awildermode

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

2012-01-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

Tom Cruise is awesome

Yeah, I know I am over a month late on this one. But, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol is an awesome movie. I am not just say that because Tom Cruise is in it...and you know how much I love Tom Cruise. And of course, I saw it on opening day...on IMAX!

This is the first live action film directed by Brad Bird. You know him from such great hits as The Simpsons, Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. For you Pixar fans, there are at least three direct references to Pixar in Ghost Protocol. Keep your eye out for A113 through out the film.

I do not want to give away too much, in case you have not seen it. This fourth film of the series is the best of the bunch. The first one is good, second one is okay, third is great...this one is awesome! If you like to see Tom Cruise run, this is the one to see. Slight tangent, have you noticed that the Tom Cruise likes to run in his movies. I mean, the guy really likes to run. I think it is in his contract.

Anyways, the iconic scene of the movie has to be the Dubai scene. You have seen clips of this, unless you have no media access...in which case, you would not be reading this. Actually, why are you reading this, go see the movie. Uh...yeah. This is the iconic scene where our hero, Ethan Hunt (my hero, Tom Cruise) is climbing the world's tallest building. Oh man, this was fun to watch. Obviously, with a movie like this, one should just sit back and have fun. But there are certain scenes were you are at the edge of your seat.

Let me get to the point. This is worth the price of the ticket, I would say worth the price to see on IMAX. There is tons of action as one would expect. I love the fantasy tech that is usually showcased in the series. Also, Simon Pegg is there to sprinkle some comic relief. Although, I think the funniest line came from Tom Cruise during the Dubai scene. Jeremy Renner joins the gang to add a little 'youth' and action. Rumour has it that the torch would be passed to Renner should Cruise decided to 'retire' from the IMF. Paula Patton does a good job as the part of 'hot spy chick'. Nice moves and great eye candy.

J.J. Abrams comes back, this time as a producer. While Michael Giacchino returns as composer. Yes, I bought the soundtrack. This was a great production team and cast that Cruise and Abrams put together. I hope they make another one with more of Tom running. Until then, I eagerly wait for the Blu-Ray to be released.

Cammalleri Back with the Flames

2012-01-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

Cammalleri will wear number 93

Oh man, I am excited about the Flames again. The Calgary Flames made a trade with the Montreal Canadiens. The trade that brought back Mike Cammalleri, some goaltender, and a 2012 draft pick to Harvey's house while sending Rene Bourque, some prospect, and a 2013 draft pick to Youppi's house. Basically, Bourque for Cammalleri.

I have always been a fan of Cammalleri, ever since his days in Los Angeles. I was excited when he played in Calgary, disappointed when he left. Now, he is back. Cammalleri will play his first game against his other former team, the Kings. So, we have a player traded back to his former team and make his debut against another former team.

Also, in tonight's game. We have brother vs. brother as former Flames GM/coach, Darryl Sutter, now coach of the Kings returns to Calgary to take on his brother, Brent Sutter, head coach of Calgary Flames. Oh, this is exciting.


Cammalleri celebrates with Mikael Backlund. Cammalleri scored the only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Kings.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - January 2012

2012-01-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

Starting off the new year with a call. I need to remember to type "2012" instead of "2011"...just like writing checks. Yeah, that is one joke that every fucking comedian has at this time of year. Good thing I am not a comedian. Heck, I am not really a blogger. I just need an outlet to express my rage...since the bullshit of a registry does not do jack fucking shit. And, it seems that this series of posts is quite popular on my shitty blog. So, in addition to expressing my rage, it keeps you entertained. You can thank me by spreading the hate...as if you like telemarketers. May this year be just as annoying, if not more, than last year.

3 January 2012
   281-217-0441 Houston, TX Not many calls from this area, but it is the second time I have received a call from the 281. I know some people, nice people, that are in Houston...with real jobs. Since it is the beginning of the year, and I kinda like the Houston area, I am going to let this one slide. Heck, I did not even hear or feel the phone ring. I must be tuning out my phone knowing that I get unwanted calls.

5 January 2012
   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Call number five. Have not heard from them since last week. What happened, did you guys go on vacation? I hope you guys were really busy fucking yourselves during that time. Tell you what, continue to fuck yourself.

6 January 2012
   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Really? At eight in the morning? I barely got into to work, have not even checked my emails or did my morning routine yet, and you are already calling? That is dedication to your craft, folks. You are still a fucking loser.

   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Sweet, two calls in one day. Looks like someone is working on fulfilling their New Year's resolution.

   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Wait, three calls? That makes it eight calls from this number. Wow, in two days, they doubled their total. Closing in on the record.

9 January 2012
   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Early call at 8AM. This is pretty exciting...I think the record stands at ten calls from a number. This is number nine. Only the second week of the new year and we may have a new record, even though they started late last year. Oh, I should not talk about it. I do not want to jinx it. Did I mention I fucking hate Astoria?

10 January 2012
   678-804-7593 Buford, GA   Buford? As in Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen? Oh, man...this just writes itself. Okay, ready? Wait for it...I hope you eat shit.

Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen, eating shit.

   312-765-7460 IL, USA   Call coming in at 7:30PM, that makes it 9:30 in Illinois. If you have not figured it out yet...I do no negotiate with terrorists, no matter what time you call. Fuck you!

13 January 2012
   612-325-8774 MN, USA So, where has Astoria been? This is not the first time I have received calls from Minnesota. In fact, the 612 area code is no stranger to terrorising me. Way back in December of 2010, a 612 number held a record at eight calls. Are they gunning for another record? Either way, fuck off!

16 January 2012
   574-970-9703 Elkhart, IN Calling me on a National Holiday, have you no respect for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? What am I thinking, you have no respect for anyone. I have a dream that citizens of the world are not harassed by unwanted calls, especially those who are registered on the Do Not Call Registry.

19 January 2012
   971-220-1017 Gresham, OR No more getting three calls a day, the new pattern is a call every three days.  I doubt they will call on Sunday. Special note: I have received calls from Gresham before. Four, actually. But from a slightly different number, 971-220-1019. This fuck face must sit two ~~cubicles~~ caves down from the other douche bag.

23 January 2012
   302-394-9659 DE, USA I kinda like these calls coming in every three days or so. I like that they think it would fool me into picking up the call. Joke is on you fuckers, no one calls me...who is the loser, now? Wait, scratch that. Anyways, they are calling...or routing their calls...from different areas around the country. Again, smart tactic that would work on someone that uses their phone for communications and transactions. I, however...like everyone else, use my phone for ~~porn~~ surfing the net and playing games. Until next time, fuck the right off.

24 January 2012
   480-535-5818 AZ, USA Wait, what happened to the new game plan? I thought you were suppose to call every three days. Are you assholes going back to the old format? Well, at least you are mixing it up a bit. Look at the last few numbers, all different and no return callers. I have received calls from the 480 Arizona area, but this is the first from this number. I mean, look at the variety of places across the country that I am getting calls from. One might think that I am important or something. Well, if you really want my opinion...go fuck yourself.

25 January 2012
   920-602-0879 WI, USA Forgot to mention that yesterday's call came in at 6:30PM. Guess what time this one came in. Again, trying to catch me off guard. According to my records, this is the first time I have received a call from Wisconsin. One of these days, I should map out where these fucking terrorists are calling from. I wonder which states have yet to call in.

31 January 2012
   310-359-8957 Malibu, CA Really, Malibu? Such a plush area like Malibu is harbouring terrorist? From sand dunes to sandy beaches, beach front property for the terrorists. Close your eyes for a second (after you read the next part), and imagine these guys sitting on the beach, between surf runs and making calls to people around the country (okay, go ahead and close your eyes). Are you back? Okay, now imagine these guys surfing and getting eaten by a shark...that would be fucking awesome.

   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Well, hello Astoria. Where the fuck have you been? Crawling back to me at the end of the month? What, you need to meet your quota? Nice to see that you have now tied the record at ten. This is the part where I say, "FUCK YOU!"

Jarome Iginla Scores 500th Goal

2012-01-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

Finally, something in hockey that I can talk about

NHL Realignment Rejected

2012-01-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hey look, a post about hockey. It has not been a great season for the Flames (see last game against the Bruins), so I have not been writing about hockey much. There is one thing in the news to distract us from that spanking. The NHLPA has rejected the proposal to realign the league.

As I am writing this, I really have no clue as to why they rejected a plan that was basically approved by the NHL, the teams, and the players...mostly. What I do know is the idea was a fairly good one...except for one part.

Currently, there are two Conferences (West and East) and within those two conferences there are three Divisions with five teams each. (Pacific, Northwest, Central, Northeast, Southeast, and Atlantic) Pretty simple, it makes sense.

In the past, when there was fewer teams, there was two Conferences and within in them two divisions each. It was great, back in the day. The names of the Conferences was named after the Conference trophy (Clarence Campbell and Prince of Wales) the teams play for before the Stanley Cup. Where as the Divisions were named after historical figures in hockey (Smythe, Norris, Adams, Patrick). When I first got into hockey, it took me a while to figure out Smythe, Norris, Adams, Patrick (or SNAP), and which teams were in each division. But it was unique to hockey.

So the proposal was to have two Conferences...makes sense here...with two Conferences each. Wait, what? Yeah, Conferences within Conferences. How does that work? How do you divide a Conference into Conferences? It should be Divisions! See how confusing this is? This was the one problem I had with the proposal. It just does not make any logical sense...at all.

You mean to tell me that 30 GMs around the league, a handful of board members, executives, and all those highly paid people came up with "Conferences within Conferences"? There is no league, professional nor amateur that does that. They have Conferences, Divisions...maybe a Regions. Seriously?

I certainly hope that the one of the problems that the NHLPA has with the proposal is this.

Random Thoughts V

2012-01-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

It is a new year, and here are some random thoughts.

Today, back in 1925, John Zachary DeLorean was born. He would have turned 86 today. I am wearing a Delorean shirt in celebration and drove the car in most of the week. It had been about a month since I had driven, it still runs great...good enough.

Speaking of Delorean...I am going to be a guest speaker at the DeLorean Car Show in Orlando, Florida in June. I will be talking about how I got the DeLorean into the Hot Wheels line, and small bit of trivia about the history of the DeLorean in relation to Hot Wheels. I just started working on the presentation this week, I got about six months to work it out. Hopefully, I can pull it off.

Going into my third year of ownership. No big plans for any upgrades on the car. Just going to enjoy the car and try not to spend any money on the car, other than fueling up. I had some major work done on it last year including lowering the front end and major tune up. I guess most of that money will be spent on the DeLorean Car Show.

-----

Since I had a minor set back at the end of 2010, I did not get to ride my bike much. So, the plan is to get out there this year and put some miles on that bike. Of course, I have to chose between riding the bike to work or driving the car to work. I want to get back into shape. Been kinda slacking off in the exercise department.

Hockey season for me should start back up in a few weeks. Those first few games are going to be painful. I hope to be up there amongst the team leaders in scoring. In fact, I am thinking of buying a new hockey stick in hope that it will help my game. I still kinda suck, but at least I will have a hockey stick made in this century.

-----

When I went to visit my parents, I totally raided the Hot Wheels bin at the store and scored over 50 cars. As usually, I only buy the cars that I 'designed'. So, I got a good amount of the cars I did for the 2011 Line. Lots of Time Machines, Batmobiles, and A-Team Vans. I even found my first Treasure Hunt.

There will be three vehicles that I 'designed' in the 2012 line. Two will be in the Basic/Mainline, while the other will be in one of the Collector lines. More information as release dates get closer.

-----

Did you see Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol yet? You know I love Tom Cruise and how I love (most of) his movies...Ghost Protocol is AWESOME! And, I am not just saying that because Tom Cruise is in it. It is really a good movie...not great, but very good. If you like to see Tom Cruise running, there is a lot of him running in this movie. See, I need to get in shape so I can run around like Ethan Hunt.

-----

In other news, I am totally addicted to Angry Birds. I have to say that is it the best one dollar you can spend...other than a Hot Wheels car. That one dollar has lasted me a few months now.

Found this little Back to the Future reference on level 14-5. Notice what is clearly the Time Machine, with the flux bands and reactor vents. You can see a representation of the clock tower. They even kinda added the gargoyles from the clock.

Back to the Future level on Angry Birds

That is all I have for now. Stay tuned for the usual crap that goes on here.

22 December 2011

2011-12-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, today, I went down to the DeLorean Motor Company in Garden Grove, California to check out a DeLorean. About a month later, I bought that car. So, today is a good day in my book. It is also my father's birthday.

Since then, I have done a few modifications to it. Most of which is documented in this blog. I will have more news about DeLoreans posted soon.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - December 2011

2011-12-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

This is a popular series. I occasionally will check the stats and people seem to love what I have to say about these terrorists. I know you do not come here just to read my shitty blog. Obviously, my posts are showing up on search engines when people try to look up unknown numbers. I hope you enjoy my rants, I know you are as frustrated as I am on this subject.

I have been filing complaints at donotcall.gov with every call I get. Pretty obvious that registering and filing complaints on there does not do a damn thing. Anyway, we start out the month right were the last one left off...a call from Washington (state). It would be kinda sweet if I actually got a call from Washington DC, and it was a senator or even the president wanting to talk to me about ending ~~terrorism~~ telemarketing.

For those interested, the Do Not Call Registry made a little change to their site. No that it means they are doing anything about the calls, because I am still getting these fucking calls, it just means they updated their site.

1 December 2010
   360-529-6175 WA, USA Two calls yesterday...so far, one call today. One can only guess at how many calls I will get from this number today.

   360-529-6175 WA, USA Second call today. That is four total from this number, for those keeping track. I think I need some sort of hall of fame for these numbers.

   360-529-6175 WA, USA Three calls in one day, making the total five calls. I think they are pushing for the record. I fucking hate Washington.

2 December 2011
   360-529-6181 WA, USA Do you really think that changing the last two numbers will fool me? How long do you think I have been doing this? First of all, I do not know anyone from Washington. Every call from Washington is considered a National threat...let that sink in a little. So, fuck you.

5 December 2011
   360-529-6181 WA, USA It is safe to assume that the terrorists have relocated and acquired a new number. They were getting so close the record, too.

   360-529-6181 WA, USA So, it takes about four hours to cycle through their victims. I am noticing that there is about 3-4 hours between multiple calls. I expect a call just before 'quitting time' in about three hours. In the meantime, Washington can go fuck itself.

   360-529-6181 WA, USA Ha! What did I fucking tell you? Right before quitting time, I get a call. And, right about the time I predicted...about two and a half hours after previous call. This is just for today. Fuck you 24/7!

360-529-6181 - Go fuck yourself!

Oh and just so you know that I am not making this shit up. Here is a photo of the last few calls I have on my phone. I have 'protected' the legit calls, only showind the calls from terrorists. There are a few calls on there from the November 2011 Edition of this series. You get the idea.

Hey Washington, go fuck yourself

Note: I have to mention again that with this series, I usually post around the fifteenth - about half way through the month. But, I am posting early in the month so you can see how many fucking calls I get from these terrorists. Until tomorrow...unless the terrorist are working overtime.

6 December 2011
360-529-6181 WA, USA So, are we going to do this every day at the same time? I guess my first time slot is around 10:15 AM. Surely you have better things to do...like fucking yourself.

325-320-3745 Abilene, TX This one is via text...and where the fuck is Abilene, TX. I guess I can Google that.

You have been selected to receive $500 GROUPON gift card click here to receive http://500dollargroupon.info/ reply STOP to quit

I know replying with STOP will do jack shit, but if I reply with FUCK OFF, will you?

7 December 2011
   971-373-0141 OR, USA   Oregon? Terrorists are heading south, the west coast of the United States is being attacked...on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

8 December 2011
   917-793-5694 NY, USA New York? Wait, John Lennon was killed in New York 31 years ago, today. This has to be a conspiracy. Also, this is a return caller. Fourth call from Cunty...I mean, Cathy from Financial Freedom. Yeah, 'freedom'...more like fucking terrorists.

   360-529-6181 WA, USA I was just thinking to myself, "where did Washington fuck off to?" Oh there you are. Welcome back. Now, fuck off!

12 December 2011
   503-902-2859 Salem, OR Wait, I am actually on vacation. I have my phone occasionally turn on to check my email from work. You you how some things go to shit when you do not check your email? So, I kinda need to make sure things go smoothly. I bet the terrorists do the same thing. They call from everywhere, including Salem Oregon. They some how snuck in a call while I was checking my email. What the fuck, they never rest.

Anyways, there might not be as many called for the next few days, not because they are not calling...but because my phone will be mostly turned off. But, in the event of a ~~terrorist attack~~ telemarketer call, I will try to update. This depends on my ability to access the internet. In the meantime, go fuck yourself.

19 December 2011
   702-521-6904 Las Vegas, NV Yeah, I am still on my vacation...so, fuck you. Oh, and this was a text message, another twenty cents, so a double fuck you. I need to find a way to make money from telemarketers. There needs to be an app for that.

22 December 2011
   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR So, I am back from my little vacation. First call of the day is from Oregon. Oregon is the new hub. Fuck you, Oregon! Although, I applaud the effort of changing their caller ID number every time they have called. I guess they think it makes one think, "oh, and unknown caller...maybe it is someone I know." Yeah, like I have said many times before. If you are not in my system, you do not have a name...therefore I will not answer the phone. If you are someone I know, leave a fucking message. Fuck you!

   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Second call of the day. I take it back, they are not changing their numbers. I think it is obvious that they were calling me while I had my phone turned off for a few days. Who knows, they could have been calling me 2-3 times a day for that last two weeks. Theory will be proven tomorrow. stay tuned.

26 December 2011
   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR It seems that terrorists did not call me on Friday. I guess they got a three day weekend. I wonder what the holidays are like at a telemarketer household. I hope someone interrupts their evening with annoying phone calls. Better yet, I hope someone called the police on them. Fucking assholes!

   503-468-5227 Astoria, OR   Oh, making up for Friday, I see. Second call today, and a late one. This one came in just after five o'clock. Must be putting in some overtime...you know, get some more money to pay those holiday shopping bills. How about this? Get a real job! This is the fourth call from this number.

27 December 2011
   315-825-8529 NY, USA Mother fuckers! Another fucking text message. This one from "GetHolidaysLoans.com"...not get holiday loans, it is get holidays loan. I guess the correct one was already taken by some other terrorists. Fuck you , fuck you, fuck you.

28 December 2011
   773-449-5042 IL, USA And...a fuck you, too. This call came in at around 8PM...that makes it 10PM in Illinois. Who the fuck is still manning the phones at that time? Terrorists, that is who.

29 December 2011
   310-909-7530 Los Angeles, CA   What can I possibly say about Los Angeles that has not been said by every other comedian in the last 30 years? I kinda wonder if the person on the other end was some struggling actor that could not even make it as a waiter. What a fucking loser, get a real job.

Believe it or not, that concludes the year in ~~terrorist attacks~~ telemarketer calls. Notice that they took the 30th off...just like they took off the 23rd. Telemarketers get three day weekends, too. I wonder if that call from Illinois got overtime pay.

Anyways, I am certain that 2012 will be a banner year for telemarketers. So until then...fuck off, stop calling me.

Tootoo Runs Into Miller

2011-12-04T10:56:00.001-08:00

Ah, this brings back memories. This would have been the alternative to going around the goaltender and running into the net. Instead, I have an awesome piece of titanium screwed into my wris t. Looking back at it, having not injuring another player was a better choice for me...and I have a titanium in me.

Obi Wan Kenobi and the Death Star

2011-11-24T07:39:00.001-08:00

Sir Alec Guiness

Next time you watch Star Wars*, pay close attention to the part when Ben Kenobi is turning off the power on the tractor beam in the Death Star. Two things. It was raised an eyebrow, even as a kid, that the labels are in English. Yeah, it actually, says "POWER" and "TRACTOR BEAM" on one of the level indicators.


English is truly universal

In searching for pictures, I have discovered that in the original version, the labels are in English. In newer releases, the labels have been digitally replaced with some alien writing. See, even as a kid, I knew something was whacky about that. I guess they needed to communicate to the audience that "this is the POWER to the TRACTOR BEAM, that Obi Wan is turning off".

Second thing. When he see that there are a pair of Stormtroppers at the end of the hall, he throws something to distract them. Well, some might think that he throw a small pebble. Most believe that he used the force to 'throw' a sound over yonder. Me? I like to think that Obi Wan picked his nose and flicked a crusty booger across the hall. Something to think about.

I always wanted this playset

Back in 1978, Kenner released a Death Star playset. It was an awesome set. It even had an area for your Obi Wan Kenobi figure to futz with the tractor beam power. You can see it in the top right in photo above. The set even had area for Luke and Leia to swing across, even a trash compactor. Kenner really knew how to make a great toy.

*Star Wars as in Star Wars (1977). That was what it was originally called, that is what it should be forever known as. Do yourself a favour and watch the original version from 1977.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2011

2011-11-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

Starting out the month with a text. I really hate texts, they cost me time and money. Twenty cents is not a lot of money, but I am cheap. Again, all calls are to my mobile phone...which I have been told is ILLEGAL. Five calls and a bonus text in one day. That is not a record, but it still bugs the shit out of me. Fuck these people.

3 November 2011
   323-337-4657 Los Angeles, CA On occasio, I get these "hey, do ya need some money?" kinda texts. Here is an idea. You save me the money by not texting me...and save yourself the time by not texting me. Two birds with one stone. Win/win...and you can go fuck yourself.

4 November 2011
   425-390-8126 Renton, WA Clearly, Washington state is the new hub for telemarketers. The wet climate is a drastic change from the Middle East desert for these terrorist.

8 November 2011
   877-243-5604 Unknown Oh, and unknown number. I googled the number and it came up as possible telemarketer. Better be safe, protect our country from terrorists and report to Do Not Call Registry. We must keep up the fight.

10 November 2011
   425-390-8126 Renton, WA Second call from this number.

   425-390-8101 Renton, WA Well what do we have here? Eightteen minutes after the first call from a Renton number, I get this one. What the fuck? Both number will be reported...and nothing will happen, except more calls from Renton.

   425-309-8126 Renton, WA Another call from Renton. Should be getting another one in a few hours.

   253-246-8515 Kent, WA I have had six previous calls from Kent, WA (253-246-8553). This is frist time from this number.  According to Google Maps, Kent is about 7.5 miles south of Renton. One nuke should take care of that.

   253-246-8515 Kent, WA Well...hello, again...and fuck you.

   252-733-0084 Norfolk, NC   This one comes via text. Again, that is twenty cents someone owes me. Feel free to nuke North Carolina, too.

11 November 2011
   253-246-8515 Kent, WA Really? On Veteran's Day? Have you no respect for the men and women who served your country? Oh, I forgot...you people are fucking terrorists. The day they end all telemarketing calls will be a National Holiday.

19 November 2011
   Unknown Not only is it an unknown number, the call was made at 2:24AM. Who calls people at two thirty in the morning ? Terrorists, that is who.

21 November 2011
   253-246-8515 Kent, WA Fourth call from this number. If you are in or near Kent, Washington, go ahead and hunt these guys down. I am sure Homeland Security will reward you for your efforts in bringing down terrorism.

   253-246-8515 Kent, WA Second call today. Someone near Kent, Washington needs to layeth the the smackdown on these terrorists.

   626-384-0835   Gardena, CA Another one via text...so, someone owes me twenty cents. Ah, but I am in luck. According to the text, I can get cash from these guys.

Youre approved to get $1500 to pay your bills today! Its easy and quick, goto http://www.cashfastsafe.com/ to getcash now, approved# 0.7469447

Think I can get my twenty cents back? Notice the use of contractions and lack of apostrophes, and no space between some words. Fail.

22 November 2011
   253-246-8515 Kent, WA Call coming in at 8AM. Good morning, and FUCK OFF!

23 November 2011
   253-246-8515 Kent, WA Seven calls from these fuckers. FUCK YOU!

24 November 2011
   410-000-001 Unknown Ah, incomplete number. It can only mean one thing, a text message. According to Google, the 410 area code is from Easter Maryland.

FRM: Jules.Q.Cooper@iphone5testnkeep.com
MSG: Congrats! You were picked to Test & Keep the iPhone5-Beta, Confirm http://www.iphone5testnkeep.com

Feel free to to email Jules with goatse photos, gonna take a wild guess that their sight is filled with more viruses than a New Orleans hooker during Mardi Gras.

25 November 2011
   425-390-8134 Renton, WA New number from Renton. Same group of assholes, just different extension. I wonder it is the same person that is assigned to my number and he/she works in both Kent and Renton.

28 November 2011
   253-246-8599 Kent, WA Another new number from Kent, WA.   Notice the same area code and prefix...just different extension. If pattern repeats, and it will, I will get about 5-7 calls from this number in the next two weeks. Then, a new number will be issued to harrass me. FUCK YOU!

30 November 2011
   253-246-8515 Kent, WA   Had to sneak in another on before the end of the month. This is call number eight from this number. I forget what the record was, I think it was ten. Nice to see this number coming back. I thought for sure it had been retired since I got another call from Kent. I wonder if they actually retire numbers...do they hang them up in the rafters in Kent? Go fuck yourselves.

   360-529-6175 WA, USA Oh, just a generic Washington number? Guess what...the area code also covers Renton and Kent, Washington. There needs to be a few more Starbucks opened in Renton and Kent so people can have respectable jobs. No one, and I mean NO ONE respects a fucking telemarkter. Telemarketers bring nothing to the table, society is better off without them.

   360-529-6175 WA, USA What a bunch of fucking assholes. Second call from this number.

Today In History

2011-11-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Awesome!

How appropriate that we set our clocks back on this day. True time traveling.

My DMCev Video Going Viral

2011-10-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

The video I shot during my ride in the Electirc DeLorean has been seen a few times by people around the world. DMC somehow found it and posted a link on their Facebook page. I never really did any promotion for it, except for showing some people at work. Now, Autoblog found it and has used it in their article.

This is what they wrote:

The electric DeLorean DMC-12 is coming 2013, so says Humble, Texas' reborn DeLorean Motor Company. That was the shocking announcement made by DeLorean in mid-October at the DMC Texas Open House.

But what else occurred on that mid-October day? Well, apparently a handful of DeLorean enthusiasts got to test drive DMC's electric prototype. Now, we can't say for certain whether this clip shows DMC's own electric version of the DMC-12 or the work of some shadetree mechanic, but we can say with confidence that DMC's Cameron Wynne (son of Stephen Wynne, owner of DeLorean) is the one who is driving the electric vehicle around the track.

Dubbed the DMCEV-12, DeLorean claims this electric time machine hits 60 miles per hour in a quick 4.9 seconds and warps to a top speed of 125 mph, though we'll have to wait to hear more about total range. Reports suggest the limited production DMCEV-12 will retail for approximately $100,000.

Hit the jump to check out some shaky in-car video of the electric DeLorean lapping the 3/8-mile track at Houston Motorsports Park

Oh wait, there is more. My video is also featured on engadget.

It's already clear that you're selling everything you own in an effort to purchase a 2013 DeLorean DMC-12 EV (and in turn, apply for a home tax deduction when you begin to live out of it), but what hasn't been clear is exactly how it'd perform on the wide open road. Truthfully, we still aren't entirely certain of that, but thanks to a raucous new video of a prototype on the track, we do know that it looks like the most (PG) fun you can have while sitting atop four wheels. We aren't going to hold you here any longer -- hop on past the break and mash play. 60mph in 4.9. 88mph in however long you want.

Also featured on emgCarTech.

Last week we brought you news of DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) working on an electric car. We now have a video showing the new in new Electric DeLorean prototype hitting up the track at Houston Motorsports Park.

In 2013, you will be able to purchase the Electric DeLorean for somewhere around $90-$100 grand. Funny thing is, we’ve always imagine the Back to the Future DeLorean always being a fully electric car.

Next thing on DeLorean’s list? Making the car fly and time travel.

From TechEBlog:

Finally, a video showing what it's like to drive the upcoming 2013 all-electric DeLorean has been released. It features "a mysterious box labeled 'Flux' on it and aside from the iPhone dock, 125 mile per hour speed and 260 horsepower, built-in GPS navigation system, DMC is remaining mum on the vehicle's specs." Video after the break.

From Geeky Gadgets:

Some of readers will remember the new electric DeLorean that was announced recently, the car which was originally made famous by the Back To the Future movies will go on sale in 2013 powered by an electric engine.
Now we get to see our first video of the DeLorean EV in action, although the video is shot from the inside of the car, so we don’t get a good look at the outside, but we all know what that looks like.
The DeLorean EV is expected to reach speeds of up to 125MPH and will reportedly come with over 200 Bhp when it goes into production in 2013.

I figured if they use my video, I can use their words. Here is my video, in case you do not want to read through that long post below. Although, this is getting long as I am find more blogs out there using my video.

The Dead Flags

2011-10-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have no idea who The Dead Flags are. But, this video is pretty sweet

2011 DMC Open House

2011-10-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

This post will have lots of pictures. Easy for you to read...more important, easy for me to write.

From 14-16 October 2011, DeLorean Motor Company held an Open House at their facilities in Humble, Texas. I was invited earlier in the year by DMC Vice President James Espey to attend. It was decision that I would not regret. Houston in the middle of October is still crazy hot, temperatures were in the 90's.

Day 1 - 14 October 2011 - Opening Night at DMC

First thing we did when we got into Houston was to check into the hotel. Waiting for us there were some folks from DMC with our registration packets and goodie bags. We also had to sign a release form for video and photography. We checked out the hotel before the events started. When it was time, we all took the shuttle to DeLorean Motor Company.


The obligatory shot with my scar

I did not take that many pictures, but the I always take a photo of me jumping in the air. Pretty much every vacation spot in the past decade or so, I have taking the jumpman photo. Since my awesome wrist injury, I have added the scar photo as my mush have photo opportunity shots.

The happiest place on earth

Meeting up with Cameron, once again

The event was a great occasion for me to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. I met Cameron last year at the DMC-California Open House. I failed to get a photo last time, but quickly hunted him down for this great photo in front of DMC. One of the many people finally got to meet was Stephen Wynne, Cameron's dad and President/CEO of DMC. Ha, we almost have the same hair style.

Me with the Stephen Wynne, the President of DMC

There were many surprises that DMC had for us. The first thing that everyone saw was the new underbody made from the original molds. I was told that this got there that week, they did not have time to drill the holes and add the hardware. So, it was fresh...mmm, smells good. Construction is some sort of fibreglass honeycomb structure with injected resin. The new underbody is almost half the weight at 250 pounds, versus the 30 year old original tubs at about 450 pounds. Estimated cost is around $5000.

New underbody, four times stronger at almost half the weight

Unveiling of the DMCev (Electric DeLorean), I was there!

The big surprise was the unveiling of the Electric DeLorean, DMCev. Like other all electric cars, the prototype wooshed through the parking lot in stealth mode, absolute silence. All you heard was wheels rolling and the crowd in awe.

There are lots of batteries in this thing, some in the engine compartment, some in the luggage compartment. The car itself weight about 200 pounds more than a standard DeLorean. I guess when they come around to actually building these, they will use the new, lighter undebodies.

According to the spec sheet, it will have a range of about 100 miles, standard for most electric cars. Top speed of 125 mph and 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. Compare that to the 10.5 seconds in the standard gas guzzling cousin.

DMCev cockpit

Other than the whole battery and electric engine, one of the things that stand out is the cockpit. I just like saying cockpit. They went with a custom steering wheel by Momo, giving it a modern look. Actually, if I ever need a steering wheel replacement, I might go for one of these. Gone is the standard shifter and replaced by a metal hockey puck. A dial that lets you select R-N-D, just turn the key and click it to D and you are ready to go.

There is also an economy mode, that is activated by pressing the button below the dial. Below that, you can see three ~~seashells~~ buttons that release the doors. Left, both, or right doors can be opened with a press of a button. I guess you can go old school and use the door pull. If you look in the ash tray, you can see a series of lights. That is the charge indicator. There are plans to make the existing fuel gauge a battery life indicator. Of course, there is an iPod dock for all your awesome tunes.

Some dork standing next to the DMCev

Catering for the night's event was provided by a food truck. I forgot the name of it, but it was damn good stuff. I had their shrimp burrito and went back for a shrimp taco. Little long on the wait because of the large crowd they had to serve, but it was well worth every bite.

Day 2 - 15 October 2011 - Tech Sessions, Guest Speaker, Dinner

This day was packed full of events. While the guys were geeking out during the tech sessions, some of the ladies went to the spa for a massage, manicure, and pedicure. They even went on an unplanned trip to downtown Houston for an afternoon of shopping. I got to meet all the dealers from the six DMC locations.

I even met Tamir Ardon of entermyworld.com, probably the best DeLorean site out there. It is loaded with information and where I acquired much of my information on the DeLorean. Part of my research in making the Hot Wheel DeLorean was spent on Tamir's site.

Ed Uding of DMC-Europe demonstrating new roof supports

First stop in the tech sessions was with Ed Uding of DMC-Europe. He showed his new roof structure, developed to replace rusted out roof supports that cause the roof to sad and doors to be misaligned. This is the part where the door would attach to the underbody, under the T-panel.

Dave Swingle of DMC-Midwest and Toby Peterson of DMC-Northwest, showed how to install door seals. Seals will crack due to old age and exposure to UV, the correct technique and placement will help ensure a proper seal of the doors.

Dave Swingle of DMC-Midwest and Toby Peterson of DMC-Northwest

Danny Botkin of DMC-California

Don Steger and Danny Botkin of DMC-California gave a demo of how to rebuild front brake calipers with the available repair kit. Kinda neat to see a gutted set of calipers. We were also educated on rotor safety specs and recommended upgrades to stainless steel brake lines. I might do that upgrade some time in the near future.

The guest speaker was William Haddad, former executive at the original DeLorean Motor Company. He also wrote the book Hard Driving: My Years with John DeLorean. He had some interesting stories about John and the company, as well as John's time at General Motors.

Guest speaker William Haddad

Tony Ierardi of DMC-Florida demonstrating re-graining techniques

For me, the most interesting part of the tech sessions was finishing the stainless steel. All the other sessions did not seem to be as doable for do-it-yourselfers. This one seemed doable for me. Tony Ierardi of DMC-Florida showed us how to remove dents and regrain the stainless steel panels. Basically, a lot of filing and sanding. I might try this one day.

You can see DMC employee Bill in the background using a file to even out the surface on a beat up left front fender . Tony is using an original tool they used in Dunmurry over thirty years ago. Also used were 60 grit sandpaper and blending pads. It took about 30-40 minutes, at the end, Tony was able to remove a dent about the size of a dime and put a beautiful finish on the area he was working on.

DMC Vice President James Espey giving the warehouse tour

Doors, lot of doors

The world famous warehouse tour was guided by James Espey. This was so awesome, I did it twice. Walking up and down the isles of the warehouse, you could not only thousand of parts, but also some of the original shipping containers those parts came in. Although they do not have all the parts, as some have just ran out, but when they have parts, they have lots of parts...like doors. There are lots of doors. They even had original bins that were made for the original DeLorean Factory in North Ireland.

My Hot Wheels on an NOS transmission

I took various photos of the many parts with my Hot Wheels car in frame as I walked up and down the aisles.

This concluded the daytime activities of the Open House. We all went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner at H&H Ranch. Again, we had a shuttle provided by DMC, via the hotel, to and from the ranch.

Elaine Wynne on the mechanical bull

In true Texas fashion, there was a mechanical bull set up for everyone to ride. Most of the DMC crew jumped on and got thrown off. I elected not to fly off the bull. Although, I kinda wanted to see if I can still do some pommel horse tricks.

Don Steger of DMC-California on the bull

Dinner was a Texas barbeque, one of the staff was nice enough to make me a custom veggie burger. After the dinner was some presentations and the raffle. Proceeds from the raffle went to a fellow DeLorean owner who suffered an injury and lost his wife while performing stunts at an air show. When I heard about the charity raffle, I hunted down some Hot Wheels stuff for the event. I was able to get a 2011 Hot Wheels poster signed by the entire design team, 2011 San Diego Comic Con Back to the Future Time Machine Exclusive signed by the designer...which happens to be me, and a pre-production sample of the Back to the Future Time Machine also signed by me.

I gave a short presentation on the things I brought for the raffle

James introduced me as the Hot Wheels Designer for the DeLorean, and had me talk about the items I brought for the raffle. I am not a good speaker, but I appreciated the opportunity to promote Hot Wheels to a different crowd. Kinda funny that at work and the Hot Wheels community, I am the DeLorean "expert"...while in the DeLorean community, I am the Hot Wheels "expert". Little do they know that I know nothing about either.

Winner of the signed 2011 Hot Wheels Poster

I tried to get a picture with all the winners, but I failed to get one with the SDCC BTTF Time Machine. They were all very excited to win those items. The winner of the poster wanted a picture with me. A few people came up to me to thank me for what I have done for the DeLorean community and were very happy with my Hot Wheel DeLorean. Good to know that my work is appreciated, and if these guys liked it, I know it passed the test.

Josh Haldeman, winner of Back to the Future Time Machine pre-production sample

The winner of the pre-production sample was Josh Haldeman. I kinda knew him through Facebook when he somehow found me about a year ago. He had no idea who I was, just knew I was a DeLorean enthusiast. Josh is also the Vice President of the DeLorean Owners Association, so I am glad that the item went to him.

Me wtih Tamir Ardon

I had to get a photo with Tamir. He is somewhat of a celebrity in the DeLorean universe. I have gone through his website many times in the last ten years, and continue to drop by his forum at DMCTalk.org, the largest online community of DeLorean enthusiasts.

That concluded a long day of events at the DMC Open House. Time to shuttle back to the hotel and get some sleep.
Day 3 - 16 October 2011 - Track Day at Houston Motorsports Park

We did not have plans to go to track day. For one we did not have a car to drive on the track. Two, our flight left at 3:40PM and figured we would check out of the hotel at the standard noon check out time.

Cameron was nice enough to invite us to the track. He had the van was going to pick up the dealers anyway and saved two spots for us to tag along. Talk about going the extra mile for us. This really capped off the series of events. So, off to the track we go.

Day at the track

There was about eighteen DeLoreans there, pretty impressive to see them all on the track at once. They took a few laps for some photos and lined up to take the open door 'tunnel' shot. In addition to the owners and their cars, DMC brought the Electric DeLorean and the Supercharged Stage III DeLorean to the track.

Electric DeLorean

Funny to see the Electric DeLorean take laps. I say "see" because, you really could no hear it as it zoomed passed you. You could tell it had a little more kick than your standard DeLorean...or I just drive slow.

DMCev and me

Timing is everything since it was a short track. Did not have to wait long for these photo opportunities, but had to be quick on the trigger. It was a hot ~~summer~~ fall day in mid-October that day in Texas.

My other car at the track, next to DMCev

There was no way I could have driven my car to the event. One guy from the Los Angels area did, but he is retired and probably has as much money as he does time. Also, I do not think my car could make that journey as it may require many many trips to the gas station. Much more economical for us to fly. Since I could not bring my real car, I brought my Hot Wheels DeLorean along for the event.

About to ride in the Electric DeLorean

Cameron gave me and Patchan a ride in the DMCev. It is a really smooth ride, quiet, and had quite a punch. Here is a video I took of my ride with my iPod Touch. It is a little shaky, that is my amateur camera work, not from the car.

Patchan about to ride in the Electric DeLorean with Cameron behind the wheel

Here a better look at the controls of the car. From left to right in picture below: You have the all important iPod dock, as all modern cars now have. Shift dial, instead of shift stick. Eco button. Three buttons for the doors.

Better look at the controls

Also has a GPS device and Momo steering wheel. That is pretty much the only difference from a standard DeLorean interior.

DMCev interior

The DMCev was definitely the star of the event.

Thumbs up

I guess the co-star of the event was the Supercharged Stage III DeLorean. I asked Ed Uding of DMC-Europe to take me around a laps. It was a ride of a life time. Ed was (or maybe still is ) a race and/or rally driver in Europe, so he knows how to handle a car. He also developed the lower control arm bracket for the DeLorean for better handling and stability. I have a set that is installed in my car.

Me and Ed Uding after the ride of a lifetime

Sitting in the passenger seat with an experienced driver is quite the experience. Ed was going really fast around the turns and even faster on the straightaways. I felt my body being pushed towards the outside of the car from the centrifugal force. It also felt like blood was rushing from my head. Must have pulled at least 2G's...now I kinda know how fighter pilots feel.

Ed drifting the Supercharged Stage III DeLorean with me in the passenger seat

Ed also drifted the DeLorean for the photographer there. Luckily, I was in the car when he did it. That was more fun than any roller coaster ride I have been on. Above is the picture of Ed drifting and eventually doing a 360 on the track, with me in the passenger seat hanging on for dear life...and having the time of my life.

There were a few more runs on the track and photos taken. Stephen even offered to let me dirve the Stage III car, too bad I do not know how to drive a manual. Damn it! Way back in the day, I told myself that if I ever got a DeLorean, I would learn how to drive a manual...but since they may an automatic version, I never really learned. Oh well, I am really happy with my car. That third pedal thing is confusing anyways.

Pretty soon it was time for us to go back to the hotel and check out, then head to the airport. Elaine gave us a private ride back to the hotel. I cannot express how nice the Wynne's were to us.

Thanks to everyone at DeLorean Motor Company for putting together a great event. It was great to meet all the dealers from DMC-NW, DMC-MW, DMC-FL,DMC-EU. Great seeing the guys from DMC-CA, and finally getting to meet the folks as DMC-H.

Also, thanks to everyone who attended the event. I met some great people and made some new friends, including Tamir and local DeLorean owner Bryan. Thanks, hopefully I can make it to Orlando for DCS 2012.

L to R: Cameron, Stephen, Patchan, Me, Elaine

Probably my favourite picture of the event. My wife and I with the Wynne Family.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - October 2011

2011-10-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Starting off the month with a call on a Monday morning. There was a three week gap, bu tit picked up really fast.

3 October 2011
   253-246-8553 Kent, WA New player from Washington. Wonder how many times these fucknuts will call.

25 October 2011
   360-529-6100 WA, USA Another call from Washington, three weeks later. I like the peaceful three week gap. Still, I am reporting this number.

27 October 2011
   253-246-8553 Kent, WA Well, hello. Apparently Washington is the new terroist hub. Second call from Kent.

   253-246-8553 Kent, WA Really, twice in less than a hour? Fuck you!

   253-246-8553 Kent, WA Oh you motherfuckers. Three times in one day, total of four. Yeah, go a head and fuck yourself.

28 October 2011
   50222571565 Unknown What the fuck kinda number is that? A call at 6:30 in the morning? Fuck you! Where is Kent, WA?

   253-246-8553 Kent, WA Ah, there you are. For those keeping track, that is call number five.

   253-246-8553 Kent, WA Twice in one day, total of six calls from this number.

SpringHill Suites Marriott

2011-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was in Houston, Texas for the DMC Open House. More on the event in another post. I stayed at the SpringHill Suites Houston International Airport, it was a really nice hotel. Nice enough for me to write a post about it...or I just need to fill space on here.

The hotel is located just south of Houston International Airport (IAH). First off, IAH is huge! It has five terminals and over 100 gates, Houston International is also known as George Bush International Airport. There is a nice bronze statue of President Bush in Terminal C. The hotel provides free transportation via shuttle to and from the airport. The shuttle leaves the hotel every half hour, 24 hours a day. A simple call to the hotel/driver and you will be picked up from your Terminal within 10-20 minutes.

DMC also arranged for transportation to and from the hotel and DMC, which was about four miles east of hotel. DMC also got guests an even rate for the hotel for $98 a night, about half the regular rate.

Upon arrival to the hotel, there was already a few DeLoreans in the parking lot. The hotel even blocked of a section, facing the main street of course, for DeLoreans to park. I recognized one of the DeLoreans from California. Yeah, someone drove from Los Angeles area to Houston for the event, a 1900+ mile one way journey. Pretty sure my car would not have made that trek so easily.

The lobby was really clean and bright, almost like a movie set. A nice open area for guests to mingle. The hotel offers free breakfast every morning for guests. One of the things that caught my eye was a TV screen in the lobby area with flight information. They also provide computers for guest to check in to their fights and print out boarding passes. On top of that, free internet access to all guests. You know how I like free stuff.

Even has a private mini office area

The room had a really nice layout. There was a mini bar with fridge, lounge area, mini office. Separate toilet/sink and shower/sink areas with sliding doors to save space. Nice modern design all around.

Probably the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in

We had a king size bed, since everything in Texas is big. You can see from the photos that there was a lot of open space, even in the room. I think it might have been bigger than my old apartment.

Although I had little contact with the staff, they were very nice and happy to help. At times, they were a little overwhelmed by the number of guests that were there for the event. Overall, this was a great place to stay. I have stayed in many hotels, my mom works for a major hotel change so I grew up hanging around hotels. I have a pretty good understanding of hotels and their operations. SpringHill Suites Marriott is one of the top hotels I have stayed in. I am sure there will be future Open House events held at DMC, it would be great if they can arrange to have this hotel as their official hotel, again.

One Year Later

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

One year later. Look at all the cool cars I designed.

One year ago today I broke, fractured, and disloated my wrist. I have to say that it was the worst...and best experience in my life. I like having a piece of titanium permenently screwed into my bone.

I documented the experiece here in this blog. You can follow the multipart story HERE. You can also view the pictures I have taken of my wrist throughout the year. I took at least one picture a week with various backgrounds, view them HERE.

Edit: I realized that I should list the cars in the picture. Thanks to mikeH in the comments , which by the way is the 100th comment I have received. Not sure if there is a prize for that. So, from bottom to top:

1981 DeLorean DMC-12 - 2010 New Model
Ghostbusters Ecto-1 - 2010 New Model
Back to the Future Time Machine - 2011 New Model
Arkham Asylum Batmobile - 2011 New Model
A-Team Van - 2011 New Model

Microtech Daytona

2011-09-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, there is contest at BladeOps, write a review of a knife and one could win a Spyderco Ladybug. Yeah, I know it is a tiny knife. Note the size of key for comparison...or that is a set of some huge keys.

Spyderco Ladybug

There are five knives to give away. Not that I really want that little knife, but I am not going to turn away a free knife...or a free anything. Yeah, it seems weird that I am writing about a $300 knife, just to win a knife worth $30. Anyways, here is my review of the Microtech Daytona.

Microtech Daytona

The compact design and affordable price point makes the Daytona is a great entry knife to the Microtech line. This knife is a work of art, precision made, down to the screws that hold it together. Top notch materials are used include a S30-V blade, 6061T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum with Carbon Fiber inlay. It has been said that "Microtechs are the Swiss watches of automatic knives".

Microtech knives come in a generic box with instructions and includes a nylon sheath. The sheath is very nice and has a hook and loop closure on the belt loop, and adjustable buckle closure for the knife. While this is obviously a quality product like their knives, I find that it is too large for the knife. It could well be that Microtech just has one size of sheaths, hence the adjustable buckle, but the knife kinda rattles around in there. The Daytona is one of Microtech's smaller knives. No matter, not like I am going to carry it in the sheath...actually, I am not suppose to carry it at all.

The Daytona feels great in the hand. I have average sized hands and it seems my hands were designed to hold the Daytona...or the other way around. The handle is about four inches and weighs in at just under three ounces. Pretty average size for an average guy. I know, it sound like I am talking about something other than a knife. Just stick with me.

The handle is inlaid with carbon fiber on both sides. I have seen a lot of carbon fiber from hockey sticks, to bike parts, to car parts. On occasion, one might see air bubbles in the resin or gaps in the weave. Not the case here. Sure, it maybe a relative small piece, but the carbon fiber inlays are perfect. No gaps or air bubbles. I am not sure if it serves any structural function for the knife, but it looks damn cool.

One negative element I find in this knife, the screws. The custom made screws stick out a bit from the handle, meaning that they are not flush with the body. The screws are cone shaped so they come to a shallow point. I understand that the designers were trying to match the look of the glass breaker. I think it would have been better to counter sink the screws or have the head be more dome shaped. Again, this is a minor issue.

The pocket clip is strong. The Microtech logo is engraved, possibly laser etched, on the clip, as well as "Daytona", serial number and date of manufacture. I like that feature, you know they are not just pumping out knives left and right. It shows that they take the time when they number and date their fine works of art and adds to the value. The clip is secured to the handle by the glass breaker. It looks like the clip may be reversible. The glass breaker is sharp, so be careful with that...do not drop it on your foot. Although I have yet to test the glass breaker, or skull cracker, I am pretty confident that it can do some serious damage.

There are other blade styles and finishes, I elected to go with the drop point, single edge blade.  At a little over three inches, the S30-V blade is just beautiful. Perfectly centered grinds to shape the blade, with a really sharp factory grind. I love the detail of the 'blood grove' and the little holes that are drilled through the blade. The blade moves smoothly when being fired and retracted. You can just feel how tight the tolerances are on this knife. There is a little play in the blade, but that is expected in a blade that is not fixed.

Speaking of firing and retracting the blade, the button takes a little getting used to. It is quite stiff and takes a strong thumb to activate. It took a while to 'break in ' the mechanism...or perhaps it took time to strengthen my weak little hands.  I see guys in videos just fire and retract the blade like a jack hammer, part of the fun of owning an out the front automatic. It took me a while to unlock that achievement. This is not really a problem as it is a safety feature. You have to want to fire the blade, accidental discharges are not a problem. Also, you will want to play with the firing mechanism. This will help break in the knife and strengthen weak hands, like mine.

If you are looking for an entry level out the front knife, the Microtech Daytona might be right for you. It may be a little pricey, but the quality is top notch. You will not be disappointed.

EDIT: I guess I talk/write too much. The review is limited to 1000 words, my review is 4343 words. I need to edit down, perhaps just rewrite it for BladeOps, and keep this one here. Heck, I spent a lot of time writing this. Ugh, it took me like a half an hour to knock it down to less than 1000 words. I had to get rid of my witty comments, just a straight review. And, I should add another picture, since there is a lot to read through.

Vince Clarke Is On Twitter

2011-09-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Former Depeche Mode member is on twitter...and is following me (for the time being). You may also know Vince from Yaz (or Yazoo) and Erasure.

Follow Vince Clarke @thecabinstudio

Nike Air MAG Sales

2011-09-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

I jacked this info from highsnobiety, because I want a place where I can reference the information for myself. All info, pictures, charts, and graphs were stolen from highsnobiety.

2011 Nike Air MAG

Break down of sizes and average price per day and changes

Break down by size with average price

Total amount raised per day:

Day 1 = $911,927.34
Day 2 = $647,539.91
Day 3 = $554,120.31
Day 4 = $508,077.50
Day 5 = $511,112.10
Day 6 = $492,481.97
Day 7 = $488,076.90
Day 8 = $499,851.16
Day 9 = $511,479.82
Day 10 = $570,523.52

Total = $5,695,190.53

Highest and Lowest each size sold for and the day it happened:

Size 7 – High – $5,331.88 on Day 1, Low – $2,300.00 on Day 6
Size 8 – High – $6,100.00 on Day 1, Low – $2,500.00 on Day 4
Size 9 – High – $6,300.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,050.00 on Day 5, 6 & 9
Size 10 – High – $9,959.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,200.00 on Day 6
Size 11 – High – $7,600.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,350.00 on Day 8
Size 12 – High – $8,100.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,100.00 on Day 7
Size 13 – High – $7,875.00 on Day 1, Low – $2,750.00 on Day 7

Price versus day, by size.

Okay, back to the non-stolen stuff...me again.

That is pretty impressive. I admit, I do not know much about Parkinsons...as I am sure most do/did not..outside of knowing that Michael J. Fox has the disease. Thanks to Nike and eBay for making an awesome product and using their powers for good. Thanks to all who participated in the events. If you donated to the cause, you not only have some very good karma coming your way, you also have an awesome pair of shoes.

There Are Four Lights

2011-09-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

There are four lights.

For legal reasons, this story is pure fiction, totally made up.

Ten years ago on this day, 7 September 2001, I was accused of stealing a...I wanna say...laptop computer. When I say 'I or me', I totally mean someone else that I made up...because shit like this never happened.

Here is the made up story. There was a personal laptop stolen from a work place. For a week or two, no one knew what happened. Security was scratching their heads trying to figure out who had taken the computer. They questioned the people around. It is normal to have your bags checked when leaving the building, but because of this incident, security was a little tighter than usual. They had nothing.

It just happens that I was suppose to be sitting near where the computer was taken. I say 'suppose to', because it was a shared office. One of my co-workers what out due to an injury, so I sat in his office, located about 150 feet away from the 'crime scene'. I was working on his stuff anyways, and it just made sense to be where the action was and not occupy an office in another area. Because of this relocation, I was never questioned about the laptop.

I also knew of the computer in question and the person that it belonged to. I had a chance to actually look at the computer and asked the owner some questions about it. I remember looking at the battery gauge on the bottom. You press the button and the green lights light up to show you how much juice is left. I remember feeling the weight of the computer, relatively light at the time. Keep in mind that this was ten years ago and a titanium Macbook was all the rage. You know me and my love for titanium. Apple as since gone to a cheaper aluminum body. I fucking love titanium.

So, the computer was taken. Apparently, security was looking for me to question me. Not that hard to find me, everyone in the area knows who and where I am (most of the time). I work with a bunch of people, and within earshot of anyone in the group. All you had to do was just yell out my name and I would respond, this is how most people in the area communicated even with email and phones.

Weeks later, one of the employees was going through some cabinets for some documents. Guess what he found. Yeah, the laptop with all the cables. He called security, they came and did their investigation shit. I happened to be around and they asked me to go with them. What happened next was about two hours of questioning. Fuck you!

I had no clue what was going on. They brought me to their offices and had me in the waiting area. This is where the bullshit starts. One guy tried to be my friend with small talk and asking me personal questions, I will call him 'Hank'. About 10-15 minutes later, another guy comes in. This fucking cunt, let us call this douchebag 'Jaime', sits down and starts looking at my fingers, and writing down 'codes'. Yeah, he was coding my finger print patterns. So, by now I kinda figured out that I was a suspect in the case. Funny, they had days to find and question me but did nothing. Now that the computer was found be someone else not in security, they have to make like they are solving a case.

Later, I was brought into another room, some other cunt's office. 'Hank' was gone, I was in the office with 'Jamie' and head of security, this cunt I will call 'Bob'. Both of which have a face that you want to fucking punch. They first asked for my information. 'Jamie' was taking notes, I offered to write my info for him, but the douchingly said 'no, I will do it'. What a fucking asshole.

Then, as if rehearsed while I was in the waiting area with 'Hank', some gopher walks in with some movie props. I say movie props, but in their eyes, it was 'evidence'. It was two little envelopes, about 3x4 inches...and it was marked with 'evidence', so you know that shit was real. They made sure I saw it, but tried to 'hide' it...you know that move. Hey fucknuts, I studied magic and slight of hand, I may not be Penn & Teller, but I know when you are trying to distract me.

Long story short, they said they found prints on the computer...my prints. Yeah, my prints were suppose to be in the evidence envelopes. Uh, one douchebag looks as my fingers and you say they my prints are on the computer. Keep in mind that I did touch the computer when I checked it out a few weeks earlier. What sucks is, when an authority figure is question you, you are left with your guard down. So, I was a bit nervous. Are they hooking this shit on me? What the fuck? My words and explanations did not come out as smoothly as Matt Lauer reading the news.

I stumbled my words, and being bullied by 'Bob and Jaime' did not help the situation. I explained my situation about sitting in another office, checking out the computer with the owner. But you know how these cunts are. They need to lay blame on someone, they need to let everyone know that they are doing their job. They do not want people to know that they failed to solve the case. They do not want people to know that someone else found the missing computer. They want to be heroes.

They asked if I had a computer at home. Duh, ten years ago people had personal computers, not that rare, you fucking idiot! Of course, I had a shitty computer that was no where near as cool as a titanium laptop. I am also a PC user, not much of a Mac guy. I do not see how having a computer has anything to do with this situation, anyways. I also have a water heater. Are you going to accuse me of stealing hot water from the coffee maker?

Oh, they also said that they found my prints on the cabinets where the computer was found. Oh, you mean the fucking public cabinets in the fucking main hallway that anyone and everyone has gone through? I find out later that they did not even dust the cabinets for prints.

Still four lights, cuntbag.

Anyway, the interrogation went on for about an hour and a half. There was actually a point when I thought I did it, but like Jean-Luc Picard said, "There are four lights". When they finally released me, they offered a ride back. Yeah, go fuck yourself. I will walk and I will walk tall knowing that I did not do it and knowing that you are bunch of cunts.

The next Monday, I called my Human Resources representative and let them know what happened and made sure me name was cleared. I find out that 'Bob and Jamie' contacted the local authorities only to have them say that since the computer never left the campus, there was no case. Ha, fuck you! Yeah, you never solved the case. You failed at your job and you fail at being a human. Fuck you.

The theory is that someone hid the laptop, so he/she can retrieve it at a later time. There are theories as to who hid the computer in the cabinet. The guy I shared a cube with (until co-worker's injury) was fired because he had taken a product from someone's desk. The product in question was found in has car during the tight security checks. I guess he said it was a gift, but the product was reported missing and when a search was made, they found it. It just happens that he went to the same school as I did, and working in the same group (different projects) at the time. So I guess that also makes me a suspect...illogical logic at work.

Here is the kicker. In his office, there were a few style guides...old style guides that would have been kept in the cabinets where the computer was eventually found by someone else other than security. I want it known that security failed at locating the missing laptop.

Yeah, I still hold a grudge after ten years. I have not seen 'Hank' since that day, I think he moved on. Every time I see either 'Bob' or 'Jamie', I just want to upper cut their taint. 'Bob' retired, no doubt torturing others, perhaps molesting young children. That cuntbag should have been fired. On occasion, I see 'Jamie', I give him dirty looks and negative vibes. I cannot believe this shithead still has a job.

I really have nothing against 'Hank', but I hope that 'Bob and Jamie' suffer in some way. Their abuse of power and lack of respect is fucking bullshit. Treating me like a criminal with no foundation of proof. They tried to trick me into a confession to something I did not do, just so they can look good. I guess this abuse of power gets them off when they are not fisting little kids.

Again, that was totally made up, it never happened. Everything from dates, names, situations...all fictional, molesting and fisting kids, probably true.

Yeah, what Picard said.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - September 2011

2011-09-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

New policy. Even though I know it is fucking useless and a most likely a scam, I am going to report numbers to Do Not Call. I am running out of creative things to say about each call. Although it does force me to come up with shit that no one reads. Actually, if you Google some numbers, it will lead you to this blog.

Again, I usually post these series of posts around the middle of the month. This gives the terrorists a chance to rack up some numbers and so you are not just reading on one or two numbers. But, since we have another record breaker this month, I have decided to post. I am going to wait a while to report this number, just to see how many calls I can get in a day. Yeah, I said a day. Previous record for calls in a day was three from one number...and five total. On Labour Day, I got SIX from one number. Enjoy the rant.

1 September 2011

213-337-0334 Los Angeles, CA Fifth call, could be their last if Do Not Call actually works. These guys were slacking off, not putting up the numbers as others. I do not think they really want to talk to me.

508-475-1968 MA, USA Second call. See, at least they are consistent by not skipping any days. Take note, Los Angeles.

2 September 2011

508-475-1968 MA, USA Third call. Trying to update this blog on an iPhone is kinda hard. Yet, nothing will stop me from exposing these terrorists.

5 September 2011

   508-475-1968 MA, USA ARE

   508-475-1968 MA, USA YOU

   508-475-1968 MA, USA FUCKING

   508-475-1968 MA, USA   KIDDING

   508-475-1968 MA, USA   ME?!?

   508-475-1968 MA, USA Yeah, SIX fucking calls in one day. New record for calls in one day, and calls from one number in one day. FUCK YOU! This brings their total to nine calls, again in record time.

Really? My mom does not call me this much...in a month.

6 September 2011
   508-475-1968 MA, USA Ten calls in four days. Should this be considered stallking? I can get a restraining order for this shit, right?

14 September 2011
603-214-3655 NH, USA What? You guys took a week off? Do we need anymore proof that these people are terrorists? Obviousy, they were planning on anniversary attacks...but now that the time has passed, they are back to the phones. Fucking assholes!

16 September 2011
   1111440601 Some fucking text. Damn it, that just cost me twenty cents

   1111440600 What the fuck? Another fucking text, and another twenty cents. I wonder if I can report text messages.

19 September 2011
   818-310-6916 Los Angeles, CA What is with these people that call six times a day, and not calling back. Here we have a new caller. Though it may seem legit, meaning I see no entries on Google for this number, I am still going to report it. Yeah, I will report wrong numbers. I do not care, I did not get a phone to communicate with people.

20 September 2011
   201-779-9546 Wayne, NJ Via text. "You have been choosen to recieve a FREE $50 Target Gift voucher Call 1-866-938-9161 to redeem. TXT STOP TO STOP" Yeah, thanks. Both numbers will be reported...and you owe me twenty cents, in addition to the $50.

21 September 2011
   917-793-5694 NY, USA Return caller, this is their third call. Smart to space it out, but I keep records. At least they left a message...well, it was a recording from Financial Freedom, and Kathy sounds like a fat chick. So, Kathy and Financial Freedom will be reported.

28 September 2011
   971-220-1019 Gresham, OR I actually missed this call, did not hear the phone ring. I guess my noise cancelling headphones really work

   971-220-1019 Gresham, OR   Oh, how fucking nice. They figured since I did not pick up the first time, they would call back four hours later. Awesome, this means I get to report you, twice. Fuck face!

   971-220-1019 Gresham, OR Three times in one day. You are half way there, the record is six. Bring it, bitch!

   971-220-1019 Gresham, OR Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you...one more, fuck you! Two more and you tie the record. I wonder if the Do Not Call registery will take my reports seriously.

Penn Jillette and I Are Best Friends - Part II

2011-08-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

We may not be best friends, but Penn Jillette is a great guy. I have read his books...yeah plural, books...and in writing, he seems like great guy. I follow him on twitter, read his tweets. He also responds to people on twitter as if he is best friends with everyone. So, yeah...we are best friends.


I sent this to P&T just hours before the show, and he wrote back...again.

I had a chance to go to Las Vegas this past weekend. Normally, I do not care for the amount of douchebagery that breeds in Vegas. But since I was going to be there, I wanted to see Penn & Teller. I have been to Las Vegas twice before and did not get a chance to see them. I even stayed at the Rio for New Year's once and did not go. This time for sure it was a must do.

Tickets to the show. So excited

Note: I have seen Penn & Teller before when they stopped by in Los Angeles. I think it was in 2002

The show was great. After the show, Penn & Teller run off stage and head back to the 'lobby' area to greet the audience, sign stuff, and take photos. It just shows what great people they are to meet with 1400+ fans after each show.

Teller about to sign Penn's book.


Penn is a full foot taller than me. Notice the DMC shirt

See, we are best friends.

If you are ever in Las Vegas, I highly recommend the Penn & Teller show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Thanks again to Penn & Teller for a great show that made the trip well worth it. Hope to see their show again.

* Yes, I realize that Penn is most likely just responding to random tweets and has no idea who I am.

Knowing Your History on Twitter - Part II

2011-08-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

What was that, an exhibition?

I think more people read that tweet than the total number of people that read any part of my blog. I am even factoring the number of people that may have missed the retweet. What does this mean? Absolutely nothing! Well, it is kinda cool that Shannon Lee read and retweeted my tweet. Again, it pays to know your nerd history on twitter.

Penn Jillette and I Are Best Friends

2011-08-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Penn Jillette just came out with a new book , God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales. I spent most of yesterday reading it. Hey, I am a slow reader. I found what I thought was a mistake and wrote Penn Jillette a message on twitter:

We are best friends

It is a good read,I recommend it. Heck, even I am taking the time to read it. I may even go see Penn & Teller at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casio in Las Vegas.

Penn, Yes!

I think I can finish the book today, maybe bring to Las Vegas and get it signed by Penn...and perhaps Teller.

Edit: I finished reading the book. It took about 8-10 hours total. Like I said, I am a slow reader. I do not think I have ever read a book so fast...and this one did not even have pictures in it.

McDonald's Happy Meals

2011-08-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Not sure if I have brought this up before, but I need to write something here other than bitching about telemarketers. So, let me bitch about McDonald's Happy Meals.

It seems that McDonald's has been revamping their menu the past few years. Often times these changes offer the customer a 'healthier' alternative to the classic menu. The Happy Meal now has fruit to substitute for fries. But, there is one item that I have wanted for years...and it is an easy addition to the menu.

McDonald's should have a Filet-O-Fish Happy Meal.

On occasion, I will go to McDonald's. My usual is a Filet-O-Fish meal and two apple pies. By the way, McDonald's fries are one of the best fries you can get...and their apple pies are damn good. Their fish sandwich is not bad for the price you pay. I am not here to bash on the quality of their food. I understand their place in the market and the need they fill for billions across the world.

So, what if there is a child that does not like chicken or beef? What if this kid likes fish, and wants a toy to go with it? Very simple solution for the largest fast food chain in the world, add a Filet-O-Fish Happy Meal to the menu. You say, "hey, it cost more for fish". I am willing to pay the difference as others have paid the difference between a hamburger, cheeseburger, or McNugget Happy Meals.

I vaguely remember the introduction of the McNugget to the menu. It may have been introduced before my time, but I for damn sure remember the introduction of the McNugget Happy Meal. Way back in the early 80's you could only get a hamburger or cheeseburger Happy Meal. Then suddenly they offered the McNugget Happy Meal. Why can they not just do that with the Filet-O-Fish? There is nothing new they need to do, just add it to the menu and make a spiffy commercial and sales would boom. Oh, and train their employees to put a fish sandwich in the box. There, now I have my meal and toy.

I have written to McDonald's about this before. Obviously, there has yet to be a menu change. Maybe I need to get Morgan Spurlock to make a documentary on the Happy Meal...maybe then, they will change their menu.

Trivia: Filet-O-Fish Friday came about because of some religious thing about not having beef on Fridays. So, Ray Cook offered a cheaper price for their fish sandwich on Fridays. The tradition continues to this day.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - August 2011

2011-08-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

We start off the month crowning a new champion.

Normally, I wait until about the midway point of the month to pubish these. But, since there was one record broken earlier in the month...and other one soon to be broken...I think the internet needs to know about these terrorists. Check back ~~daily~~ hourly for updates on the record.

1 August 2011

918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK Nine times! Today, I got the record breaking ninth call from the terrorist cell in Tulsa, OK. Who knew? I am interested in seeing who will step up and break this record. Keep in mind that Tulsa can (and most likely) still continue to call...and I will still continue to ignore. Others that have a head start can catch up, perhaps a new comer will step up. But I am confident that a new champion will be crowned soon. Actually looking forward to call number ten, tomorrow.

4 August 2011

701-661-1006 ND, USA Hello, North Dakota! The record was broken by Tulsa earlier this week. Today, I get a call from North Dakota. I know this is going to sound like I am making this shit up, but the previous record was from Martin, ND. Is North Dakota trying to break the record. I kinda wish they would have used the same number from Martin, ND. Oh well, if you want to start from zero...you have a ways to go. Oh, and fuck you!

701-661-1006 ND, USA Oh really, twice a day? Did you think I happened to be away from my mobile phone the first time? What were you thinking? "Oh, we should try again, maybe we missed him and he really wants this useless shit we are selling." Seriously, who buys from telemarketers? Again, fuck you!

5 August 2011

701-661-1006 ND, USA Bright and early, first call of the day. Three calls in less than 24 hours. These terrorists can easily break the record by the end of the month.

701-661-1006 ND, USA Make that four calls in less than 26 hours. They are almost half way to the record and it is only the first week of the month.

701-661-1006 ND, USA Three times in one day, for a total of five in less than 30 hours.

8 August 2011

701-661-1006 ND, USA Nice to see they took the weekend to rest up before attacking full force on a Monday morning.

701-661-1006 ND, USA It has gone beyond the point of annoying. I wonder how long this can last.

429-47 El Segundo, CA Via text message. Apparently, "Vicara Salon El Segundo offers text message reminders". Well, here is a reminder...fuck off!

9 August 2011

701-661-1006 ND, USA Not letting some stupid text massage get in the way. Right on schedule with their eighth call. Looks like a new record will be broken by the end of the day.

701-661-1006 ND, USA The record is now tied. And, they did it in four working days. I expect another call in a few hours to lock their place in history.

10 August 2011

701-661-1006 ND, USA TEN! The record is broken. Just when I thought that it could not be done, these terrorists do it in record time.

You can see the previous record holder and current record holder...all happening with ten days.

12 August 2011

701-661-1006 ND, USA Took a day off yesterday? Yeah, making ten calls in five days is exhausting. Maybe I will get muliple calls today to make up for yesterday and the upcoming weekend. Hey, uh presidental candidates...stop bitching about Obama and bashing each other...put an end to telemarketers and I may consider reigistering to vote.

701-661-1006 ND, USA What if it is something really important and they really need to contact me? Oh yeah...leave a fucking message. Twelve calls in six days. At least they are keeping up with their average of two calls a day.

15 August 2011

978-570-2446 MA, USA Could this be a new contender for the title?

16 August 2011

978-570-2446 MA, USA This could get interesting. Looks like North Dakota is slacking off a bit.

978-570-2446 MA, USA Folks, we could have another new champion by the end of the month. That is three calls in two days, on a record pace.

17 August 2011

978-570-2446 MA, USA Fourth call in three days. If they can make three calls a day, they record can be shattered by the end of the week.

18 August 2011

987-570-2446 MA, USA These guys are slipping. They can still break the record but not sure if they can do it in record time. Ugh, I hate making up sub categories for these fucking assholes. Either go all out or do not bother calling me. Hey, what the fuck am I saying. Fuck you, stop calling me.

19 August 2011

978-570-2446 MA, USA Starting out early in the day, working on the record. This usually means multiple calls. Call number six, in five days.

701-661-1006 ND, USA Holy shit! What is this? Coming out of retirement to school the new contender? Consider my mind blasted. Folks, I present you with call number thirteen. Take note Massachusetts, this is how the game is played. This could get interesting.

701-661-1006 ND, USA I tell you, these guys do not give up. They are either really dedicated or really fucking stupid. I am not going to pick up. If only Tom Mabe would run for office.

978-570-2446 MA, USA We have ourselves the battle of the century, here. Can the new comer fight back and regain momentum? We shall see.

978-570-2446 MA, USA Fuck me with a do not call list, this is amazing. For those keeping score, ND 14...MA 8. And, I got five calls (so far) in one day. Seriously, stay tuned. There is no telling who will call me next.

22 August 2011
701-661-1006 ND, USA Ah, Monday. So it begins, a new week of attacks from our native terrorists.

701-661-1006 ND, USA Call number 16, doubling up on Massachusetts. This record will be hard to beat. Come on, Massachusetts, step up.

23 August 2011

213-337-0334 Los Angeles, CA We have a new contender...and a local one, too.

505-506-1046 NM, USA Who the fuck is calling me from New Mexico? Pretty rare to get terrorist calls from the West Coast. I guess the earthquake near the Colorado/New Mexico border did not get to these guys

480-359-4322 AZ, USA Who the fuck is calling me from Arizona? Another call from the West Coast. Must be all the Arizona Iced Tea I drink.

24 August 2011

213-337-0334 Los Angeles, CA Hey, a second call...must be important. Too bad the number comes up as a telemarker on Google. Nice try, go fuck yourself.

26 August 2011

213-337-0334 Los Angeles, CA Hey fuckface, you took yesterday off. I am disappointed in your work ethic. How do you expect to geet business if you slack off like that? Oh yeah, telemarketing does not work. You are wasting time and money that can be better spent by purchasing a broomstick and sticking up your ass...go fuck yourselves.

29 August 2011

213-337-0334 Los Angeles, CA Fourth call from this number. I cannot think of anything witty to say about this, so there...and fuck you.

31 August 2011

508-475-1968 MA, USA Another caller from Massachusetts. Litte late in the game, but there is hope. I wonder what happened to the other fucknuts.

SDCC 2011 Back to the Future Exclusive

2011-07-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, my car is the exclusive for San Diego Comic Con. Last year, it was the Ghostbusters Ecto-1. This year, it is the Back to the Future Time Machine.

The item comes in a cool case that replicates the plutonium case that Doc Brown stole from the Libyans. This is what you get inside.

I hope Doc Brown and Marty approve.

This will likely sell out at SDCC

The car goes for $35, and will sell out as the Ecto-1 did last year. Hopefully, I can do another car for next year's convention.

Remebering A Legend

2011-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

On this day in 1973, we lost Bruce Lee. The world's first true international superstar.

The Legend lives on

You can go to BruceLee.com to help bring the Bruce Lee stamp into reality.

Concept art of proposed stamp for 2012

Zack Synder Is A Hack

2011-07-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, I have been subscribed to an online streaming movie thing. This gives me a chance to check out all these 'awesome' movies that everyone is talking about.

Apparently, I have horrible taste in movies. Most of the time, I agree with the popular opinion. In the past few years, there have been a handful of movies that everyone loves, but I hate. Well, not really hate, just did not find them that great...or even good at all. This may be another opportunity for another series here...that no one reads. Although, I did review Tron: Legacy, so this is a series. I want to concentrate not just on one movie this time, but the director. Zack Snyder.

Man, 300 was a load of garbage. I just hated this movie. Yeah, I only watched it once. I barely got through the first and only time of watching this thing. All the slow motion was driving me nuts. I would post a video of what I am talking about, but that would require me looking at footage of this crappy movie. The overuse of CG and regular to slow-mo fight scenes got really old, really quick. Movie could have been told in about 45 minutes, a well produced one time TV show. Easily one of the most highly overrated movies I have ever seen.

Watchmen was a huge pile of dung, too. I have no idea how long this movie was, but it just seemed like a four hour movie. This one dragged on and on with boring 'action' sequences and monotone voice overs. Again, over use of CG. Let me restate, over use of bad CG. Tell you a lot when the creator of the graphic novel the movie is based on, did not approve of the movie.

I have not seen Sucker Punch, but I doubt that even hot chicks in skimpy clothing can even save this. It just seems like more of the same Snyder-vision with slo-mo action scenes, bad CG, lack of plot movement, etc. I have to admit, when it comes available to stream, I want to watch this train wreck...just so I can bitch about it. Maybe even write an in depth review on it.

Now, this guy is doing the new Superman movie? As if the Superman curse is not enough. Bryan Singer's Superman Returns was good, just not great and cannot even touch the awesomeness of the original Superman movie that was made in 1978 by Richard Donnor. Even with Christopher Nolan as producer, I do not think that will help. Does not matter who owns the car, if the driver sucks, you are not winning the race...no matter what flashy engine, pretty stickers, high performance tires,etc. you add, the car is going to crash.

Zack Snyder has great vision, but it should only be used for music videos. Anything longer than five minutes of Synder-vision (yeah, I totally made that up) is too much. One more...Hack Snyder, oh wait...instead of Snyder-vision, we should call it SnyderHacked or ZackHacked. Okay, done.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - July 2011

2011-07-05T07:34:00.001-07:00

Terrorists never rest. Proof is in the first call for July.

4 July 2011
   415-497-0903 San Francisco, CA Really, on a national holiday? On a day that the United States celebrates their independence, the nation is busy with fireworks, barbeques, beaches, traveling, etc. Obviously, the Homeland Security let their guard down for this day of celebration. This is when they attack. Not just any attack, a text attack.

13 July 2011
   918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK Oh, been about seven months since they have called...and the same exact thing happened. I ignored it, and posted about it here. This is just one more result for Google to lead people here when they search telemarketer numbers. FUCK YOU!

   906-87 MI, USA Guessing the area code is 906. Incomplete number...and a fucking text. Will not even bother to read the damn thing. One of these days I am going to calculate the percentage of texts from people I know, versus the ones I get from terrorists.  I have a feeling the terrorists have won.

14 July 2011
   918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK Hey, two days in a row. I missed the call, but they called at almost at the same time, just 10 minutes earlier than yesterday. Yeah, but can they make it three days in a row?

15 July 2011
   918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK Three days in a row. A few hours earlier than the previous days, looks like the AI is learning. Still, it is not when you call, it is who is calling. We do not negotiate with terrorists.

   918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK    Not only did they call three days in a row, but twice in one day. For those keeping track, this is the fifth time total and fourth time in three days.

19 July 2011

918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK Yeah, so...FUCK YOU! On the bright side, this is call number six from this number. The record is eight. I do not want to jinx it, but I think these terrorists can break the record by the end of the month. This was a morning call.

480-718-8071 Phoenix, AZ Call came in the evening. These are not normal business hours, terrorist work around the clock. Are there no limits? Should I expect a call in the middle of the night? Why is there not a law against this.

28 July 2011

918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK The seventh time, closing in on the record. Only three days left in the month, can they break the record before then?

29 July 2011

918-442-0729 Tulsa, OK The record is tied! i just received my eighth call from this number. So proud of them, their next attack will break the record.

Fashion Tips From Me, Part III

2011-07-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

These days, if you are an average or ugly guy, there is hope for you. It is easy for good looking guys to look good, well, because they look good. Harder for them to look ugly. Ah, but here is the loop hole. Good looking guys, like some celebrities try to tone down their hotness by grooming themselves. This is where you not so good looking men can met the good looking men half way.

Here is the trending thing, and fashion tip from me. For average/ugly men to look good, there are a few simple things one can do. First, grow out your hair. This works best when you have a slight curl to your hair. Length should be about 3-4 inches, just barely touching your neck and over the ears. Here is the key, the front should be longer. When pulled straight the tips should be somewhere between eye level and tip of the nose. That way, your hair can gracefully fall over your eyes and you can brush it away with your hand...in slow motion. Chicks do this a lot.

For added bonus, go with the 'wet' look. Apply some product to your hair that will make it look wet and messy, yet managed. You will notice that a lot of A list celebrities grow their hair out on occasion. Think Tom Cruise. By the way, today is his birthday. Coincidence? Man, Tom Cruise is hot.

Happy Birthday, Tom!

Next step, grow a five o'clock shadow or a short beard. But, maintain it. You need that "I have been partying for three days straight and I just came to work, so I did not have time to shave" look. You do not want the "I have been sleeping on the streets for five days and have not taken a shower" look. A hot guy like Brad Pitt will grow out a 'homeless' type beard and hair. But he is hot, he can pull that kinda thing off. You, however, are not so fortunate. Just grow out the facial hair a little. So, groom it a bit. For some reason, chicks dig the five o'clock shadow.

Again, other hot celebrities do this. Here is Tom rocking the bearded look:


Tom does not need it, but the smoke in the back may help you.

Next, the combo. Grow out the hair and rock the beard. Cover as much of your average/ugly mug as possible. Kinda like when you want to sell a house, you cover up carpet stains with a huge rug and hang a picture over that big hole in the wall. You want that Nate Berkis look.

Seriously, look at every men's magazine out there. A vast majority of guys are rocking either the long hair or the scruffy facial hair on the cover, sometimes both.

I will have the combo, please.

Sometimes, this does not always work. Here is an example of average/ugly people that try the Bradley Cooper look, but fail.

Whitney is funny and kinda hot. Guy in back is neither.

What we have above is over compensation of these techniques. He wants to say to the ladies, "hey, I am just as hot as Chris Evans, Ryan Reynolds, and Tom Cruise". What it really says is, "I am trying way to hard to look half-way decent, but I am failing. If not for this hot chick and my TV show, no woman would ever approach me". I am sure is a nice guy and probably funny, but the look is not helping his situation.

Unfortunately for me, I am too impatient to grow out my hair and unable to grow facial hair. So, I am stuck with this slightly below average mug. I usually wear hooded sweatshirts to cover me up, doing my part to help society.

Stay tuned for more Fashion Tips from me...a guy who knows nothing about fashion or looking good.

Remixes 2 - My Review

2011-06-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a long post. I finally got to really listen to Depeche Mode's new remix album. For the record, I listened to these on shuffle and wrote notes based on track number. So, I had no (clear) idea of what song I was listening to, or who mixed it. I rate each remix on a scale of 1 to 10...whole numbers only. None of that 1.21 out of 10 stuff. Then, I take an average (using two decimal places) for the whole disc and entire album (using three decimal places). This is just my opinion, so if you do not like it...you are just wrong. Now, to figure out what my notes say.

CD and notes.

Disc 1: Note that there is only one 'new' track on this disc. Fitting that the new remix is the first (and probably only single from this album). Average of 6.84 out of 10

   1. Dream On - Bushwacka Tough Guy Mix (2001) - Sounds like background club music, plain and uneventful. 5

   2. Suffer Well - M83 Remix (2006) - Good intro, I like the backing vocals. Helps that the original is one of my favourites songs. 8

   3. John The Revelator - UNKLE Reconstruction (2006) - Safe remix, not to fancy. 6

   4. In Chains - Tigerskin's No Sleep Remix (2009) - Hint of People Are People, good remix. Drags a little too long. 7

   5. Peace - SixToes Remix (2009) - Great remix, different approach from the original version. Love the plucking of strings, and string section. Almost like an acoustic remix. 8

   6. Lilian - Chab Vocal Remix Edit (2006) - Dark, like the song. Again, helps that I like the original version. 9

   7. Never Let Me Down Again - Digitalism Remix (2006) - Bad intro, distorted vocals. Mash up of noise and one recognizable line from song. Way over done. 3

   8. Corrupt - Efdemin Remix (2009) - Can do without the over repetitive intro, isolated vocal track. Not much to offer, listen to the original...much better. 4

   9. Everything Counts - Oliver Huntemann And Stephan Bodzin Dub (2006) - Like the beat/instrumental part. Vocals lack flow with the beat. Too much distortion in areas. 7

   10. Happiest Girl - The Pulsating Orbital Vocal Mix (1990) - Good remix, does sound dated since it is from 1990. There are better mixes of this great B-side track. 7

   11. Walking In My Shoes - Anandamidic Mix (1993) - Weird twangy stuff going on in the intro, rest of mix is easier on the ears. 8

   12. Personal Jesus - The Stargate Mix (2011) - This track is the first single from the album. Has a good beat, catchy. Meets expecations, good update to a 21 year old song. Also, only new remix on disc one. 9

   13. Slowblow - Darren Price Mix (1997) - Slow build, calm relaxing. A remix of an instrumental B-side track. Good track to end disc one. 8

Disc 2: Note that this disc is all 'older' remixes. Everything has been released in the past, usually on a single or DJ remixes. Average of 8 out of 10

   1. Wrong - Trentemøller Club Remix (2009) - Kinda repetitive, lots of layers to listen to. Once the vocals come in, it is good...actually, great. 9

   2. World In My Eyes - Dub In My Eyes (1990) - Classic remix. Sounds dated...in a good way. This one works on so many levels. 9

   3. Fragile Tension - Peter Bjorn and John Remix (2009) - Peter Bjorn and John opened for Depeche Mode during the US leg of their last tour. Anyways, this remix sounds like a 60's spy movie theme song. Love the xylophone-esque treatment. 8

   4. Strangelove - Tim Simenon/Mark Saunders Remix (1998) - Love the inspector gadget intro. Ten year anniversary remix of Strangelove. Great remix, this one is flawless. 10

   5. A Pain That I'm Used To - Jacques Lu Cont Remix (2005) - Love the beat on this one, great remix. 8

   6. The Darkest Star - Monolake Remix (2006) - Beat does not match the vocals or the feel of the song. Creepy spoken words. 5

   7. I Feel You - Helmet At The Helm Mix (1993) - Beat and vocals work well together on this one from 1993. 7

   8. Higher Love - Adrenaline Mix Edit (1994) - Always liked this mix of Higher Love. This was the first song they played on their Devotional Tour, my first concert. 9

   9. Fly On The Windscreen - Death Mix (1985) - Another classic mix. This mix can also be found on the US version of the album Black Celebration. May because I am used to it, but this is near perfect. 10

   10. Barrel Of A Gun - United Mix (1997) - I like the change in tempo from the original version, brings new flavour to the song. 8

   11. Only When I Lose Myself - Dan The Automator Mix (1998) - Not much different from original version, although a bit more upbeat. Very dated feel. 6

   12. Ghost - Le Weekend Remix (2009) - Over use of echo effects in the intro. Beat works well once it sets in. 7

Disc 3: All new remixes, including ones from ex-Depeche Mode members, Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder. Average of 6.58 out of 10

   1. Personal Jesus - Alex Metric Remix Edit (2011) - Fun beat in this one, nothing too crazy. Almost sounds like a live mix. 8

   2. Never Let Me Down Again - Eric Prydz Remix (2011) - Cluby sound. Very repetitive, yet soothing. 7

   3. Behind The Wheel - Vince Clarke Remix (2011) - Really like the techno beats on this, lots of layers to peel through. 6

   4. Leave In Silence - Claro Intelecto 'The Last Time' Remix (2011) - Nice intro, I like the slow remixes. This really stands out from the over produced 'typical' remixes that one tends to expect. 8

   5. In Chains - Alan Wilder Remix (2011) - Like the slow build of this remix, adding layers of sound as if painting a room with multiple coats of paint. A lot of work, at the end you have a beautiful finish. Also helps that this was remixed by Alan Wilder. 9

   6. When The Body Speaks - Karlsson And Winnberg Remix (2011) - Great remix of a ballad. Little much on the steel drums (or synth), but it gives the track a fantasy feeling. It works. 8

   7. Puppets - Röyksopp Remix (2011) - Sounds like an Erasure song...or a Nintendo game. It works well for this classic Depeche Mode song. 9

   8. Tora! Tora! Tora! - Karlsson And Winnberg (from Miike Snow) Remix (2011) - Uh, no. Distorted vocals beyond recognition. Beat and mix is all over the place, someone just went crazy with the synthesizer. 2

   9. Freestate - Clark Remix (2011) - I do not think this one works. Too many things going on here, mix has no identity. 3

   10. I Want It All - Roland M. Dill Remix (2011) - A lot of these remixes have ridiculous long intros, this is one of them. Once the vocals come in, everything falls apart, beat does not match the song well. But, it grows on you. 6

   11. A Question Of Time - Joebot Presents 'Radio Face' Remix (2011) - Again, beat is too fast for the song, it almost works. Everyone knows that remixing a track is all about a question of time-ing. 6

   12. Personal Jesus - Sie Medway-Smith Remix (2011) - Too much use of distortion on vocal parts. Other than that, everything works quite well. 7

So tallying up my scores, the entire 3-disc album scores a 7.351 out of 10. Not too bad, would rather have a one or two disc remix album with all new remixes. Instead, we get one full album of new stuff, and two albums of past remixes that (if like me) most DM fans would already have some where in their massive collection.

Remixes 2: 81-11

2011-06-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Depeche Mode's new remix album came out today (Monday in UK). I have listened to two of the three discs. As you know I am a total geek and ordered my copy from the UK. Fortunately, I know someone who works for the US distributor, and he gave me a copy. And, I play hockey with him. He got a good view of me crashing into the net. How awesome is that? Now I have have a sealed copy and one to listen to.

While listening to the album, I received my copy of the first single from the album, Personal Jesus 2011. The single was released on 30 May, in the UK. Obviously, I ordered my copy from the UK and it arrived yesterday, about a week later. So, I should be expecting my UK version of Remixes 2: 81-11.

I am going to listen to all of it a few times and perhaps write a brief review of the album. But do not count on it, you know how I am with posting new stuff.

Special thanks to #21 and girlvaughn.

Update: Just got the UK version. A week after the initial release.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - June 2011

2011-06-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like the rapture did not happen for these sinners either.

3 June 2011
   480-719-7437 AZ, USA These guys have called before. Apparently, a cruise scam. I wish it was Tom Cruise...I love Tom Cruise. Maybe in Mission: Impossible 5, Ethan Hunt can take down the telemarketers. I would go see that. I pretty much will see anything with Tom Cruise.

13 June 2011
   407-545-6413 FL, USA Wait, what happened to Martin, ND? They were so close to the record. Ah, but these guys have called before. This is their fourth time. Took a long break, with their last call in late March. Keep it up guys. You fucking suck big donkey balls.

15 June 2011
   404-891-5505 GA, USA First time caller, long time terrorists. I have received multiple calls from the 404 area code, all with 891 prefix.

17 June 2011
   323-334-5715 Los Angeles Oh, you mother fucker. This was a text spam that cost me twenty cents.

21 June 2011

517-937-2044 MI, USA I looked this number up on google, and found this:

Unfortunately while this number is a private cell phone, there is a company using this as their caller ID number when they call. I hold this number and have been getting people calling back to see why this number was on their caller ID. My cell phone provider cannot do anything so any help identifying the culprit would be greatly appreciated. If this company calls you and you have a name please post so that I can finally get this resolved. Any help out there would be appreciated. Thank you

So, they are hacking private numbers. Tell me, with a straight face...looking me in the eyes, and tell me...that this is NOT terrorism. These fuckers are terrorists.

22 June 2011

   775-400-9774 NV, USA Another twenty cents the terrorists owe me, this was via text. Apparently, I won a $100 gift certificate...all I have to do is call 855-257-4989 and redeem it with a code. How can this possibly be a scam? Screw the $100, you owe me twenty cents.

24 June 2011
   801-432-2126 UT, USA At least this was not a text. Regardless, fuck you!

29 June 2011
   917-739-5694 NY, USA These fuckhead have called twice before from this number. Actually left a message, same pre-recorded message as before. They did leave a number, just in case you want to consolidate some credit card thing. Whatever. Give them a call and if you want, 800-706-6208.

Knowing Your History on Twitter

2011-05-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a smart dude. He is the host of NOVA scienceNOW, on PBS. So, he is a really smart guy, check out his wikipedia page. Anyways, I follow him on twitter because I like to get some insight on science stuff. In theory, this makes me smarter...okay, seem smarter.

During the space shuttle launch, Neil tweeted facts and up to the minute reports on the shuttle. This morning he tweeted about President John F. Kennedy's statements on sending a man to the moon. Of course, I replied back...with my vast knowledge of history.


Go Flames Go!

"I believe the Flames committed themselves to win the cup for Lanny...went to Montreal and return to Calgary as the only team to win the Cup on Montreal ice." Not sure how he felt about me comparing a mission to land on the moon, to the Flames winning a Stanley Cup. I have done neither...and there is a chance that neither would ever happen again.

May the Force be with you, always

I would say that Star Wars was a pretty important space (film) project...and pretty impressive to mankind. Just look at the nerds out there. I think it is safe to say that most of the scientists and technology at NASA were influenced by Star Wars and Star Trek.

Lesson for the day, if you want smart tweets, follow Neil deGrasse Tyson...if you want smart ass tweets, follow me.

UPDATE: He is tweeting some great information while the shuttle is making its way back into orbit. With tweets like this:

Just an FYI: To land, Space Shuttle Endeavour must lose all the energy of motion that it gained during launch.

Shuttle takes 1/2 of Earth's circumference to drop 200 miles out of the sky. Slowing from 17,200mph orbit to 220mph landing

I told you this guy is smart.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - May 2011

2011-05-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Funny that I have not received a call from these terrorists since the report of the death of Osama Bin Laden. Clearly this is proof that telemarketers are somehow linked to terrorism.   I guess it took a while, two weeks, for them to get organized. Well, guess what America...the terrorists are back.

Yes! I am aware that there is a possibility that Homeland Security maybe tracking my blog. Good! They can use my list of numbers to trace these terrorist cells. My only hope is that the Navy SEALS can put an end to telemarketers.

16 May 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND You may recognize that number, they called twice last month. So, this is number three. Remember, the number of calls to beat is eight. Fun Fact: In the past month, there have been six searched for this number on google that lead here. See, I am doing my part to end terrorism.

17 May 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Closing in on eight, this is their fourth call.
   401-856-9077 Newport, RI I hope they did not change numbers or agencies. It would be tragic if Martin, ND did not break the record.

18 May 2011
   401-856-9077 Newport, RI Oh, no. I think Martin, ND has changed their number...oh, but wait.
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Call number five. I have hopes that they can break the record before the end of the month. Although, Newport, RI could be closing in. This could be an exciting race. Stay tuned.
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Number six. Looks like they are trying to break the record, TODAY.

19 May 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Number seven. One more and they tie the record.

First Game Back

2011-05-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Of course, first game back since my injury...and I get another cool scar. At least, I hope it is another scar. I ran into two people while playing. Picture below happened in the first when I collided with a player, his helmet hit my chin and I think his visor hit my collar bone.

Hockey injury...or shaving mishap

For a moment I thought there was serious injury to my collar bone. Good thing it was just a scratch. I did not realize until the third period that I was bleeding from the chin. My jaw kinda hurts, I think I got rocked pretty hard.

Old Locker From School

2011-05-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Around this time of year is graduation and senior show. I graduated ten years ago, and I try to go to the senior show...just to see how they compare to me a decade ago. It is always interesting to see what the students can do when they are not tainted by the corporate world, still fresh and hungry to design.

One thing I always want to see is my old locker. I spent a lot of time at school, in the same room for three years. I had two lockers. The first was number 101...Depeche Mode, duh. Had that during sophomore year. But the second one, the one I wanted was number 99. This was my locker for junior and senior year.

Label still there, after 12 years.

What surprises me as I revisit the school no and then is, the label I put on my locker is still there. Right above the 99 is GRETZKY. Funny, I put it there in 1999...also, the year Gretzky retired from hockey. I remember watching his last game in the studio down the hall. Like I said, I spent a lot of time at school.

So, after twelve years, it is still there. I decided to take a picture of if before it comes off. You can see the upper right corner beginning to peel. This was also a great opportunity to take my weekly scar picture.

Through the years, I have left many marks at the school. I even did two Fine Art installation pieces. One was called "Sandwich". I hung a sandwich outside the window. There it stayed until it rotted...or was eaten by birds. I have a picture of it somewhere, will have to find it and show you.

Another I simply called "Pear". Inspired by "Sandwich", I hung a pear outside the window on a long string. We were on the fifth floor, I hung it straight down till it dangled between two windows. There were people on the third floor that would see it occasionally. Why occasionally? The wind would blow and it would just swing side to side, against the building. The pear would rub against the rough outer walls of the building and it left a nice arc of pear residue. Awesome! After a while there was only the string, but the arc of pear residue lasted for months.

Yeah, quite proud of those. Unfortunately, I did not have a camera back then, no mobile phone, either. There are no pictures, that I know of, of "Pear". Speaking of tech stuff, it seemed that every student at the show had either an iPad or laptop computer. Where do kids these days get that kind of money? Meanwhile, I used one x-acto blade per semester. I would sharpen my blade on sandpaper when it got dull. I also built my senior thesis model from bits and pieces of plastic that people threw away.

I Peed It Out

2011-05-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

This way more information that you need. Feel free to not read this post.

I went pee-pee this afternoon and the kidney stone came out. There was obvious blood in my urine...like a light raspberry iced tea, instead of regular iced tea. I did not feel it come out, but using the strainer, there were obvious foreign objects in my urine. I guess passing it is the painful part, peeing it out is not that bad. Not that I want to go through that again. In the strainer was blood clots and the stone itself. Why do they call it a stone? It was more like a grain of said, no bigger than this: o. But, you can totally see that it was a hard little pebble. Looks like a medium size grain of sand.

Yeah, I kept it in case the doctors want to analyse it. My 'flank' still hurts, as does my back. Hopefully, that was the end of it. Amazing that such a small piece of mineral deposit caused that much pain.

CT Scan Results

2011-05-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Stargate or asshole?

I got my results from the CT (Computed Tomography) scans.

CT abdomen CT pelvis without contrast performed on 5/5/2011

Reason for exam:

Flank pain.

Technique:

Multiple axial images were taken through the abdomen and pelvis without contrast.

Findings:

The study is remarkable for mild to moderate right-sided hydroureteronephrosis. I do not identify a stone on the exam. The findings could be due to a nonradiopaque stone, recently passed stone, blood clot, or stricture. If the patient's symptomatology persists a CT urogram should be performed for further evaluation. Findings and further workup were discussed with [name of doctor] at approximately 10:30 a.m. on 5/5/2011. The appendix is unremarkable.

The liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands are normal. There is no evidence of left-sided hydronephrosis or nephrolithiasis.

Images through the pelvis are unremarkable.

Impression:

Mild to moderate right-sided hydroureteronephrosis. A stone is not identified. The findings could be due to a recently passed stone, non radiopaque stone, hematoma, or stricture. If the patient's symptomatology persists a CT urogram should be obtained.

Normal appearing appendix.

I would post images of the scan, but apparently, they are 'unremarkable'.

Kidney Stone?

2011-05-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning, at around 4:30AM, in pain. At first, I thought it was stomach problems...like diarrhea, but epicenter was not in the usual spot. I figured, hoped, it would go away after I sat on the toilet for a while. While I successfully extruded, the pain did not go away. I even tried to throw up, thinking that would help. I was only able to dry heave with some stomach fluids coming up, nothing chunky. There was nothing I could do. I rolled around on the floor, trying to find a comfortable position to lay or sit in . No deal.

I just wanted to get back to sleep, but the pain, while not excruciating, was enough to keep my from falling asleep. When the wife woke up, she suggested that we go see a doctor. Being the cheap ass that I am, I was willing to wait it out a bit. She tried looking up symptoms on line and narrowed it down to gall stone, kidney stone, pancreas, or appendix. I was thinking, why not throw in stomach cancer. All things neither of us have ever experienced. This is what you get when you have designers trying to diagnose symptoms. Not smart enough for medical school? If you can draw pretty pictures, go to art school.

The pain had radiated to my back. The nurse at the hospital used the word 'radiated'. Did you think an art school education would produce that word? Now, I had pain in my abdomen and lower back (basically, on the other side), awesome!

After a few hours, she convinced me to go to ER. Awesome, another trip to the hospital. More crazy medical bills, yay! And, more stress on the part of my wife, while I lay there with pain killers. So, off to Little Company of Mary Hospital. We go there around 7:45-ish, I had no clue what the time was. This was a really nice hospital, way better than the one I went to when I broke my wrist. I guess being a Catholic hospital has its advantages. I wondered if they would reject me if I was not Catholic...or if you have to be Catholic to work there. Anyways, nice hospital. It helped that we happened to be there when there was no one there. There was no waiting. As soon as I walked in, they took my vitals and tried to figure out what was wrong with me.

We were lead to a room, where I stripped down and got to wear a sexy hospital gown. They needed a urine sample, so I got to pee in a cup. Easy for guys, must be a slight challenge for girls to do. I was only able to provide a little sample.

Back in the room, I was hooked up to monitors, usual stuff. I was also given the all important pain killer. Within a few minutes, the pain had gone away. Oh, the nurse, Megan, also took some blood and hooked my up the the IV. The doctor came in and looked over me. Still, had no idea what the problem was. He said it could have been kidney stone, gall stone, or appendix. Hey, the internet works...who needs med school? Samples of urine and blood were taken to be examined to better diagnose my situation. In addition, I would there would be a CT scan.

Sweet, new toy. I have never been scanned by CT, I was kinda excited to have this done. It is a big donut thing with a bed. Sorta like Stargate...or an asshole. The patient (me) lies on the bed, while the bed moves in and out of the hole. Yeah, kinda sexual. Inside the donut is a spinning magnet, I guess all sorts of tech stuff goes on...like I said, just like Stargate. During the scanning process, I was asked to hold my breath. I wish I got to see the photos.

Now the waiting game while the scans were being reviewed and my bodily fluids were being analysed. There was a TV in the room, so I got to watch some pretty bad weekday morning stuff. Good thing the pain medication was working and I was able to nap a little.

A few hours later, they came back with my report. Everything looked normal, they did not find any stones in my kidney. I must have passed it and it is somewhere along the way to the bladder. So, a little piece of calcium caused all that pain, lame! I guess the good news is, it was nothing major. No need for surgery...although I would love to have a titanium kidney. How awesome would that be? The doctor prescribed me some pain killers, vicodin, in case I experience more pain. Which is expected until I pee out the stone. He also prescribed Flomax, it helps one pee...a lot. I am sure you have seen the commercials. Normally, Flomax is prescribed to older people to help them pee.

You might be wondering, how do I know when I pee out the stone? The nurse gave me a few strainers for me to pee in. Pee runs through, rock stays. Peeing for the next few days is going to be fun. Before I was discharged the pain started to come back. I was given another shot of the good stuff through the IV. I love the cooling feeling of liquid flowing through my vein. Imagine a hot day and someone takes an alcohol swab and traces your vein. Now, imagine that on the inside of your vein. Believe me, it is cool and refreshing. It also makes you feel light headed...and that was pretty damn awesome! Oh, and on the plus side, it also makes the pain go away.

We left the hospital around noon. Time for food, I did not have breakfast...just in case I need surgery, and that whole stomach aching thing was not helping.

Yup, the Flowmax is working, I have to pee now. That ends this adventure to the hospital...until next time.

EDIT: I got a comment via email:

I’m trying to comment on your blog, but damn firewalls won’t let me know log in.
Here’s my comment.
I had a kidney stone once! I drink very little water (I know I know) and I was taking some drug that caused them, so you needed to drink even more water. Which I didn't.
Hope you feel better soon.
Pee on, my friend.

Only peed once since I got back. Oh, I should mention that they found blood in my urine sample. This is a result from a stone rubbing against some of the plumbing causing it to bleed. Hence, blood in urine. Or, they mixed my blood sample with my urine sample. Good thing they did not find urine in my blood sample.

Major Service and Tune

2011-04-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

I took the DeLorean to Garden Grove two weeks ago to have the brakes and fuel consumption looked at after I (ok, Brendon) lowered the front. Along with an alignment and getting it smogged, it was time for a major service and tune. It just passed the 30,000 mile mark, so it is time to have things looked at. So, here is the list of things that was done:

-Change oil, filter, and lube front end fittings
-Change transmission oil and filter if needed
-Lube speedometer angle drive unit
-Re-torque main body bolts
-Check tires & pressure and spare tire pressure
-Replace Lambda sensor and reset light
-Replace spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor and wires
-Adjust valves and replace gaskets
-Lube door key cylinder and hinges
-Flush cooling system and check hoses, radiator, and pump
-Reset timing and fuel mixture
-Replace drive belts
-Check lights, horns, wipers, and windshield
-Check brake fluid
-Check clutch fluid
-Check battery and charging system
-Check brake pads

Check for DeLorean Updates:
-Front end recall kit
-Relay update
-Ball joint update
-De-ice Kit
-Engine cooling pipe

All that, along with replacing the master cylinder came out to $1663. Not too bad, I was expecting a little more. I drove it home and it felt great. Everything just seemed a little better. I can tell right away that the brakes were working properly. I had been driving around for a year with crappy brakes. Seems like the fuel consumption is better. Only had about a quarter tank when I dropped it off. Usually at that mark, I need to refuel. Made it all the way home and the fuel warning light only came on when I was at an incline. Will get gas in the morning the next time I take it out.

Oh, and i finally get to renew my registration. So, I almost spent $2000, today.

Urban Dictionary

2011-04-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Because of my previous post, I think there is an opportunity to have an entry in Urban Dictionary. This is my submission for the term "Click Loophole".

Definition:

Based on the movie Click. The event occurs when one is willing to believe that there is exsist a remote control that can be used to manipulate real life as one would with a television or playback device (This includes stopping/pausing time, fast forward, rewind, etc.), yet unwilling to believe that Adam Sandler can get with Kate Beackinsale.
While one detail is quite possible (Sandler with Beckinsale) and the other pretty much impossible (magical remote control), one is willing to believe the latter.

Example:

In Tron: Legacy, the "Click Loophole" moment is when there is a roasted pig at the dinner table. Everything up until that point makes total sense, including Flynn being trapped in the grid for over twenty years.

Waiting to see if it gets in.

My Compliants On Tron: Legacy

2011-04-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Helps to have a hot chick in your marketing campaign

I think I am going to start a series of movie reviews...it maybe a series of one. There will be spoilers, but if I have seen a movie...pretty muck everyone in the world has seen it. First up is Tron: Legacy. Disney pumped a lot of money into the marketing of this movie. They created a huge hype that started at Comic-Con 18 months before the release. In a marketing standpoint, Disney did a text book job. Of course, it helps that Disney has money to do this kind of thing.

As a movie, this is about as good as the first one. The film makers created a word for the audience to get lost in. The special effects, costumes, sets...all the visual stuff was stunning, just like the 1982 release of the original. Bottom line, this movie just looks cool.

Screen cap from movie, or video game?

But...it has its flaws. Clu, looks computer generated. Yeah, I know he is suppose to be a program. If everyone else in the system looked like him, then that would be fine. He just looks like really good video game graphics...great for PS3, not so good for a movie where most characters are human. This is why the Navi in Avatar look great., they all look the same. Granted their CG is way better than Clu.

Psst, he has a Ducati

Product placement is way too obvious. There is a Ducati featured in the movie. They constantly show the logo on the gas tank during the bike scenes. While in his man-cave, Sam parks his bike behind the couch. So, when he sits on said couch...we see the Ducati logo behind his head. Oh, he also has Ducati stickers on his fridge. You must think, "gee how many times did you see this movie?" Just once, and that was how distracting it was. Sam and Kevin also exchange a product placement conversation about the Ducati. Spoiler alert: Our hero Sam rides the bike...a Ducati, by the way...off into the sunrise (instead of sunset) at the end of the film.

Cool refresh of original light cycle

Speaking of bikes, the light cycle scene was really cool. It totally ~~copied~~ paid homage to the original. That car Quorra drives is awesome, makes me want to install EL panels in my car. Hey, maybe I should do that. I will keep you posted. Anyways, they show Flynn's light cycle (again, really cool looking) and Quorra states that it is the "fastest thing on the grid". With a line like that, you would think that we are going to see a kick-ass chase seen involving Flynn's light cycle. No, Sam just 'borrows' it and rides into town...barely breaking the speed limit.

They have books in the grid...and roasted pig

How does a human, uh "user", stay alive in the grid? I am willing to believe that there is some sort of electron ray gun that can zap you into the grid. But how does he survive for twenty years in there? And, that is twenty years our time...it is way longer in the grid. The scene at the dinner table answers the question of how/what he eats to stay alive. But, there is a roasted pig on the table. A ROASTED PIG!!! Where did that pig come from? Wait, so among all the cool video games that Flynn created...he also created Farmville? This is what I call "The Click Loophole", based on the movie click. I am willing to believe that there is a remote control that can allow one to stop time, even travel through time...but no way can I believe that Adam Sandler can get together with Kate Beckinsale, no way. I wonder if Flynn's toilet glows.

Talk about suspension of disbelief

Tron: Legacy was nominated for one Academy Award, Best Achievement in Sound Editing. Rightfully, it did not win. It should not even have been nominated. The sound editing in this film was one of the worst I have heard. Hold on, tangent rant:

Daft Punk totally jacked rifts from this single

As much as I dislike Daft Punk, I think the soundtrack was amazing. Why do I hate them, you ask. Just listen to Daft Punk's Around the World. Tell me it does not sound like Depeche Mode's Never Let Me Down Again. Total rip off if you ask me, or anyone with at least one working ear. Not sure about their newer stuff, but when Daft Punk first came on the scene, a lot of their stuff sounded like Depeche Mode, yet they were praised for having a new sound. Yeah, new as in every DM remix on a loop. By the way, Depeche Mode: Remixes 2 is out 6 June. Now, back to my movie rant.

I did not see this in the theaters. I watched it on the next best thing, Blu-Ray. So, the sound should be pretty damn close to what I would have experience in the theater. I found myself constantly adjusting the volume just to not blow my speakers/ears out with music and action scenes versus the dialogue scenes. What tells a story? Right, the narrative. Which means dialogue is very important, especially when you create a world with your own rules. You as a filmmaker, you need to inform the audience through dialogue, narration, visual ques, etc., as to what is going on. Well, that is hard when the music and action scenes are loud as fuck and the dialogue is inaudible. Heck, I had to turn on the subtitles just so I can read the dialogue that the sound editors should have cranked up to better match the rest of the movie.

Four disc set. The 3D means 3 discs that are useless

A quick review of the Blu-Ray set. It comes with four discs...but really one disc that you will actually use. Again, great Disney marketing at work. "Oh, I get four discs? Wow, that is a lot of content! Tron viewing party at my place". Wrong, you get one average Blu-Ray disc, with minimal content.

Disc 1 - Blu-Ray 3D: Unless you have a 3D TV and a 3D Blu-Ray player, this disc is useless
Disc 2 - Blu-Ray: This is the only useful disc in the set. Standard movie and minimal special features. I was hoping to see more behind the scenes content on production design. Also, no director commentary.
Disc 3 - DVD: Manufactures have been including a DVD with their Blu-Ray releases. The main reason is to have the Blu-Ray at home and the DVD in the portable player on the go for kids. Good marketing, but pretty much a waste of plastic. I would rather have more special features.
Disc 4 - Digital Copy: Again, great marketing but a waste of plastic and money better spent on more behind the scenes content. Anyone can with a computer can rip a DVD or Blu-Ray to a digital copy. That same computer can 'acquire' a digital copy...even before the movie comes out.

If you can tolerate the "Academy Award Nominated Sound Editing", I recommend checking out Tron: Legacy. The visuals alone are worth watching.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - April 2011

2011-04-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Who grows up wanting to be a telemarketer? Where does one go to school, or what would one major in to start a path to annoy people via telephone? Your parents must be so proud of you.

4 April 2011
   478-442-4002 GA, USA This was another text message that cost me twenty cents. There is a number to call, so feel free crank call them...or report them to Homeland Security as a possible terrorist threat to the United States. 877-225-2304

6 April 2011
   425-587-1005 Kirkland, WA Something about credit cards. Hmm, Kirkland...I wonder if that is where they may all the Costco stuff.

7 April 2011
   203-242-6898 Huntington, CT Another text message, another twenty cents the terrorists owe me. Seriously, why invade other countries when there are terrorist cells right here in our backyard. Not only am I paying more at the pump, I have to pay each time these terrorists text me.

14 April 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Wow, a full week without a call. I was just thinking to myself, "hey, it has been a while since I have been harassed by terrorists".

15 April 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Yep, again. I want to see how many times they call from this number. The record is eight from a number...until I answered it.

21 April 2011
   269-537-2029 Niles, MI Darn, missed call.

26 April 2011
480-719-7434 AZ, USA Missed this call, too.

Chicks Dig Scars

2011-04-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Six months after surgery

After six months, I think this is as good as the scar is going to heal. It is hard to believe that six months ago I was in the most pain I have ever been. Hopefully, the last time I feel that kind of pain. Although, if it means getting some more titanium screwed to me...it might be worth it. Oh, and losing the 15 pounds was kinda cool. I should be starting hockey next month, gonna try to make it through the season without getting injured.

Six Months Since the Accident

2011-04-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Six months later, with Snoopy blanket

I lost count of how many weeks, but it has been six months. You would think it is six times four...24 weeks. But really...hold on, I need to do some math. Okay, I am back. It is actually 26 weeks, makes sense, since there is 52 weeks in a year. That is 182 days since my injury on 6 October 2010.

I have taken a picture every week since my injury and uploaded them HERE.

Hockey season starts up in about a month. I have skated a few times and the wrist is feeling good. Actually, I was amazed that I still have a decent wrist shot and slap shot...not that they were any god before the accident. Cannot wait to play again.

Lowering Front of DeLorean

2011-04-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning and early afternoon at a buddy's house to work on the DeLorean. About a year ago, I purchased a set of lowering springs from DeLorean Cars. I also got a front sway bar bushing kit from DeLorean Parts Northwest a few months ago...and a set of lower control arm support brackets from DeLorean Car Show. Yeah, that is about $635 worth of stuff just sitting around waiting to be installed. Now that the weather is finally cooperating with me, I think it is about time that I had them installed.


Measurement before: 25.25 inches from ground to wheel well lip

At stock height, the front of the car was actually sitting about a quarter inch higher in the front (when measured at the rocker using a level). We measured the gap before everything, and there was about a 3.5 inch gap between the tire and lip of the wheel well.

Jacking up the front end. Kinda looks like it is flying.

First thing to do is jack up the front end and remove the wheels. This was really exciting for me because, I finally got to use the jack and jack stands I got about six months ago. It is also kinda neat to see the underside of the car. Next, we removed the front sway bar and set it aside. We will get to that later.

The right side was worked on first. We removed the upper control arm...and when I say 'we', I really mean Brendon. He did most of the work, since he knows cars...I mean he KNOWS cars. He is currently restoring a Pontiac Firebird. That thing is in pieces right now, it looks like a model kit or some kind of car from Ikea. Me, I just helped hold things and loosen/tighten things...oh, and I handled the jack. In the process, I did learn a lot about the front end. So anyways, we (Brendon) removed the upper control arm so we (actually we this time) could fit the spring compressors in to, well, compress the springs.

Spring compressor on one side of spring

With the spring compressors on either side of the spring, we tightened the bolt to squeeze the spring. Once we got it 'short' enough, we could remove the spring. We also removed the shock which would be reinstalled later. I did not get new shocks, yet. Perhaps next time.

Lower control arm support bracket

The lower control arm support brackets go on next. This bracket will help with handling while strengthening the lower control arm. Side note: See that wire just dangling over the frame, just left of the bracket? There was a wire dangling in the front, too. Turns out it is the same wire. There was bout three feet of extra wire, just beautifully draped around the frame. Brendon was curious as to what it was and where it went. So he followed one end and found that it was a ground. Since there was excess length, he was going to cut it and remount it to the ground. Well, he removed one end from the ground, I pulled on the wire to see where to cut it...and turns out, the wire was connected to...NOTHING! Yeah, the whole wire just came out. One end was connected to the frame for ground, then other end connected to nothing, just hanging out there for...who knows...thirty years?

New lowering spring (left) and stock spring (right)

The new spring was compressed and put in. Notice the difference in length in the two springs. The shock put back in, the nuts and bolts are tightened to correct torque settings as listed in the workshop manual and instructions of the bracket kit.

New spring and bracket installed

One side done, one to go. Basically, the same process goes on the other side. Should be easier, now that we conquered one side and know where the problem areas are...like I said, 'should be easier. There was some minor issues but we (Brendon) worked around it, and it all went pretty smooth.

Front sway bar

Both sides done, time to reinstall the front sway bar. This one was tough. The bushing set included four polyurethane 'donuts' that need to be pressed into the lower control arm (two each arm) and two D-shaped polyurethane bushings that are held in the front with brackets. Getting the donuts in was quire a task. They were slightly larger than the hole it was suppose to fit in. We had to use a C-clamp to ghetto press the donuts in. Hey, what ever works.

These bracket were a bitch to get on

With the donuts in, we loosely installed the sway bar. Now, actually the toughest part of the process, getting the front end of the sway bar to line up and bolt in the front brackets. This took a lot of muscle and clever thinking, mostly on the part of Brendon. You can see in the above picture that Brendon is using all his might to push up on the sway bar and tighten the final nut...while I was using my finger to easily snap that photo.

Measurement after: 23.5 inches, a drop of 1.75 inches

Front sway bar is in, everything in is torqued up, and the tires go back on. I got to play with the torque wrench and put the wheels back on, yay me. The moment of truth, time to lower the car back down. The front end is considerably lower, even with only a 1.75 inch drop. The car looks faster and meaner just sitting there.

We took it for a test drive around the area. There was a noticeable difference in handling, everything felt tighter and more responsive. I also noticed that I could see better out the windshield since I am now at a better angle to the glass. Then Brendon took the wheel, he is the first person to drive it (other than myself), since I got the car over a year ago. He did some swerving to test the handling, everything is a-okay.

After about four hours, we finished the job. Special thanks to Brendon for doing most of the work and letting me use his workshop and tools to do all this. I really could not have done this without him. Like I said, Brendon knows cars. He is also a fellow Hot Wheels Designer. I got to work on most of the cars that he designed, now he got to work on my real car. Saved me a lot of money by not doing this 'simple' update in a shop. Thanks again, Brendon.

Next up: Taking the car to DMC-California for a tune up. It needs work on the brakes, perhaps transmission. Will also need an alignment and smog check, so I will see if they can do all that and what ever else it needs. Oh, more money to spend.

Depeche Mode - Remixes 2: 81-11

2011-03-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

New Depeche Mode album will be released on 6 June 2011. Yeah, D-Day...or should I say DM-Day. This news comes to us on the 18th anniversary of Song of Faith and Devotion release (in North America). Here is the track listing for the 3-Disc version:

Disc 1:
1. Dream On - Bushwacka Tough Guy Mix (2001)
2. Suffer Well - M83 Remix (2006)
3. John The Revelator - UNKLE Reconstruction (2006)
4. In Chains - Tigerskin's No Sleep Remix (2009)
5. Peace - SixToes Remix (2009)
6. Lilian - Chab Vocal Remix Edit (2006)
7. Never Let Me Down Again - Digitalism Remix (2006)
8. Corrupt - Efdemin Remix (2009)
9. Everything Counts - Oliver Huntemann And Stephan Bodzin Dub (2006)
10. Happiest Girl - The Pulsating Orbital Vocal Mix (1990)
11. Walking In My Shoes - Anandamidic Mix (1993)
12. Personal Jesus - The Stargate Mix (2011)
13. Slowblow - Darren Price Mix (1997)

Disc 2:
1. Wrong - Trentemøller Club Remix (2009)
2. World In My Eyes - Dub In My Eyes (1990)
3. Fragile Tension - Peter Bjorn and John Remix (2009)
4. Strangelove - Tim Simenon/Mark Saunders Remix (1998)
5. A Pain That I'm Used To - Jacques Lu Cont Remix (2005)
6. The Darkest Star - Monolake Remix (2006)
7. I Feel You - Helmet At The Helm Mix (1993)
8. Higher Love - Adrenaline Mix Edit (2004)
9. Fly On The Windscreen - Death Mix (1985)
10. Barrel Of A Gun - United Mix (1997)
11. Only When I Lose Myself - Dan The Automator Mix (1998)
12. Ghost - Le Weekend Remix (2009)

Disc 3:
1. Personal Jesus - Alex Metric Remix Edit (2011)
2. Never Let Me Down Again - Eric Prydz Remix (2011)
3. Behind The Wheel - Vince Clarke Remix (2011)
4. Leave In Silence - Claro Intelecto 'The Last Time' Remix (2011)
5. In Chains - Alan Wilder Remix (2011)
6. When The Body Speaks - Karlsson And Winnberg Remix (2011)
7. Puppets - Röyksopp Remix (2011)
8. Tora! Tora! Tora! - Karlsson And Winnberg (from Miike Snow) Remix (2011)
9. Freestate - Clark Remix (2011)
10. I Want It All - Roland M. Dill Remix (2011)
11. A Question Of Time - Joebot Presents 'Radio Face' Remix (2011)
12. Personal Jesus - Sie Medway-Smith Remix (2011)

Remixes 2: 81-11 will be available in two different CD formats; Single and Triple Disc versions, as well as Downloads and as a 6 x 12" vinyl LP box set. But why would you get just the one disc version? I am totally going to get the three disc version...and it will be the UK version (as usual). Heck, there is an Alan Wilder remix.

Edit: Pre-order has been placed.

Set Phasers to Stun...and Clocks Forward

2011-03-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Why are we still doing this? I have not worn a watch since October. No, wait. I did wear one on my right wrist while on vacation. You kinda need to be on time when planes, buses, and boats leave. Why have I not worn a watch, you ask? Well, there was that little incident that made it a little difficult to put on a watch. The bracelet style bands were set to normal human wrist sizes and the buckle style bands barely fit around my swollen wrist. Yeah, that is how big my wrist got, the left (injured) wrist still looks a little bigger than the right.

Ah, but you say the bone has been healed for a few weeks now, everything should be good to go. Yes, the bone is healed and the wrist is back to normal human size. But one day, I went to put on my favourite watch...also titanium...and I noticed that since I have not worn it in so long, it was still on Daylight Savings Time.

Am I that lazy to not wear a watch, because I am too lazy to set my watches to the right time, knowing that in a month or two I would have to set them all back (or forward in this case), and rather wait until today to start wearing watches again? Yes, I am that lazy. Also, a watch might get in the way of wrist exercises I do. Another reason, it hides the cool scar I have.

Now that we have to set our clocks and watches, again. I guess I can start wearing them.

Titanium is 22 on the Periodic Table of Elements

2011-03-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Twenty two weeks of having titanium screwed into my bone. Pretty awesome!

It says Titanium, but looks like wood to me.

Last night I got a comment on here...yeah, someone else actually reads this. How she found this place, I have no idea. Anyways health food soul recently had surgery to repair a broken wrist. Same wrist and pretty much the same break and hardware was installed. She has one more screw at the top of her implant...but I have a slightly larger plate. I think we have about the same amount of titanium in mounted to our left radius. I have a new Titianium Friend!

She broke her wrist whilst snowboarding, I did it while playing roller hockey. Funny, her sports injury is based on the streets and brought to the cold...while my sports injury is based in the cold and brought to the streets. You can read her 'how it happened' right HERE. She also has a great blog about Bone Food. Wish I knew some of that stuff about twenty weeks ago.

Oh, you can see her post about her surgery and cool hardware HERE. She has great X-rays of her hardware. I wonder if she just has a great camera, or she actually has the physical X-rays. Maybe I should ask the doctor for copies of mine. They are $15 a copy, so I just took pictures.

HealthFoodSoul, if you are reading this, I wish you a speedy recovery. I will be checking for updates on your blog...I want to see some scar pictures.

If you want to experience my surgery, you can start here.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - March 2011

2011-03-02T14:32:00.001-08:00

This is getting ridiculous. But, it is good material for this blog. I am changing the format a bit to make it easier for me...not like you read it anyways.

2 March 2011
   512-97 Another text. There was a number to call, so I fucking called. 888-454-3944  Feel free to call these people and harass them. After all...they drew first blood, not me. Yeah, that was from First Blood.

7 March 2011
   978-570-2446 MA, USA "Ben" wanted to sell me a home security system. I told him I rented, in a shitty Asian accent, he hung up.

12 March 2011
   876-898-7858 Jamaica    Really, Jamaica? How could this possibly be a scam?
   512-97 Text Oh, another number to for everyone to call 866-499-0928, should I do it? Did some research, apparently you can email them here support@l1sms.com Time to fill their inbox.

17 March 2011
   917-793-5694 NY, USA Kathy at some loan consolidation wants me to call her...I mean a recording of someone named Kathy want me to call her at 800-706-6208. You know, since I have been pre-approved and all.

18 March 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND

23 March 2011
   701-625-5444 Martin, ND Yeah, same number as above. Trying to sell home security system. Wants home owners to help test out their system.

26 March 2011
   818-501-8574 Los Angeles Area Could be a wrong number, did not leave a message. That means it was a ~~terrorist~~ telemarketer.

28 March 2011
   407-545-6413 FL, USA

31 March 2011
   843-743-6848 Charleston, SC
   602-910-5194 Phoenix, AZ Just could not wait until April to call again. Well, fuck you!

Dreaming of Me - 30th Anniversary

2011-02-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Depeche Mode's first single was released thirty years ago today, on 20 February 1981.

Dreaming of Me - 20 February 1981

There is no official video, but I stole this one off of YouTube so you can have a listen.

Titanium Update

2011-02-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

Went to the doctor for my final check up. Once again, I headed to the x-ray room and took another set of x-rays. I think they have a total of three rooms for x-rays...I have been in all three.

Final X-ray - Three-quarter View

The doctor said the bone has completely healed and gave me the go ahead to do whatever I wanted. There is a little chip of bone floating at the top of the ulna, but that is no concern. It will just stay there, just hanging out...like a satellite.


Final X-ray - Front View

While my movement is about 90%, my strength needs a little more work. I skated and shot the puck around a few weeks back and it felt great. Other than the first two wrist shots I took, everything felt strong, even slap shots. Cycling, however, will take some time. All the weight, and stress (vibrations of the road) on the wrist is too much for now. I tried to ride last week, but had to turn off early due to pain. Doctor says it will be a few months before I can fully ride a bike. But, I am cleared to play hockey!

Final X-Ray - Side View

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - February 2011

2011-02-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Well, another month. When the opportunity arrives, I try to talk to them and give them shit. Heck, I have plenty of roll-over minutes and I like pissing people off.

28 February 2011
   949-637-2302 Orange County, CA (via text message...at 5:51 AM)

26 February 2011
   949-637-2425 Orange County, CA (via text message...at 5:30AM)

25 February 2011
   214-506-1102 TX, USA (one number off from yesterday. I would expect to get a call from 1103, tomorrow)

24 February 2011
   214-506-1101 TX, USA

17 February 2011
   602-396-4332 Phoenix, AZ

16 February 2011
   917-793-5694 NY,USA

3 February 2011
   602-396-4332 Phoenix, AZ

I Am Featured In Another Magazine

2011-01-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

I stopped by DeLorean Motor Company in Garden Grove, today. Picked up the latest issue of DeLoreans Magazine. There is a six page spread on the Hot Wheels DeLorean, technically written by me. The article talks about how I made the DeLorean and brought it into the line. If you were one of the few that read the post I wrote about the Hot Wheels DeLorean, about a year ago, that was pretty much the article. I took that post down when DMC wanted to use it for their magazine. Now, it is out.

If you want, you can get a copy of the magazine from your local DeLorean Motor Company or at delorean.com. I have a copy, too, if you just want to check it out.

DeLoreans Magazine Volume 5, Number 2.

Random Thoughts IV

2011-01-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

It is half way into the month, I guess I should write something.

----------
I have begun working out again. Getting ready for the hockey season in a few months. You really notice a difference in fitness when you do not work out for a few months. Two weeks into the program, I am starting to gain back the15 pounds I lost during my recovery. I should be ready for hockey, soon...just need to get used to skating. The goal is not to break any bones this season.

For those of you interested, I am doing Insanity for now, and maybe throw in a little P90X later when I get more strength in my wrist. I also plan on some bike rides, at least a few rides to and from work, maybe a century.

----------
Flames are doing better than earlier in the season. Mathematically, they are within reach of a playoff spot, but I am not holding my breath. Excited for the Heritage Classic in February. It will be interesting and scary to see who the Flames will trade before the deadline. This will depend on their playoff chances.

---------
There are plans to update the suspension on the DeLorean this year. This will hopefully include: New springs and shocks - for lowering the car and better handling. New polyurethane bushings - for better handling. Updated brakes - current brakes do not feel right. And, a look at the fuel system - try to get better gas mileage. I am currently acquiring the parts necessary to do this, it make take time as I am trying to space the spending of money on the parts. Actual 'updating' may not happen until the middle or end of the year, maybe next year. I have had the front lowering springs since last April, and they are still sitting in the box.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - January 2011

2011-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

I actually have a New Year's resolution. Like most resolutions, I will most likely not stick with it. Anyways, I plan on giving each telemarketer that calls me an ear full. This will of course include cursing, yelling, and belittling of the person on the other end. Anything to make me feel better about myself...and perhaps change someone's life in doing so. If I miss the call, I may call back, just to fulfill my goals. Or...I will just ignore this assholes. Either way, all calls will be reported here. Because I know how you love reading this series of posts.

31 January 2011
   800-632-5212 - selected "2" to opt out of service
   800-632-5212 - yeah, called five minutes apart. This time selected "1" to yell at someone. I fucking yelled at "John MacDonald", told him that calling twice in five minutes is bullshit and to take my number off their list. That little bitch said, "okay, we will remove your number from our list". Yeah, I will be holding my breath.

30 January 2011
   Blocked Number - no message, equals telemarketer.

26 January 2011
   949-637-3165 Orange County, CA (via text message)

21 January 2011
   407-545-6413 FL, USA

20 January 2011
   832-703-7064 TX, USA
   914-339-5611 NY, USA (Called 8 times before. Finally got to talk to one, one of my goals this year. Asked for "John", then proceeded to sell me a debt service. I called his bluff and he hung up. Safe to say that this is the last time I get a call from this number.)

18 January 2011
   914-339-5611 NY, USA

12 January 2011
   602-396-4345 Phoenix, AZ
   406-219-2304 Bozeman, MT

8 January 2011
   781-296-5272 Waltham, MA (via text, same text as others)

7 January 2011
   715-255-3810 Loyal , WI (via text, same text as others)

5 January 2011
   314-627-6955 MO, USA

4 January 2011
   404-891-6987 GA,USA

3 January 2011
   404-891-6950 GA,USA

Darryl Sutter Steps Down As Flames GM and Executive VP

2010-12-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

Face it, there has not been of the Flames that I could write about. Who wants to write about a team that is almost last in their division and conference? Well, something big happened today. Darryl Sutter was asked to step down by President and CEO Ken King. Replacing Sutter as GM will be Interim GM Jay Feaster.

Here is a great write up from hitthepost that sums up Sutter's reign in Calgary. Go here.

My favourite part is about letting Theoren Fleury play in the preseason. Perhaps Darryl can follow in Theo's footsteps and compete in next season's Battle of the Blades.

Hot Wheels Back to the Future Time Machine

2010-12-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

Image stolen from the Hot Wheels Facebook page.

Jacked these images from HotWheelsCollectors.com

Look for this in stores in February.

Titanium Plate

2010-12-23T23:21:00.000-08:00

I snapped a photo of the X-ray when I went to the doctor yesterday.

Mugshots of the titanium plate and screws

Yeah, I know. Pretty cool, huh?

Doctor says things are healing fine. Bone mending is a little better than expected. Damaged nerves are healing as expected. The good news, my range of motion is way better than expected. Especially, considering the damage I initially did to the area. So good in fact, he said that there is no need to report to physical therapy anymore. I have to say that my therapist really helped the progression of my recovery.
Strength conditioning can be done at home.

After looking at the X-rays and seeing the range of motion I regained, he said I could pretty much do anything right now and the wrist should be fine. More strenuous activities, like pull-ups, should not be attempted for about a month.

I tired driving the other day. There was pain when making sudden moves or trying to pull into a parking spot. This is a strength issue that will improve with time. Damn it, this means I have to wait a while before I can drive the DeLorean, again. I plan on starting my strength training at the beginning of the year. Some bike riding, Insanity and P90-X should get me ready for a return to hockey in June. Heck, I may fit in a century ride, just for fun.

DMC-California - 22 December 2009

2010-12-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

A year ago today, I went to the DeLorean Motor Company in Garden Grove, California to see this:

These are photos that were used in the sales ad from delorean.com.

Spam In Other Places

2010-12-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it is December...and there is holiday cheer. Well, let me bring you back down to earth. Like you, I get a lot of spam in my email, and like you I get a lot of calls from telemarketers. But there is spam in other places...see how I worked the title into the body of the post? Yeah, cleaver.

In the social network (another title) like Facebook, people have been changing their profile pictures to childhood cartoons...to stop child abuse. Imagine, you or your buddy Gilbert from college, can change your profile picture to any childhood cartoon, and child abuse stops. It just stops.

Uh, you do realize that this is a form of spam. Posting a picture or posting a message on your status does nothing but inform your network of friends that you are on a social network. Most of the time, no one really cares about your damn photo or status. This does nothing to stop child abuse or any good cause. Although, it may increase your penis size.

Hey, I love social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and the like. But seriously, unless you are someone like Tom Cruise (I love Tom Cruise), no one really cares.

By the way, while you were on your fancy computer looking for a cool picture of Turbo Teen to post...some kid, in a 'home' with no idea what the internet is, just got the shit beat out of him from his crackhead dad. I would argue that for every Google search result for cartoon pictures, somewhere (just in) the United States a child is being abused. Mission accomplished.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - December 2010

2010-12-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

So it begins, the December edition of this series. You people are fucking terrorists. I hope you fucking die a slow painful death. Actually, when you need help, I hope your phone does not work. In fact, you can only receive calls from telemarketers. That will be your last memory in life. FUCK YOU!

30 December 2010
   612-615-5898 MN, USA (via text message. You guess it same fucking text as previous ones. Another 20 cents you fucknuggets owe me.)

23 December 2010
   510-456-8581 CA, USA (via text message. Same message as yesterday...another 20 cents you owe me.)

22 December 2010
815-382-3294 IL, USA (via text message. You fuckers owe me 20 cents)

21 December 2010
   914-339-5611 NY, USA
   914-339-5611 NY, USA
   973-805-1141 NJ, USA
   914-339-5611 NY, USA (Yep, three times in one day, five times in two days)

20 December 2010
   914-339-5611 NY, USA (Yeah, had my phone turned off for a while on vacation. But these fuckers are right back on it. Actually, I am pretty sure they tried to call while my phone was off. What a bunch of assholes.)
   914-339-5611 NY, USA (Twice in one day)

9 December 2010
   404-891-6682 GA, USA

8 December 2010
   646-558-6569 NY, USA
   561-379-8526 NY, USA (via text message)

5 December 2010
   612-808-5589 MN, USA
   516-453-6736 NY, USA
   612-808-5589 MN, USA (Not a typo, called twice in one day...or eight times so far)
   918 442 0768 OK, USA

4 December 2010
   Blocked - What, too much of a pussy to show your real number?

3 December 2010
   612-808-5589 MN, USA
   786-358-6642 FL, USA

2 December 2010
   612-808-5589 MN, USA

The only good thing about this is it pretty much ensures that I post at least once a month. But still, FUCK YOU!

Eight Weeks After Being A Righty

2010-12-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it is been eight weeks since my awesome injury. Things are healing up, range of motion is getter better, nerves are slowly waking up. I have about four more sessions of physical therapy, then I am on my own. You can see pictures of my injury and healing process HERE.

Earlier today, I was thinking that since I was out during the medical procedures...I totally time traveled. It felt like I traveled through time...and space. Think about it. Okay, just humour me. There were gaps in time that I was unaware of, and I would reappear in another location. Events and things happened while I was gone. Sure, it was not a huge leap forward. But, if one of my surgeries took like a day, I would have "lost a day"...or traveled forward one day. Yeah, I totally time traveled. Pretty awesome.

-----

Oh, remember those shoes I wanted? Yeah, I got ~~a pair~~ two pairs of them. Did not get the cool box. The special gullwing box is a press kit and not available to the public. I learned that there were about 1500 pairs made 500 of those were either given to Nike people, DeLorean people, press, or just destroyed. One thousand pairs were available to the public on 26 November at various locations around the country. There were about 50-60 special gullwing boxes made.

When I get less lazy, I will do a photo shoot with the shoes and the car. And yes, I do plan on wearing them when I drive...because I am that much of a nerd.

Happy 70th Birthday

2010-11-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Bruce Lee - born 27 November 1940

Today would have been Bruce Lee's 70th birthday.

Nike 6.0 DeLorean Shoe

2010-11-22T18:50:00.000-08:00

I want these.

Limited to 1000 pairs.

Limited edition shoe to be released on 26 November. There will only be 1000 pairs available...which pretty much means I will not be getting a pair. Will retail for about $100...look for it on eBay for about $500. Meh, whatever. I think the shoe is good, but not great. The box, however, is a no-brainer.

Gullwing box. Limited edition of limited editions.

The gullwing box is limited to about 100 of the 1000 already limited run of shoes. Well, this will not be the first time I spend $500 dollars on a pair of shoes on eBay, that I will never wear. Maybe I will get lucky and find a pair.

Theoren Fleury and I Are Best Friends

2010-11-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well, at least on twitter...okay, not really. So what, he once totally ignored me when I was trying to get his autograph, he was in back of a moving car.

But today, today! This happened...no really, it did:

Not too nerdy, is it?

I know I am pretty awesome at Photoshop, but that is an actual screen shot of the "conversation" I had with Theoren Fleury. Yeah, I know it was only through twitter...baby steps. This was the first time I got a response from a celebrity. Unless you count Pat Steinberg, over a year ago. What? You know, Pat Steinberg from Fan 960.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - November 2010

2010-11-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

I realize that because of all these fucking assholes out there, this needs to be a monthly series.   Because of my situation, I get tired really fast. I have to take naps like a I am still in pre-school. So, getting calls in the middle of the day fucks up my nap time. Even if I did not have to take naps, it would interrupt my busy day at work. Heck, I get calls on the weekends, even Sundays. By the way, I did register for the "Do Not Call List" long ago...which I now see is a total fucking scam for these terrorists.

30 November 2010
   612-808-5589 MN, USA
   856-296-9638 NJ, USA

23 November 2010
   602-396-4344 Phoenix, AZ
   612-808-5589 MN, USA (if you Google this number, it leads you back here)

21 November 2010
   928-268-3060 Flagstaff, AZ

19 Nobember 2010
   646-588-5627 NY, USA

18 November 2010
   928-268-3060 Flagstaff, AZ
   612-808-5589 MN, USA
   949-466-7139 Orange County, CA (via text yeah, they fucking text, now)

16 November 2010
   404-891-6767 GA, USA

15 November 2010
    612-808-5589 MN, USA

14 November 2010

928-268-3060 Flagstaff, AZ

10 November 2010

928-268-3060 Flagstaff, AZ

9 November 2010

407-545-6413 FL, USA

314-627-6661 MO, USA

281-441-1952 Humble, TX

8 November 2010

469-201-7025 Dallas, TX

6 November 2010

928-268-3060 Flagstaff, AZ

4 November 2010

469-201-7025 Dallas, TX

469-201-7025 Dallas, TX (yeah, THREE TIMES in ONE DAY)

314-627-6737 MO, USA

3 November 2010

646-558-6611 NY, USA

1 November 2010

917-297-5533 NY, USA

Really? Flagstaff, Arizona...I would consider this stalking. I mean seriously, you are like a desperate thirteen year old girl. We are through, get over it. I never really liked you, I used you. There are plenty of other people registered on the do not call list waiting for you to harass them, call one of them.

Random Thoughs III - And Update On Recovery

2010-11-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

Went to the see Dr. Shin today, he said everything was fine. I had concerns because of pain in the palm of my hand...and not much pain in the wrist area, where all the action took place. Well, if the doctor says there is nothing to worry about, I am going with it. To quote a great movie, "you're the doc, Doc".

The best part is, he prescribed me more painkillers (morphine) and sleeping pills (ambien). Woo-hoo! And, I only need to go to physical therapy two times a week, instead of three...but for six more weeks. Even the physical therapist says my range of motion is coming back faster than expected. Oh, one of the exercises I do at home is stick handling with a ball. Never too early to start conditioning for the next season.

I am doing fine, and everything looks good. Feeling is slowly return back to my numby thumby and index finger. Tendons and nerves are healing and 'rebooting', that is sending signals as pain. So, the pain is a good thing, feeling pain is better than feeling nothing, as in damaged nerves. And, I am going to have a very cool scar.

Yes, I have a Tauntaun sleeping bag.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes.

---

I have lost eleven pounds so far since my injury. Eleven pounds in five weeks, and I am not even trying. Find me a diet plan that can achieve that...and throw in a piece of titanium.

I am physically unable to grip anything with any real strength, so I am unable to drive. I could drive one handed, but who are we kidding here, ahem..Asian driver. This sucks, because the DeLorean is just sitting in the garage. Sometimes, I will just sit in it and listen to my Back to the Future soundtrack. I think I will start it up tomorrow, just to feel and hear the engine. Yeah, pretty sad.

---

Okay, let us get one thing straight. Speaking of Back to the Future...okay, I promise this is the last Back to the Future post for a long while...26 October is NOT the anniversary of the release of the movie. People, this was a summer movie. Last time I checked, October is not a summer month. July is a summer month, the movie to be released on 3 July 1985.

So all you nerds out there thinking you were celebrating the 25th Anniversary last month, you were only celebrating the date when the Time Machine first traveled through time...in the movie. Oh, and it was the Blu-Ray release date. One more thing, notice what date and time I started this post...who is the nerd, now?

---

X-ray of titanium plate and screws (also titanium)

One last thought. I thought about getting a tattoo on my wrist of the silhouette of the titanium plate. But, I am sort of a wuss. Besides, I think I have had enough pain in that area. And, it cost money. Yeah, I know what is another hundred or two compared to the thousands already spent on that area? Instead, I am going to somehow mark my hockey gloves of where my scars are. Like with stitches or just marker it. Maybe I should get a silhouette of the plate in vinyl and stick it on my car, like this Hot Wheels sticker I have on my door.


Hot Wheels decal on passenger door. Only seen when door is open.

FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - October 2010

2010-11-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

I have been getting a lot of calls from telemarketers lately. Here is a list of numbers that I have received calls since mid October...because that is how far my records go:

30 October 2010

630-869-6612 IL, USA

29 October 2010

786-358-6691 FL, USA

27 October 2010

701-264-5658 Dickson, ND

469-201-7025 Dallas, TX

25 October 2010

314-627-6754 MO, USA

22 October 2010

404-891-6662 GA, USA

21 October 2010

949-505-2662 Orange County Area

15 October 2010

302-394-6623 DE, USA

14 October 2010

404-891-6711 GA, USA

310-922-2569 Los Angeles Area

Unfortunately, I will be adding to this list. I guess there are just that many assholes out there...and to all of you, FUCK YOU!

Broken, Fractured...and Dislocated - Part VIII

2010-11-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

I have not had a good night sleep since my injury. The pain from either swelling, numbness, pressure, healing...you name it, would wake me up. I was getting about one to two hours of sleep before I wake up. Walking around in the middle of the night helps the blood circulate. This walking and pacing usually lasted about an hour before the pain subsided and I was able to go back to sleep. On average, I would get about four hours sleep per night. Of course, I would try to make it up the sleep hours during the day...but again, I would only get about ninety minutes at a time.

A few days later, I had a check up with Dr. Shin. According to him, everything looked good. I got to finally see the x-rays that showed the titanium plated the the seven titanium screws that secured the plate to the bone. Awesome! He also prescribed me some sleeping pills and more painkillers. I need both to help me through the night. I still wake up a few times in the middle of the night,but usually fall back asleep in about ten minutes. On occasion, I need to walk off the pain. Yeah, it sucks...but that is the price one pays for titanium.

Dr. Shin also 'prescribed' me six weeks of physical therapy. When I started, I had limited movement in my wrist, and very little strength. I am about half way through the six weeks, and movement and flexibility is at about 85%. Strength? Well, we are still working on that. Doc says it will take time and I should have full movement and strength. I still have numbness in the pad of the thumb and index finger. They say that will take time, six months to a year, to see if it gets to 100%. It is already better than a few weeks ago. Yeah, six months...so when the playoffs start?

The road to recovery is long and slow...like a long and windy road, that leads to your door. Dork! I have been working half days, still pumping out product. Told you I am a fucking bad ass. I even went to the recent convention and participated in one of the events two days after the surgery. So, you are all caught up in the events that kept me from updating my blog...other than my usual laziness. Thanks for reading, and if you want to see some of the pictures of my injury, scar, incision, stitches, and progression, you can go here:

Warning: Some pictures may be disturbing to some...yet totally awesome to others. Click here.

I will be updating the photos every week to track the healing process. I only wish I had better 'before' pictures. So, am I going to play hockey when this is all healed? Hell yeah!

-----

Go to Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV - Part V - Part VI - Part VII

Broken, Fractured...and Dislocated - Part VII

2010-11-05T22:30:00.001-07:00

Surgery was on Tuesday, 12 October. That night I had no sleep because the pain kept me up. Wednesday night was no different. Daytime was not that fun, either. Thursday morning, 14 October, at about 4AM, I woke up in indescribable pain. Different than the fire pain, but same level of pain. There was the pain of bones, muscle, and tendons...in addition to that, there was a swelling pain. No, not a swell pain...a swelling pain. I am talking over inflation of an inner tube, about to burst, kinda pain. You know those little wrinkles and creases on the back for your hand and fingers? Go ahead, take a look...yeah, those. Well, my hand was so swollen, that those creases and wrinkles were not there. That was the good part.

My fingers were going numb. It started the night before with my thumb and index finger going numb. I figured it was because of the surgery. Actually, there is a nerve that runs down the thumb and across where my break was. So, by that morning, the numbness had migrated to include my middle finger and starting to get to my ring finger. Yeah, not good.

Wife called the 24 hour hotline. The on-call doctor (Dr. Johnson, I think) suggested we unwrap and loosen the bandages. I only got to the first layer of wrap when I realized there was a semi-cast, to protect the incision area, preventing further removal of wrapping. We eventually got through to Dr.Shin and he suggested that we go in as soon as possible. I like that idea.

When to the office...in Beverly Hills...Dr. Shin removed the rest of the bandages. Immediately, it felt a lot better. Okay, let me go off on a tangent here. That Beverly Hills office was awesome, it looked like a showroom. There was valet parking (free for patients), marble flooring, washroom was really nice. Heck, even the receptionist behind the counter had a Louis Vuitton purse. Other than the staff that was dressed in scrubs, it did not look like a doctor's office.

So, bandages were off. For the first time, I got to see where the incision was made. This was the plan; remove the bandages and see if swelling goes down and feeling comes back in to fingers, if not Dr. Shin and his crew are ready to perform a carpal tunnel release...in other words, surgery number two. I sat there in his office...well, more like captain's ready room...while he went on with his business. He had six surgeries that morning, and he would check on me before and after each one. Apparently carpal tunnel surgery is 'fast and easy, only 5-10 minutes'.

We waited a few hours to see if there was any improvement. Also, since I ate a little that morning, I had to wait for the food (four crackers and a cheese stick) to digest before the surgery. Apparently, one can vomit during an operation and the barf can come up, then down the wrong tube...like Jimi Hendricks. So, I had to wait anyways...and gave us a chance to observe any progress. Well, there was no progress. I was going for surgery number two. Keep in mind that I was in pain the whole time while waiting for my situation to improve.

Around 11:30, one of the nurses began to prep me for surgery. He saw that I was in pain and hooked me up with some painkillers. I had the usually tubes and wires hooked up to me...and I got heated blankets. Man, I love those heated blankets. Oh, since this was Beverly Hills, their hospital gowns were fancier than your typical gowns. Hair net and booties were the same. The painkillers relaxed me and I think I may have even dozed off for a few minutes.

Go time! They wheel me in to the operating room. Again, the room was very cold. My teeth were chattering, pretty sure my nipples were hard and/or my penis shrunk...but you did not need to know that. Too late, you already read it. Ha! The operating table was set up the same way, I would lay there with arms spread out. They took a little longer to hook me up to the sedation juice so I had a chance to see some of their preparation. I was given weird blanket. I can only describe it as a row of parallel tubes, but fabric. The tubes ran length wise, and was pumped with warm air. Yep, another heated blanket. These Beverly Hills guys spare no expenses. At around 12:30, I was out.

Dr. Shin later explained what he did in the second surgery. An incision was made at the base of my palm to do a carpal tunnel release. This releases the pressure that was causing the nerve to be pinched. He also had to re-open the first incision to clear out some blood clots, as the bone was bleeding. That bleeding along with the 'regular' swelling caused my hand to balloon and have unwanted pressure on the nerve. So, it was a good thing that we caught it early...and a good thing that he went in and 'cleaned up'.

I woke up in much the same way as the first surgery...meaning, I had to go pee really bad. For some reason, I did not get any snacks this time. Maybe because I was not scheduled to be there that day. I was hoping that since it was Beverly Hills, I would get champagne wishes and caviar dreams. Leaving the doctor's office and back home I go for some much needed rest.

-----

Go to Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV - Part V - Part VI - Part VIII

Broken, Fractured...and Dislocated - Part VI

2010-11-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

So, they wheel me in to the operating room. I notice that they have my x-rays on the light box thingy on the wall. I guess they need some sort of map before they open me up. The room was really cold, good thing they have heated blankets.

They park me next to the operating table and have me slide over. First the nurse moves my left arm to the table extension. Good thing she was in charge of relocating my arm, as I could not move it. Actually, she had already moved it when they had me side over. I thought my arm was still on my chest, only to look over during my bed transfer to see that my arm was already on the table. Kinda freaky to have no control nor knowledge of one's appendage. They place my right arm, the one with all the tubes, on another table extension. I would lie there with my arms spread out...like I am flying.

The next thing I remember, I am waking up in the recovery room. No countdown or mindless chit chat, nothing. One minute, I am lying on the operating table, having my right arm placed on the table...the next minute, the doctor is showing me x-rays of the plate he just put in. I recall going through the motions of Siu Lim Tao, first form of Wing Chun, with my right hand...I was still woozy at the time. Dr. Shin asked me if I was meditating, and I remember saying, "no, Wing Chun"...or, it was all a dream. For the next half hour, I would come in and out of conciseness. Again, I did not notice the procedure was completed until I looked at my hand and was looking at a burrito. Arm was still blocked, no pain or the ability to move.

When I started to become more aware of my surroundings, one of the nurses gave me some crackers, cookies, and apple juice as a post operation treat. Not as good as a toy, but I have not eaten anything since midnight, about fourteen hours. Food and drink was a good idea. Coming out of sedation is kinda fun, like being legally high. I was kept in the recovery room for a while, I guess it takes about an hour for the sedation to wear off.

Once I was conscious enough to check out, the first thing I wanted/need to do was to pee. Remember the drip? I got to ride in a wheelchair for the first time. I guess that is hospital policy to escort a patient via wheelchair so they do not get injure during transport to car. Yeah, I was wheeled into the bathroom. Then, wheeled to the special elevator and to the car. Time to go home and rest.

Remember that block they put on my arm? It is suppose to last twelve to eighteen hours. For me, it lasted six. I took some painkillers as soon as I felt a little tingling. Did not do much...as the block wore off, the pain started coming, like a fucking runaway freight train. The nerves in along the incision woke up, as well as the 'feeling' in my bones. I tell you, it was a new kinda of pain.

Holy shit! My bones felt like a car rolled over me and all the wieght was on my arm, a crushing feeling. The incision felt like it was on fucking fire. I mean it really felt like it was burning. Burning like the towers at the Saddledome after a power play goal by Mark Giordano. Fuck me, this lasted about two hours before the painkillers kicked in. Needless to say, I did not sleep well.

Note: I am writing this four weeks after the day since my injury. I have lost ten pounds in those four weeks due to loss of muscle mass. I went from working out seven days a week to nothing. But, at least I am losing weight, right?

-----

Go to Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV - Part V - Part VII - Part VIII

Broken, Fractured...and Dislocated - Part V

2010-10-29T19:23:00.001-07:00

12 October, day of the surgery. Not nervous at all. Actually, I am excited. Part of the prep work is to not eat after midnight the night before. Much like in the movie Gremlins, I might turn into some evil creature if I did. Anyway, this is my first 'official' surgery. Apparently, getting your wisdom teeth removed is not a 'surgery'.

First place you go is to the pre-op room. I got to wear one of those hospital gowns. Stripped all the way down to my underwear and put on the gown, hospital slippers, and hair net. It was quite fashionable. They give you a little bag for all your belongings; regular clothes and shoes. Then you just sit there and wait. I realize that there is a lot of waiting in the medical field...and a lot of forms to fill out.

They poked me with an intravenous needle and tube, and drip me with some sodium based liquid to hydrate me. This stuff works, because just before I go into surgery, I really had to go pee. Where was I? Oh, they also stick electro-pads to monitor my heart rate and a finger pinching thing to monitor my oxygen levels. They did not introduce any pain killer for me since they were going to do a nerve block. Here is the cool thing...well, actually warm thing. They have heated blankets! Basically, there is an oven where they keep blankets. I was cold, you know, I only had that sexy hospital gown on. A nurse asked if I was cold, obviously I was. Then she puts that heated blanket on me...and I tell you it was awesome.

Now, the prep. Not only will I be completely knocked out for the surgery, but they are going to block the nerves from my shoulder down. First, I had to mark my arm to confirm 'this is the arm to be operated on'. So, they made me write "YES" and draw an arrow towards the business end. The anesthesiologist comes in and begins to pre-op numbing of arm...they call it a block. Talk about low tech...well, kinda high tech at the same time. They connect the needle for the blockage to an electric current...and to mini ultrasound device.

The anesthesiologist pokes the needle near the top/middle of my trapezius muscle, about half way between my neck and shoulder. The ultrasound is used to monitor the nerve and the needle. So, he can see when and where the needle will touch the nerve. Oh yeah, I could see it too...that was actually kinda cool to see an ultrasound of my shoulder. Resolution was not that great, much like trying to watch scrambled porn, but I could see the needle and the nerve...at least that is what he said it was.

They used a current to test if it was the right nerve. He would touch my nerve with the needle and a nurse would pulse a current through said needle. If my arm would react like a dissected frog leg, they got the right nerve. Well, my arm popped up like a victim being defibrillated...yep, right nerve. The anesthesiologist would then squeeze the syringe and we could see the juice flow out the tip of the needle.

About five to ten minutes later, my arm was blocked. I would not say it was numb, since there was no tingling. No feeling at all. They removed my splint, it had been there for six days. Oh yeah, regardless of protocol of washing it before a surgery...it was fermenting in my sweaty hockey funk and the splint...with no shower and/or bath for six days. Anyway, the nurse cleaned it up. Keep in mind that I have a bone breakage...I did not feel a thing. I assure you she was not that gentle, plunge and scrub. Yep, the blockage worked. Oh, they also had to shave my arm. Uh, have you seen my arm? I have no hair..like none. The nurse could have just rubbed a vibrator across my arm and get the same effect, no hair. I have more hair on my upper lip than I do in both arms combined.

I laid there, enjoying my painkillers and blockage for about another five minutes or so. The nurses came by said it was go time. They unhooked me from the wall and hauled me into the operating room. Again, this was very exciting for me. Oh, like I mentioned before, that drip they had me on really kept me hydrated. I really had to go pee, but did not want to interrupt the 'flow of things'. They used the whole bag of that stuff, that liquid has to come out some time.

So, I am off to the operating room...I think this is a good place to stop for this post. On to part six of the series.

-----

Go to Part I - Part II - Part III - Part IV - Part VI - Part VII - Part VIII

Back to the Future out on Blu-Ray

2010-10-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

This is a quick post with stolen picture from BTTF.com. I just want to have something posted for the month of October. I have my copy on order, should be here by the end of the week. Looks like I will be watching all three movies again this weekend.

Oh, I went to the Saturday special screening of Back to the Future...it was fucking awesome!

Side note: I am working on a multi-part posting on why I have been absent the past month...it is not because I am lazy. So, check back in about a week for a detailed story. Thanks.