meet the mechanical man Tik-Tok, and Princess Langwidere who has thirty interchangeable heads in her boudoir. But soon Dorothy and her companions fall in with the visiting princess Ozma of Oz, who's heading to the nearby Nome Kingdom to rescue the Royal Family of Ev from the Nome King. If you're familiar with my previous reviews, you'll know what to expect. While the text is unabridged, the introductions and chapter titles are not read. Joe Cascone narrates with a full cast performing the dialogue, the cast returning from their roles in the previous two audiobooks. To make it further stand out, classical music and sound effects are added. This is where I have to mention one thing. During the story, both Langwidere and the Nome King use bells to call for their subordinates or to be alerted. The same sound effect is used for all times, which is fine, it's just that this sound effect is very familiar if you've ever seen a commercial for Taco Bell. Audio quality is good. I was playing it back with the audio going through the soundbar and found it sounded best if I used the music setting. Overall, it's a great presentation of the story. Again, we get a matching presentation in a jewel case, decorated with artwork by John R. Neill, photos of the cast, an introductory note from Joe, a cast list and a list of music used in the production. If you miss physical media, these are worth looking over. To get a copy, Joe has it for sale on his website, along with the first two Oz books as well as music CDs and notices of his upcoming audio versions of A Christmas Carol and Animal Farm. http://dlvr.it/Ssd7Cx

[gazedice]

Why the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is the Best hot hatch!

Why the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is the Best hot hatch! #Honda #CivicTypeR #TypeR #Civic #HotHatch #FL5 https://youtu.be/vg5o5yhz0fY

This is the 2023 Honda Civic Type R! In this video, I look at all the cool features you might want to show your friends and take it for a drive in this review in 8K!

[politics-and-philosophy]

Hey, not to be "that guy" but idk if the only reason Trump won Oklahoma is because Natives were disenfranchised.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/exit-polls

Now, that poll was only in 10 states, but it was 10 key swing states, meaning these were the people whose votes actually kinda mattered, and they voted more conservative than the white folk. Even this larger study looking at house district votes found that only 56% of Native Americans voted for Democrats. That's about on-par with swing state college grads, at 55%, and is lower than both Latinos at 64% and Asians at 66%.

Like most POC groups, Native Americans are not a monolith who vote lock-step for Democrats. There is a lot of conservative Natives, because a lot of marginalized people will vote against their own self interest if they lack the education to know who is actually out there working to improve conditions. There's also a lot of conservative Natives because racism, homophobia, transphobia, and general distain for poor people exist in Native communities too. Here's a recent study showing New Mexico Natives value things such as 'self-determination,' 'libertarianism,' and 'Reaganism.'

(Yes, they specifically said "Reaganism")

Yes, racist gerrymandering exists, and yes, racism hurts education outcomes in reservations, but these places are not that much more liberal than they look. Solving gerrymandering won't make Oklahoma blue unless it comes too with good civics education that teaches people how to understand politics, and a societal expectation of broadening horizons which encourages people to meet those who challenge their preconceived notions. This is not just a story of these poor disenfranchised Natives who are too poor or uneducated or systemically punished to vote for Democrats, which is frankly kind of a demeaning narrative to push. This is a story of a multifaceted group who have faced historic oppression, but are not themselves defined by it and do choose of their own free will to sometimes vote for conservatives and bigots.

On a personal note, I grew up 15 minutes from the Choktaw reservation, and regularly saw huge Trump signs when driving through it. But I also saw their health center open its doors to nearby white communities when the Covid Vax came out, because the reservation had a surplus and the nearby communities had none. No group is a monolith. So maybe before you go calling folk racist for a post that is calling out rightly how conservative policies harm their constituencies, you do a bit of your own digging, and don't assume all folk of one race vote the way you want them to.

[mcgruderdavis]

Mini-Research Report: Impact of Anti-DEI Legislation on Educational Outcomes for Students of Color

Introduction

Anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) legislation has gained traction in various U.S. states, limiting discussions on race, systemic inequality, and other culturally significant topics in K-12 and higher education. This report explores the academic and social impact of such legislation on students of color.

Data Analysis and Key Findings

1. Academic Performance Research consistently shows that anti-DEI laws negatively affect the academic success of students of color by reducing culturally relevant instruction, which is critical for engaging marginalized groups.

Source: Dee, T. S., & Penner, E. K. (2017). The Causal Effects of Cultural Relevance: Evidence from an Ethnic Studies Curriculum. American Educational Research Journal, 54(1), 127-166. DOI: 10.3102/0002831216677002

2. Impact on Mental Health Excluding DEI topics exacerbates feelings of isolation and marginalization, contributing to increased mental health challenges among students of color. Inclusive environments have been shown to reduce stress and improve student well-being.

Source: Hope, E. C., & Jagers, R. J. (2014). The Role of Sociopolitical Attitudes and Civic Education in the Mental Health of Students of Color. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 43, 1-16. DOI: 10.1007/s10964-014-0125-8

3. College Enrollment and Retention In states where anti-DEI policies are prominent, minority student enrollment has decreased, as DEI programs are often critical in providing necessary academic and social support for underrepresented students.

Source: Gurin, P., Dey, E. L., Hurtado, S., & Gurin, G. (2002). Diversity and Higher Education: Theory and Impact on Educational Outcomes. Harvard Educational Review, 72(3), 330-366. DOI: 10.17763/haer.72.3.01151786u134n051

4. Long-Term Socioeconomic Impact DEI efforts in education equip students with the skills needed for success in diverse workplaces, reducing long-term economic disparities. Anti-DEI laws limit these opportunities, widening wage gaps for graduates of color.

Source: Bowen, W. G., & Bok, D. (1998). The Shape of the River: Long-Term Consequences of Considering Race in College and University Admissions. Princeton University Press. DOI: 10.1515/9781400822829

Conclusion

Anti-DEI legislation harms students of color academically, mentally, and economically. These effects underscore the need for ongoing advocacy to support inclusive curricula that foster equitable education for all.

[ulkaralakbarova]

In the 23rd century, inhabitants of a domed city freely experience all of life’s pleasures — but no one is allowed to live past 30. Citizens can try for a chance at being “renewed” in a civic ceremony on their 30th birthday. Escape is the only other option. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Logan: Michael York Francis: Richard Jordan Jessica: Jenny Agutter Box: Roscoe Lee Browne Holly: Farrah Fawcett Doc: Michael Anderson Jr. Old Man: Peter Ustinov 2nd Sanctuary Man: Randolph Roberts The Woman Runner: Lara Lindsay Billy: Gary Morgan Mary 2: Michelle Stacy Woman Customer: Laura Hippe Sandman: David Westberg Sanctuary Woman: Camilla Carr Cub: Greg Lewis Timid Girl: Ashley Cox Sandman: Bill Couch Runner: Glenn R. Wilder Last Day Character (uncredited): Joe L. Blevins Sandman Daniel (uncredited): Roger Borden Sand Man (uncredited): Greg Bransom City Dweller (uncredited): Paula Crist The City Computer (uncredited): Virginia Ann Ford Cub (uncredited): Chuck Gaylord Cub (uncredited): Mitch Gaylord (uncredited): Johnny Haymer Confused City Dweller (uncredited): Jessie Kirby 3rd Sanctuary Man / Ambush Man (uncredited): Greg Michaels 1st Sanctuary Man (uncredited): Bob Neill Love Shop Woman with Toy (uncredited): Renie Radich 1st Screamer in Logan’s Apartment (uncredited): Candice Rialson Screamer Party Woman (uncredited): Cheryl Smith Runner Great Hall (uncredited): Ron D. Thornton Film Crew: Director: Michael Anderson Novel: William F. Nolan Novel: George Clayton Johnson Screenplay: David Zelag Goodman Producer: Saul David Original Music Composer: Jerry Goldsmith Director of Photography: Ernest Laszlo Editor: Bob Wyman Production Design: Dale Hennesy Costume Design: Bill Thomas Associate Producer: Hugh Benson Makeup Artist: William Tuttle Hairstylist: Judith A. Cory Unit Production Manager: Byron Roberts Stunt Coordinator: Glenn R. Wilder Casting: Jack Baur Set Decoration: Robert De Vestel Property Master: Jack M. Marino Sound Editor: John Riordan Visual Effects Designer: L.B. Abbott Music Supervisor: Harry V. Lojewski Music Editor: William Saracino Dialect Coach: Leon Charles Script Supervisor: Ray Quiroz Choreographer: Stefan Wenta Second Assistant Director: Alan Brimfeld Second Assistant Director: Win Phelps Assistant Director: David Silver Stunt Coordinator: Bill Couch Key Grip: Martin Kashuk Electrician: Don Stott Associate Editor: Freeman A. Davies Assistant Editor: Chuck Ellison Unit Publicist: Don Morgan Stunts: Dick Ziker Stunts: Jeannie Epper Stunts: Loren Janes Stunts: Beth Nufer Stunts: Alex Plasschaert Stunts: Regina Parton Stunts: Lori Thomas Stunts: Mike Washlake Stunts: Russell Saunders Stunts: Barbara Graham Stunts: Tommy J. Huff Stunts: Sunny Woods Stunts: Paula Dell Stunts: Chuck Gaylord Stunts: Mitch Gaylord Stunts: Rosemary Johnston Stunts: Whitey Hughes Stunts: ‘Wild’ Bill Mock Stunts: Gary Morgan Stunts: Dar Robinson Stunts: Walter Robles Stunts: Angelo De Meo Stunts: Paula Crist Stunts: Dottie Catching Stunts: Bill Couch Jr. Stunts: Gregory J. Barnett Stunts: Craig R. Baxley Stunts: Phil Adams Stunts: Denny Arnold Stunts: May Boss Special Effects: Glen Robinson Movie Reviews: Richard: It’s a ‘Future Vision’ type of movie, plus a bit of an adventure into the unknown. At least for the two “Runners’ who have escaped out of their bubble world. It is fraught with twists and turns in a post Peak-Oil world, where society has finally found a solution to the resources of the planet. The ‘chosen’ few, however have one little catch, their lives have a unique way of ending, until these two discover a new way, and a Lie that was being told to all of the citizens. (Warning for younger viewers,there are scenes where (At the time,) it was considered risque to show people jumping into a freshwater pond and going skinny dipping).

[influencermagazineuk]

2024 Aston Martin Valour Review: Boosting Appeal with a V12 Manual

One shift in the Aston Martin Valour and you're hooked. It's the nature of that shift that's key—a manual gear change connected to a V12 engine via metal and rods, all wrapped in a bespoke body, yours for £1.5m plus options. While Pagani initiated the trend with the Pagani Utopia's manual gearbox, Aston Martin's front-engine V12 setup offers unique bragging rights. The Valour, celebrating Aston’s 110th anniversary, is limited to 110 units, all of which are already sold out. Quick OverviewPros: Smooth manual gearbox, classic handling characteristicsCons: Polarizing design, outdated infotainment system What’s new?The design, inspired by the 'Muncher'—a unique Aston racer from the 1977 Le Mans—is certainly a talking point. While opinions in the CAR office are split, my take is that it looks stunning. The aggressive rear diffuser is tuned for road use, and the duck-tail boot lid helps reduce lift, though neither adds downforce. Built on the Vantage platform, the Valour features the previous generation's twin-turbo V12, now delivering 705bhp and 555lb ft, slightly more than the 2022 Vantage special edition. The 0-62mph time remains unchanged, which makes sense given the switch from an eight-speed automatic to a manual gearbox. The Valour retains rear-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential, while a new stainless steel exhaust with a 1mm wall thickness enhances its sound and reduces weight. SpecificationsThe Valour features bespoke suspension with unique adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. It offers three drive modes: Sport, Sport+, and Track, which adjust throttle response and exhaust note. Suspension and engine mapping can be controlled via buttons on either side of the steering wheel. Aston Martin states that elements like the braced rear tower strut and fuel tank make the Valour stiffer than the standard Vantage. It also comes with standard carbon ceramic brakes. Driving ExperienceInterestingly, the Valour is not dominated by its V12 engine. While there's plenty of power to make it lively under full throttle, the V12's growl is not overwhelming. The engine is not peaky; the turbos engage from 2000rpm and become more engaging at 3000rpm, making it easy to utilize the torque in sixth gear. Despite its 705bhp, it feels almost normal by today's standards. What sets this car apart is its old-school charm rather than modern technology. It feels reminiscent of historic racers, with a pleasant roll around the corners that provides a sense of movement without being alarming. The balance and interplay of the systems make it appealing. The gearbox has a longer throw compared to the Honda Civic Type R, but this allows the turbos to spool up before shifting to the next gear. The Valour doesn't lead its class in any particular area, and that's part of its charm. Its electrically assisted steering doesn't match the feel of a McLaren, and its suspension doesn't offer the refined balance of ride and handling provided by modern twin-valve dampers. However, these aspects don't detract from the Valour's appeal. Aston Martin Valour: VerdictIt’s easy to be cynical about the Vantage, viewing it as an old car dressed up and sold at a high price. However, driving and experiencing it reveals that Aston Martin has made a genuine effort to enhance its appeal. It won't suit everyone's tastes, and there are certainly more advanced rivals on the market. Yet, as a statement and a glorious nod to the past, it stands out and is all the better for it. Read the full article

[amirulashraf-sam]

🚗HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FL5)🚗

YEAR : 03/2023

SPECIFICATION : -

MILLAGE : -

COLOUR : BLACK

WILL GET 📋

🔹WARRANTY 7 YEARS

🔹TINTED

🔹COATING

🔹RFID

SELLING PRICE : 359K

RING RING (SAM) : 0122087997 🤙🏻

Kalau dokumen ade masalah jangan risau. Kita boleh review dokumen dulu & pasti ade jalan penyelesaian.

YANG PASTI ANDA AKAN DAPAT KERETA IDAMAN ANDA.

[johnalexcooper]

Finding the Best Used Civic 5-Door in Glasgow: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you searching for a reliable, stylish, and efficient car in Glasgow? Look no further than the used Honda Civic 5-Door. Known for its blend of practicality and performance, the Honda Civic 5-Door has long been a favourite among drivers. In this guide, we'll explore how to find the best-used Civic 5-Door in Glasgow, delve into the specifications that make it a standout choice, and provide tips to ensure you make a savvy purchase.

Why Choose a Used Honda Civic 5-Door?

The Honda Civic 5-Door has become a go-to vehicle for those who value quality and reliability. Here's why it's a smart choice:

1. Reliability: Honda is renowned for its durable engines and long-lasting components. A well-maintained Civic can serve you reliably for many years.

2. Fuel Efficiency: The Civic is designed with fuel economy in mind, making it an excellent choice for city driving and longer commutes.

3. Spacious Interior: Despite its compact appearance, the Civic 5-Door offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it perfect for families and road trips.

4. Advanced Features: Even older models come equipped with impressive features such as advanced safety systems, infotainment options, and comfortable seating.

How to Find the Best Used Civic 5-Door in Glasgow

Finding the right Civic 5-Door in Glasgow requires careful consideration and a bit of research. Below are a few guidelines to assist you in your search.

1. Research Online Listings

Begin your search by browsing online marketplaces and dealership websites. Websites like AutoTrader, Gumtree, and local dealership sites offer extensive listings of used cars, including the Honda Civic 5-Door. Pay attention to the details provided, such as mileage, year of manufacture, service history, and overall condition.

2. Check Local Dealerships

Visiting local dealerships in Glasgow can allow you to see the cars in person and take them for a test drive. Car dealerships frequently offer certified pre-owned vehicles that include warranties, providing customers with an extra layer of assurance.

3. Inspect the Vehicle

When you find a potential candidate, inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Check for signs of wear, corrosion, and any visible damage. Check the tyres, brakes, and suspension system. It's also crucial to examine the interior for cleanliness and functionality of all features.

4. Review the Service History

A well-documented service history is a good indicator of how well the car has been maintained. Ensure that the vehicle has undergone regular maintenance and that any major repairs have been addressed.

5. Test Drive

Never skip the test drive. Take into consideration the car's manoeuvrability, braking capabilities, and acceleration. Listen for any unusual noises and check the comfort level of the ride. Test driving will give you a clear sense of the car's condition and performance.

6. Get a Professional Inspection

Consider hiring a mechanic to conduct a thorough inspection before finalizing your purchase. A professional can identify any underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent.

Honda Civic 5-Door Specifications

Having a clear understanding of the specifications of the Honda Civic 5-Door is crucial in making a well-informed decision. Here are some key specs you should be aware of:

Engine and Performance

The Honda Civic 5-Door typically comes with a range of engine options, including:

- 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo: Offers a balance of performance and efficiency, perfect for everyday driving.

- 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo: Delivers more power, ideal for those who enjoy a spirited drive.

- 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo: Found in the Type R variant, this engine is built for high-performance and driving enthusiasts.

Transmission

The Civic 5-Door offers the option of manual or automatic transmissions. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) offers smooth and efficient shifting, while the manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience.

Interior and Comfort

- Seating: The Civic 5-Door offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom.

- Infotainment: Even older models come equipped with touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation systems.

- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, the Civic 5-Door provides generous cargo space. Folding the seats down increases the capacity, making it versatile for various needs.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Honda, and this holds for the Civic 5-Door as well. Features may include:

- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure: Enhances crash protection.

- Multiple Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags are all included.

- Driver-Assistance Technologies: Such as Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

Conclusion

Finding the best-used Civic 5-Door in Glasgow requires a mix of research, inspection, and a bit of patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the used car market and find a vehicle that meets your needs and budget. The Honda Civic 5-Door's blend of reliability, efficiency, and modern features makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable and stylish car in Glasgow. Happy car hunting!

[gravitascivics]

EVALUATING A CONSUMER GOVERNMENT COURSE

In this posting, there is one more concern this blog addresses regarding a proposed approach to civics education.  For interested readers, they are encouraged to look up the posting, “A Practical Turn” (March 19, 2024).  It is there that one finds the beginning of this effort.  It can be found through the citation here,[1] or, along with subsequent postings, by using the archive feature of this blog.  In total, those postings provide a rationale for the course of study being proposed. 

As for the remaining concern, i.e., what this posting addresses, that would be the evaluation of the course itself – curriculum evaluation.  To evaluate this course of study several aspects are reviewed.  This evaluation scheme categorizes those factors according to a procedural model of evaluation devised by Lawrence Halprin.[2]  The model is entitled the RSVP Cycle and seems more appropriate here than usual curriculum models because what is needed is not the evaluation of a school wide curriculum, but of a course of study.

While dated, this model is still well regarded.[3]  The letters R, S, V, P refer to the categories of concerns or criteria Halprin says are present in ideal procedural relationships during the performance of a multidisciplinary event.  Because of the decision-making emphasis of this course, such a model promises to be useful and is open-ended to concerns of the environment in which this course of study would be utilized.

The categories are:

R = resources upon which a course can draw.

Does this course operate within and take advantage of physical limitations?

Does this course operate within financial constraints?

Does this course respect societal, institutional, cultural expectations?

S = sources evaluating preparation processes leading to implementation.

Are the roles of participants defined and sensitive to their needs and dispositions?

Are the curriculum goals and objectives accepted by significant others?

Are time allocations reasonable for completion of tasks?

Are communication preparations adequate for acquiring needed information?

V = valuaction (coined term) which analyzes the consequences of actions (decisions) taken.

Are all predicted outcomes accounted for in the progression of the course?

Are values incorporated at decision points clearly stated and understood?

Are the two above concerns given adequate priority in terms of their utility?

P = performance, that is evaluation of actual behaviors during the process.

Are specified behaviors appropriate to meet curricular and instructional objectives?

Are behaviors and processes efficient?

Are processes flexible enough to meet reasonable unplanned changes?

It is suggested here that if this course were to take on any level of implementation among schools, that, for each implementation, this model be considered to develop evaluative instrument specifically suitable to that implementation, both on a summative and formative basis.  This process should be done by school site curricular administrators. 

A couple of things should be kept in mind.  One, this course is offered as a transition stage toward an approach that is communal, a course guided by a liberated federalism construct.  And two, if this course, with administrative approval, is only being utilized by a particular teacher – not a school or school district –these ideas are suggested to assist that teacher.  That is, they should not be considered a “must do” list of required criteria.  And with that, the rationale for a consumer government course of study is complete.

[Note:  Due to medical reasons, this blogger is ceasing the blog’s Tuesday-Friday posting schedule.  He anticipates he will, from time to time, issue new postings.  He also wishes to thank readers for their readership.]

[1] URL:  https://gravitascivics.blogspot.com/2024_03_17_archive.html.

[2] Lawrence Halprin, The RSVP Cycles:  Creative Processes in the Human Environment (New York, NY:  George Braziller, Inc., 1970).

[3] Interested?  See URL, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbIi966lOLs.

[vngnna]

Week 5

In this age of technological advancement, the Internet has become an essential component of each of our everyday lives. Social media has also become the most popular form of communication and entertainment. Today, digital society is more than simply a place to absorb information; it is also a significant component of social life, where people communicate, share, and form communities.

To begin with, digital citizenship is simply described as "the right to engage in society online" (Pangrazio, 2021). It refers to a set of habits, attitudes, and abilities that allow people to effectively traverse the digital environment while preserving the rights of others and constructively contributing to online communities. Although the Internet and social networks provide a comfortable, open atmosphere, we are also confronted with new obstacles and issues such as cultural behavior and online security.

Individuals who use social networks and the Internet have seen an impact from digital citizenship. Above all else, digital citizenship promotes civic participation and active citizenship through social media. Individuals understand the value of communication platforms as tools for promoting social justice, raising awareness of critical issues, and mobilizing collective action. They learn how to utilize their online voices to advocate for positive change, participate in important endeavors, and make contributions to a society that is more democratic.  Digital citizenship empowers individuals. Engage in ethical and respectful relationships on social media. Users frequently fail to consider what is suitable, insufficient, or even illegal while sharing or accessing data stored on these electronics (Ribble, 2015). As a result, individuals will be able to learn how to retain the ideals of integrity, honesty, and compassion in their online relationships. Digital citizenship fosters intellectual curiosity and media literacy abilities, enabling people to critically evaluate the content they find on social media. They are going to understand how to tell the difference between true and fraudulent information. These are some of the most fundamental implications of digital citizenship on people who use social media nowadays.

The most significant problem that consumers confront when using social media is online safety. Cyberspace is worldwide in scope and has boundless connectivity that is not constrained by place or time. Because of these characteristics, social networks can become a dangerous environment. Cybersecurity is the process of safeguarding systems, networks, and digital information from unauthorized access, cyber assaults, and other security breaches. Cybersecurity is the organization and collection of assets, procedures, and structures needed to secure cyberspace and cyberspace-supporting systems against incidents that are legally incongruous with existing proprietary rights (Craigen, 2014). Modern technology advancements have had a significant impact on cybersecurity. New hazards arise due to the capabilities and utilities provided by new services (Steinberg, 2020). Personal information leaks, internet scams, infections by malware, and cyberbullying occurrences are all examples of online risks on social networks. Because of this risk, users must learn how to recognize and neutralize online risks, as well as the need to exercise good cybersecurity habits such as strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting abusive behavior.

References

Craigen, D., Diakun-Thibault, N., & Purse, R. 2014. Defining Cybersecurity. Technology Innovation Management Review, 4(10): 13-21. http://doi.org/10.22215/timreview/835

Pangrazio, L & Sefton-Green, J 2021, “Digital Rights, Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacy: What’s the Difference?,” Journal of new approaches in educational research, vol. 10, no. 1, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, pp. 15–27.

Ribble, M 2015, Digital citizenship in schools : nine elements all students should know, Third edition., International Society for Technology in Education, Eugene, Oregon.

Steinberg, J 2020, Cybersecurity, John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, Hoboken, New Jersey.

[nimupates]

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review: How the Hot Hatch Icon Stays Relevant After 45 Years

The Iconic Hot Hatch Returns: Inside the Latest Golf GTI

As an ardent fan who’s owned three GTIs over the last 15 years, few new car launches get me as excited as a new generation of the iconic hot hatch. The Mk8 2022 model ushers the GTI into a high-tech new era while retaining that raw, analogue driving feel intrinsic to its DNA.

A Brief History of an Icon

Ever since the first Mk1 GTI introduced the concept of an attainable, performance-oriented “hot hatch” to the masses in 1976, driving enthusiasts have had a new affordable toy. My first was a handed-down Mk2 from the late 80s, complete with plaid cloth seats cramping four friends during high school cruises along winding backroads (sorry Mom!). But as I upgraded over the next decade from a Mk4 to Mk6, power, tech and refinement increased without losing that playful spirit.

Mk8 Brings Big Upgrades Under a Familiar Shape

You’d be forgiven for not immediately noticing the Mk8 as all-new – the rounded silhouette and C-pillar “kink” are trademark GTI. But under the skin lies the biggest overhaul yet, sitting on VW’s latest MQB platform packing upgraded systems. Options like matrix LED headlights, a digital cockpit and driver assistance systems bring the GTI clearly into the 2020s. Yet a multi-function perforated leather wheel and trademark plaid seats keep that classic identity. More Power with Serious efficiency GTI fans care most about what’s under the hood, and the Mk8’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine adds 13 hp for a total 241 hp and 273 lb-ft torque - hugely usable grunt. My DSG test car hit 60mph in under 6 seconds thanks to that immediate shove, while delivering 34 mpg highway. And the optional performance exhaust pops and crackles just enough to satisfy when revved, without annoying the neighbors constantly. Balanced, Playful Handling Remains Core Strength Through sweeping curves of my favorite SoCal canyon routes, the GTI stayed planted and lively. The new VAQ limited-slip differential meant I could really lean on the accurate steering and impressive grip levels from wider tires before gentle understeer curbed my momentum. Adaptive dampers on certain trims add greater compliance in comfort mode too. It’s still the trusty Front-wheel drive balance that makes the GTI so satisfying to chuck around bends. Gearbox Options to Suit Any Driver Stick-shift fans can rejoice as VW retained the standard 6-speed manual for ultimate involvement, with auto rev-matching helping smooth shifts. But most will opt for the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic that suits the GTI’s torque-rich character - snappy, smart shifts to better accelerate but still highly responsive using paddles. I’d welcome the manual’s added driver connection, but won’t mourn losing the DSG’s convenience in traffic.

How Rivals Compare

Having tested the latest Civic Type R and Hyundai i30 N Performance, the Mk8 GTI keeps pace with these FWD heavies while undercutting entry prices. The Honda and Hyundai build on front-drive with their less-sophisticated platforms by adding power or handling sharpness – turning up extremes where the GTI takes a more holistic approach. All three deliver huge grins, but the GTI remains that all-weather, all-condition dynamo.

Why it Matters

As electric swells, SUVs dominate and autonomous looms, few cars engage a driver’s senses like the 2022 GTI. It's an icon that helped define the hot hatch formula of blending real-world practicality with responsive handling, communicative feedback and usable performance. The Mk8 carries that torch, with a maturity that should woo enthusiasts for another generation. Few cars so consistently deliver driving joys with such an infectious spirit as the GTI for the money. Here’s to another 45 years! Motability Cars 2023 Price List – Lease Deals & Models Read the full article