LJWorld.com

BrianR (Anonymous) says…

Zoinks! If the building code is amended to state “…must be able to withstand impact from flying car” the price of housing will really go through the roof, so to speak.

Reality_Check (Anonymous) says…

What a dumb@ss punk this kid is! And it just so figures that he's only 19 but can afford a Mustang. What will Mommy & Daddy say now that he's wrecked it? Perhaps they need to call him back to Wisconsin.

poolside (Anonymous) says…

This is the second “car into building” article in a week. What is up with that?

classclown (Anonymous) says…

“This is the second “car into building” article in a week. What is up with that?”

==============================

Rise of the machines?

jonas (Anonymous) says…

“Klaus said the driver appeared to be uninjured but confused.”

Deerrrrrrrr…. . .

gccs14r (Anonymous) says…

Smart parents don't buy their kids new high-performance sports cars.

sourpuss (Anonymous) says…

Where did the 19 year old get the booze? Hum.

terrapin2 (Anonymous) says…

Marion,
Yes, he probably could have wrecked any car if he was that drunk, but a Prius? Really? I'd be shocked to see a Prius hit 80mph in that short a distance!

To compare a Prius to a new Mustang is absurd. Amusing, but absurd.

mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…

wander if he had the air bags recalibrated before this crash? There was a small recall on all those new mustangs not life threating just the air bags needing changed oh well guess he has bigger things to worry about now.
Glad all residents are ok.

softtalker (Anonymous) says…

His parents didn't buy him the car, he bought it with his own money. His parents are not to blame, he doesn't even live with either of them any more.

mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

I am glad no one was seriously injured.

Don't be lenient on the driver. He was very lucky.

Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

The Mustang is a 1960's American muscle car that didn't have the good graces to fade away. Although 2006 version looks great, it has a live rear axle (that I think I am safe in saying was designed in the 1860's) and a thirsty 4.6 liter V8 engine (that only develops 300 ponies, luckily) because it is completely clueless in a corner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H_As-sLk…

compmd (Anonymous) says…

softtalker (Anonymous) says…

“His parents didn't buy him the car, he bought it with his own money. His parents are not to blame, he doesn't even live with either of them any more.”

Ah! So Mr. Shawano is a self-made idiot! Its a proud day for him and his family.

touringdriver (Anonymous) says…

see the new dukes of hazard has mustangs now.

notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

Whether the kid bought the car for himself or Daddy did (or maybe he could afford to buy his own car 'cause Daddy is paying his tuition), waddya' wanna' bet that they end up suing the homeowner and/or city for the building being too close to the road.

Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

Marion (Marion Lynn) says… “Of course, neither will hold a candle to the 413 which I am currently building; a '62 block with a .40 overbore, a stroker crank, Max Wedge heads, long-tube factory cross rams, two Edlebrock Performers, a Purple Cam(A real one!), TRW 10:1 pistons, hard valves, hard seats, all coupled up to a Hemi-spec pushbutton TorqueFlyte and a 2.76 Sure Grip, shoehorned into a 1939 Chrysler Royal 4-door sedan exhausted by 3” side pipes with Continentals.”

And at the end of the it will be even more hopeless in a corner! I don't hate the V8 Mustang, in fact the Mustang is a iconic metaphor for America in the 60's. Check out this homage to the 'tang.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5jC7Ev0e…

But enough for nostalgia, lets get serious. Modern cars that don't take advantage of modern technology are like the IBM Selectrics in the age of the laptop, loud and messy and useless on the information super highway.

Two liter turbo charged engines abound that develop over 300 horses and don't require you to be a member of the Saudi Royal family to afford to drive. Todays cars should have independent suspensions and transmissions with computer controlled traction and torque control, what ever that is. All this can combine to create a hatchback that is faster, more fuel efficient, and safer than your 60's muscle car. Best of all they won't throw up their arms screaming in terror every time it sees a corner.

lacoov (Anonymous) says…

Sheesh Marion can you ever get your point across in two sentences or less? You wear me out!!!

offtotheright (Anonymous) says…

Since no one was killed, maybe those young children learned a thing or two regarding drinking and driving.

igby (Anonymous) says…

He should of had a $500,000 bond. Look how many peoples lives he endangered. What was his bond I wonder?

The_Voice_of_Reason (Anonymous) says…

His parents should make him ride a bicycle till the age of thirty!

Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

Marion (Marion Lynn) says… “Siggie: It's all in how you drive a car. A Live axle car can be tossed into turns in ways that would make a 4 wheel independent suspension car turn turtle.”

Tossed into a turn and into a duplex, most likely. But just to show I too can be nostalgic of the past, I think you might appreciate this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pBlggPbP…

compmd (Anonymous) says…

“Two liter turbo charged engines abound that develop over 300 horses and don't require you to be a member of the Saudi Royal family to afford to drive. Todays cars should have independent suspensions and transmissions with computer controlled traction and torque control, what ever that is. All this can combine to create a hatchback that is faster, more fuel efficient, and safer than your 60's muscle car. Best of all they won't throw up their arms screaming in terror every time it sees a corner.”

Amen, Sigmund. I thoroughly enjoy blowing away Mustangs in my station wagon. 2.4L 5-banger with a 14 lb intercooled turbo, puts power on the road with all four wheels if needed, electronic adaptive suspension, and it runs on nice, cheap E30. I've taken corners at 35mph without sliding, but it was a bit scary. Oh, and it gets better mileage than the Mustang. :)

But there is certainly something to be said for the thrill of driving one of those classics. I love my old MB roadster. I just don't agree with the modern versions of classics not being designed with modern technology. In 2003, the Mustang did not come standard with ABS or four wheel disc brakes, perhaps to be true to its history of lacking safety. In 1973, my Mercedes had better brakes.

offtotheright (Anonymous) says…

His parents? It's not his parents responsibility.

Personal responsibility. He should lose his license for a few years and more. This could have been so much more tragic.

Compy (Anonymous) says…

Darwin, you failed me here.

emilym (Anonymous) says…

perhaps all of you who left comments should get a life…and if you feel endangerd by this then maybe you should move.

dori (Anonymous) says…

I am saddened by what I have read. I have always considered Lawrence to be an educated society. I ask those of you who have written such ignorant and just down right “mean” things about this young man; Are you so perfect? Have you never made a mistake. Yes, I agree that this young man made a very big mistake. Do you remember not too long ago when parents of one teen wrote horrible things about another teen on line and that teen took her own life. This young man has great remorse for his bad judgement and what he has done to other peoples lives. What if he takes the same tragic steps because of your thoughtless comments. Maybe as you draft your hurtful comments you are also somewhat impaired. What happened to a society that is willing to forgive and to help each other heal. Maybe this individual can somehow grow from this terrible thing and be a productive part of society. If you are a parent, please be careful not to judge too quickly until you have walked in his shoes. I ask all of you on this holiday weekend to look deep iniside yourselves and find the strength and the courage to help people at their weakest moment and time of need instead of attacking and judging. Someday, everyone may be writing about you and your children….

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

The Madonna is alive?
(jk..good post)

Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

dori (Anonymous) says… “I am saddened by what I have read. I have always considered Lawrence to be an educated society. I ask those of you who have written such ignorant and just down right “mean” things about this young man; Are you so perfect? Have you never made a mistake.”

I too am saddened, educated and imperfect, but this was no “mistake.” How do you accidentally get intoxicated and then drive a muscle car into the side of a house? These were intentional acts, drinking, getting behind the wheel of a very powerful muscle car, and then going so fast you lose control and smash into the living room of a duplex occupied by three people including two children.

So I am sorry if Zachary L. Shawano's, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin self image has been taken down a notch and that he faces criminal charges that will follow him for life, but he is lucky he didn't kill himself and even luckier he didn't kill someone else.

notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

Anyone else notice that the young man's defenders are both first time posters? Big family, maybe?

How much is he going to learn from this “mistake” if the people around him respond with “Gee, give the child a break, it's not such a big deal and he says he's sorry?”

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

I mean, he didn't just spill a glass of milk or something.
A least, make him stand in the corner for 20 minutes so he can think of anything else “other” than what he's supposed to be learning his lesson about. Just be sure to turn the tv off first, so he can't listen.
:P

Offtotheright, you'd think the kids might learn something from this, but I guess for the most part, they will be in the spotlight for having this happen, and it being “a cool car” will probably be more of an influence in the discussions at the school yard.

Buggie7 (Anonymous) says…

Someone stated something about the homeowner almost getting hurt. The homeowner what not there. This is a rental unit and the owner does not even live in Lawrence but a neighboring small town.
This kid is not going to learn a thing. He will probably use it as big story of the day when he gets a slap on the wrists from Douglas County courts and goes on with his life. There was no insurance so all he will have to do is pay a fine if it is his first time second time bigger fine and 3rd removal of liscnece for a year. Johnson Co is alot tougher. There it is removal of liscence for 1 year then driving back and forth to work for 1 year after that. That sounds fair to me and make the lil twit be out there helping doing all the trash pick up or crap work involved in getting that place fixed.
It sure was a suprise not only to the renter on the couch and the kids upstairs but a rude awakening to the property owner as well.

notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

Marion (Marion Lynn) says…

“Too bad that like in Sweden, the guy cannot have his driving priveleges restricted for life.”

I think there's still a couple of places where it's a capital offense, at least for repeat offenders.

Coach_Eric (Anonymous) says…

Sorry, dori, but your defense of a drunken driver is misplaced. You appear to be a friend of his, so perhaps instead of defending his mistakes or pleading that “maybe he'll grow from this” - you should have offered him a ride home or told him about the dangers of drinking and driving. Better yet, instead of copping the easy way out and beseeching us to look to Jesus, why don't you address how you're going to help him, instead of pointing out all the ways we're not.

We, as a society, have a right to express our opinions and indignations too, especially when railing against such unadulterated stupidity. As someone who has a definite tie to Lawrence, someone who lives here, works here, shops here and plans on raising his family here, I want my message to this idiot to be sent and received loud and clear, “I don't want turds like you in my town.” I want people like this to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. For goodness sake, children could have been killed! Take your moral outrage elsewhere, Dori. And I hope YOU learn a lesson too, and you take notice of this event, and educate your friends about the dangers of drinking and driving.

notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

le (Anonymous) says…

“drunk gets (scumbag) lawyer,gets diversion,gets off the hook unless he screws up again!”

In which case it's repeat steps 1, 2, & 3…

Godfather94 (Anonymous) says…

Dori…….You are right about people making mistakes and that nobody is perfect. It is sad that someone would take there life over mean comments. Here's why I think that people make these types of comments. It's to make the person ivolved in a crime, to really learn what he has done. Maybe if court systems would issue punishments that fits the crimes, the people that makes harsh comments , wouldn't have to step in as much. This guy is 19 years old and knows about drinking and driving. His negligence could have taken a life. Hopefully he will read these comments and use it as a tool to make him a better person. I think he will learn from this experience, because alot of times it takes first hand experience to learn. It was sad to hear that a person took there life because of comments said. This is where the parents are supposed to step in and discuss a situation with there kids. With this being a computer world, parents need to get more involved with there kids.

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

England is having a serious string of kids, in one town in particular, suicides with the net involved.

Sigmund (Anonymous) says…

emilym (Anonymous) says… “perhaps all of you who left comments should get a life…and if you feel endangerd by this then maybe you should move.”

We have a life and we would like to keep living it right here in Lawrence. Like the rest of the real world we have decided when our safety is endangered by an intoxicated teen behind the wheel of speeding car that destroys a duplex and injures others we will enforce the law and punish them. It seems a more practical solution than forcing everyone else to move or waiting for them to kill themselves or someone else.

Godfather94 (Anonymous) says… “Here's why I think that people make these types of comments. It's to make the person ivolved in a crime, to really learn what he has done.”

Partially true, but my comments aren't directed solely to Zachary L. Shawano's, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin. They are also directed to the likes of dori, emilym and all of the rest that come here believing Lawrence is their personal party town and who think that for their amusement they can trash it and ignore the laws. Then we have to put up with lectures on being “educated” and “compassionate” and if Lawrence doesn't like it then we can just lump it.

My comments are meant to intellectually shake these people out of their sense of self centered entitlement and face the reality that their acts impact others whose lives are at least as important as theirs. If that is considered “mean” then so be it, I have been called worse by better people than they are.

emilym (Anonymous) says…

no sigmund.
just stop.

somebodynew (Anonymous) says…

I don't often agree with Sigmund, but on this one

emilyn, it is YOU who should just stop.

And I also agree that if you think these type of comments are mean or not compassionate - too bad. Then stay off the blogs.

He is 19 and not legally of age to drink (yes I did it too at that age) and driving recklessly. I am supposed to “feel bad” for his situation??? NO !!! I am just happy he didn't hurt anyone and hope he has to pay the price for his actions. As I should have at that age if I did the same thing.

Godfather94 (Anonymous) says…

Sigmund……I re-read my comment and I did state that the person doing the crime, to learn from his mistakes. It's my 3rd and 4th line. I would like to add to my comment. Here lately, there has been very little crime in your community. I read alot of articles on Lawrence and most (99%) of them are about what people are doing to make it better. I also realize with being a university town, you will always have out of towners. I would almost bet thats where crime comes from. Not locals.

lacoov (Anonymous) says…

Oh Marion I give.

beatrice (Anonymous) says…

I never agree with Sigmund, yet I do on this one. This “kid” made bad decisions and endangered peoples lives. He deserves to be publicly chastised for being a screw up.

dori, please remember that the child who committed suicide because of comments about her on the internet did nothing to warrant the hurtful comments. She was a child, and she did nothing wrong. Zachary is an adult who endangered lives, and destroyed someone's home! Now, imagine it was your home and your family whose lives were endangered. Are you so sure you would be as forgiving?

It is just a matter of luck that nobody was seriously injured or killed, but this adult deserves the societal criticism being directed his way. It would be no different were he a thief or a child molester. He is a drunk and dangerous driver. Let us all hope he learns from this, but there is no doubt that he has earned the criticism he rightly is receiving.

dani_a (Anonymous) says…

I'm glad that everyone has taken the time out of their day to write pointless and ruthless comments about this young man. If you didn't spend so much time worrying about putting others down, then maybe you could find something more useful to do with your time. I hope it makes you feel better that you have successfully, for many of you it is not the first time, complained about something rather than taking action for your city. I'm assuming that many of you who regularly comment are not doing anything to change the events that have happen, other than sitting on your computer anonymously bashing others.

Buggie7 (Anonymous) says…

wow dani_a looks like you are not finding something more useful to do and putting down others on the computer as well when you could as well be finding a way to act. Oh and might I add (since you did) that you added a blog message anonymously as well.
Before you judge the bloggers look at yourself.
Thats what these forums are for and this making Lawrence KU's personal party town needs to stop however everything that has come before a city council is null and void well cause its freakin KU. They are income for Lawrence and seems in the eyes of our city council can do no wrong.

Im quoting back to your first sentence here that you found a need to write a very pointless blog.

go elsewhere and have a nice day if you dont like what you read.

GretchenJP (Anonymous) says…

D'oh!

notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

dani_a (Anonymous) says…

“I'm assuming that many of you who regularly comment are not doing anything to change the events that have happen, other than sitting on your computer anonymously bashing others.”

Personally I'm working on having my house moved farther back from the street.

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

rofl

offtotheright (Anonymous) says…

I don't think I have ever read more idiot comments from young people or realatives.

Instead of endorcing this idiot, irresponsible teenager, why don't you come back here in 10-20 years when you have a family (god forbid) and tell everyone how you feel about this so called 'accident'!

You do realize that there were four children in that 'non-home-owner' home don't you? What if one, two, or all four were killed? Would you still post that he needs a break?

He could be looking at a prison sentence! I am hoping he spends some time in jail for his actions!

notajayhawk (Anonymous) says…

Is it just me, or does the police officer in the picture seem like he's looking for a place to stick the parking ticket?

mulitdisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

He's looking for the dog that was tied up in front of the house, like in the Royal Tennenbaums.

Informed (Anonymous) says…

I have friends who live four houses away from this duplex. It's scary to think that this kid was driving on that street at 80mph, especially since cars park on both sides of the street and it gets pretty narrow.

I wonder if there were friends who were partying with him and let Zachary L. Shawano, 19, of Madison, Wis., get behind the wheel.

PhatKat101 (Anonymous) says…

theres no need to defended the person for his actions, it was his fault. not his friends or his parents.

gypsygirl (Anonymous) says…

Thank you, offotheright! My little sister happens to be one of the victims inside the rental property. She will probably forever be traumatized by the events that took place Thursday night. Being awoken by your house shaking and feeling like a bomb had just hit, is not something a young woman can shake off. I am also a parent, so I understand why Dori is defending her son. I can only hope my own children never choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. However, let's give credit where credit is due. This young man made some poor choices…and he should be thanking GOD he didn't kill someone or himself. He was charged with driving under the influence, wreckless driving, speeding, etc….but what about attempted murder?? Not to sound dramatic….I'm just saying things could have easily turned out much worse. Luck is all that saved his a*s. He needs to take 100% responsibility for his actions and I just hope he will learn from his mistakes.

unite2revolt (Anonymous) says…

10-1 he gets a diversion and has to do community service.

tbone11 (Anonymous) says…

dude your an idiot what were u doing going that fast anyway i feel sorry for the car though it was nice before the wreck.

jmurray42 (Anonymous) says…

i think that this kid did do a stupid but he is a teen and all they seem to do is show off with there nice little cars that kid must have been on something that night i hope that the kid dont do something stupid to him self. i hope that the kid can get over what he has done and learn from it

Informed (Anonymous) says…

jmurray42, I hope that '42' in your name doesn't indicate age. Your run-on sentence and general incoherence indicate that *you* might be on something.

gr (Anonymous) says…

I'm surprised no one has blamed the builder.

It's all his fault, you know. He should have known drunk drivers could come around the corner and plow into the house.

offtotheright (Anonymous) says…

I'll bet it is bush/cheney's fault!