This is from Funny or Die...and features Kate Beckinsale, need I say more?
"Let the Oval Office take care of your oval office." - Kate Beckinsale
"Let the Oval Office take care of your oval office." - Kate Beckinsale
01 June 2012
20 May 2012
How To Fold Target Bags
I go to Target a lot. I mean, a lot...about once a week, sometimes a few in one day. One can easily walk out of Target with an average of five bags. Sometimes, on a good run, I can walk...cart out 10-15 Target bags.
These bags are very useful. Generally, people are re-use them as trash bags. There are other uses, of course. One thing I used to do is make tank tops out of grocery bags. Basically, you cut out the bottom and just slip it over your head. I know, totally stupid. But, when I was in college and had to work on messy projects, it made a great protective barrier between your favourite shirt and toxic chemicals. Also, it was fun to just rip off the tank top like a wrestling champion.
Pretty sure I have hundreds of bags, I will never need to buy trash bags, as long as I just keep buying stuff from Target. So, the problem is, what do you do with all these bags? A few years ago, while still in college, I lived in a very small studio apartment. This means I had very little space, and with all the junk I had around the place, I needed a way to store these bags. This is what I came up with, a way to fold and store these bags.
For me, this was the best way to keep all my bags organized. If you suffer from over shopping, this may be a solution to all those bags in your pantry.
These bags are very useful. Generally, people are re-use them as trash bags. There are other uses, of course. One thing I used to do is make tank tops out of grocery bags. Basically, you cut out the bottom and just slip it over your head. I know, totally stupid. But, when I was in college and had to work on messy projects, it made a great protective barrier between your favourite shirt and toxic chemicals. Also, it was fun to just rip off the tank top like a wrestling champion.
Pretty sure I have hundreds of bags, I will never need to buy trash bags, as long as I just keep buying stuff from Target. So, the problem is, what do you do with all these bags? A few years ago, while still in college, I lived in a very small studio apartment. This means I had very little space, and with all the junk I had around the place, I needed a way to store these bags. This is what I came up with, a way to fold and store these bags.
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| This is what I do in my spare time...I have no life. |
18 May 2012
LEGO Harry Potter
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| LEGO Harry Potter Year 1-4 on Nintendo DS |
Now, I am only about half way into the Year 1-4, and I have to say that it is a great game. I should mention that I have these games on the Nintendo DS. I also have Star Wars on Wii and PC, but found that this style of game is better suited for handheld. The other LEGO games have been played on the DS platform.
Like the other games, the Potter series loosely follow the movie outline. For the Potter game, there is a better use of the stylus as your magic wand as you 'cast spells'. The game also makes use of the forgotten mircophone so you can speak in Parseltounge, quite a neat feature. Not sure how Parseltounge would translate (get it?) on other platforms.
Being a 'simple' game, it does not take advantage of the use of the many buttons on current video game platforms. In fact, other than advancing through menus, the buttons are pretty much useless. Everything can be executed by using the D-pad, stylus, and mic. One thing that may bother some (like me), it is hard to by left-handed and use the stylus, since the left hand is busy with the D-pad.
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| LEGO Harry Potter Year 5-7 on Nintendo DS |
I know this is not much of a review since I have yet to play Years 5-7, or even complete Years 1-4. But, if you are a fan of LEGO and Harry Potter, I recommend this game. Heck, if you just like the properties and just acknowledge the fact that LEGO exists, then I highly recommend the other series. After I 'beat' these games, I will be looking into the other games by LEGO.
09 May 2012
Happy 50th Birthday to David Gahan
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| Martin, Andrew, David, Vince - Depeche Mode 1981 promo |
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| Hanging out in some apartment, taken around 1984 |
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| Andrew, Maartin, Alan, David - Depeche Mode 1986, Stripped video |
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| Enjoy the Silence video - 1990 |
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| Songs of Faith and Devotion promo - 1993 |
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| Martin, Andrew, Dave - Depeche Mode 2001, Exciter promo |
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| Tour of the Universe - 2009 |
05 May 2012
More DeLorean Work, Back to Brendon's
Cinco de Mayo? Ha, more like Fixo de Loreo. I spent the better part of the day at Brendon's again, working on the car. This time, I tried to do most of the work myself. Although Brendon and Paul was there to give a helping hand, or four.
Last year, we put a sway bar bushing kit in, whilst lowering and strengthening the front end. There is potential migration of the polyurethane bushing with the original Front Sway Bar Combo Kit that I got and installed last year. This could cause damage to the bushing, the solution is to add a washer to each side. Misty and Toby sent me the part to do this upgrade when I happened to order a Steering Column Bushing, more on that later.
First up, the stainless steel washer. Luckily, I have no damage on my bushings.
Removal of the sway bar was pretty easy. Easy enough to do myself. I have found that taking things apart is the simple part of repairs and upgrades...putting it back together is another story.
This will be the part where someone with experience comes in. The sway bar is under tension, so putting it back on requires a little strength, and more importantly, some knowledge and creativity. Getting the bolt to align with the holes is a lot harder than it looks.
Taking out the sway bar took about five minutes. Putting it back on took about thirty. I hope that I do not have to deal with this again. I thought that was a lot of work, just to put a washer on a bar. Little did I know that I am about to do next will be even more time consuming for how simple it seems.
Up next, replacing a thirty-one year old cracked and deformed rubber steering column bushing with an updated one made out of Delrin. I love Delrin. Some call Delrin the Titanium of plastic...okay, not really...I just made that up.
Replacing this part requires removal of the steering column. Sounds easy, but removal of the steering column requires removal of the steering column canopy , both knee pads on the driver's side, and the impossible-to-get-to-bolt that holds the steering column to the universal joint.. Again, a lot of work just to get to that bushing.
Once the assembly is out, taking out the stock bushing was the easiest part of the day.
Popping in the new bushing took a little effort. Since it does not flex like runner, especially 30 year old rubber, it needed a little encouragement. The best part is there is plenty of room in the foot well to work...for a contortionist.
We encountered some problems when re-installing the bolt that holds the steering shaft to the universal joint. Lining up the shaft with the universal joint so the wheels line up the steering wheel, proved to be tedious. Luckily, I made some marks and had some extra hands to help. Securing the bolt back on the universal joint was another fun process. Again, not much room in the wheel well to work in there.
Back in the foot well to re-install all the things I took out.
After hours of work...hey, it only took about eight hours, in what should have been about a three to four hour job. Bolts kept stripping, holes were not aligned, cramped spaces, etc. On the drive home, I did notice a minor difference in the steering, no doubt that bushing is well worth the time put into it.
Oh, I also replaced all the lug nuts with solid ones. The stock ones were capped nuts...which can shear off...ask me how I know that.
Want more awesome car stuff. You can check out Brendon's restoration/customization of his 1967 Pontiac Firebird, HERE.
Last year, we put a sway bar bushing kit in, whilst lowering and strengthening the front end. There is potential migration of the polyurethane bushing with the original Front Sway Bar Combo Kit that I got and installed last year. This could cause damage to the bushing, the solution is to add a washer to each side. Misty and Toby sent me the part to do this upgrade when I happened to order a Steering Column Bushing, more on that later.
First up, the stainless steel washer. Luckily, I have no damage on my bushings.
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| Washer needs to fit between the busing and nub on sway bar. |
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| Sway bar comes out, remove bushing, slide washer in.... |
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| ...pop bushing back on the sway bar. |
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| Brendon successfully gets those bolts in. |
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| Finally, washer is in and sway bar is back on. |
Taking out the sway bar took about five minutes. Putting it back on took about thirty. I hope that I do not have to deal with this again. I thought that was a lot of work, just to put a washer on a bar. Little did I know that I am about to do next will be even more time consuming for how simple it seems.
Up next, replacing a thirty-one year old cracked and deformed rubber steering column bushing with an updated one made out of Delrin. I love Delrin. Some call Delrin the Titanium of plastic...okay, not really...I just made that up.
Replacing this part requires removal of the steering column. Sounds easy, but removal of the steering column requires removal of the steering column canopy , both knee pads on the driver's side, and the impossible-to-get-to-bolt that holds the steering column to the universal joint.. Again, a lot of work just to get to that bushing.
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| Finally, got that steering column out. |
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| New bushing vs.old bushing. |
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| So comfortable, that I almost fell asleep like that. |
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| Getting in there to secure that bolt. |
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| See? Plenty of room in there. |
Oh, I also replaced all the lug nuts with solid ones. The stock ones were capped nuts...which can shear off...ask me how I know that.
Want more awesome car stuff. You can check out Brendon's restoration/customization of his 1967 Pontiac Firebird, HERE.
02 May 2012
FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - May 2012
I just got this brilliant idea. There seems to be a lot of outsourcing of customer service and tech support personnel. You have a problem and you need a fix and hopefully the person you are connected to knows how to fix your problem. Well, one of the problems is, the person on the other end is in some foreign country and your native language is not their first language. There is a definite language barrier, and unfortunately, the calls are very frustrating on both ends, and sometimes nothing gets accomplished during the call. You want to speak with someone that can communicate in your native tongue.
Meanwhile, there are thousands of jobs in telemarketing that are in this country. They all speak the native language...after the automated system routes you to said assholes. No language barrier.
So, here is the idea. Telemarketers should become customer service and tech service people. That way, they have a meaningful job. True, they will have to learn a few skills (depending on the service), but at least the jobs stay within the country of origin. I am not forgetting the folks overseas. They become the telemarketers.
This plan works abroad, example: Operators from Country A will provide tech support and customer service to people in Country A. Meanwhile, different agents from the same Country A, the fucking losers, call other countries with telemarketing needs.
Anyways, on with this month's calls
2 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Again, this is from the same call center as previous Gresham numbers. It has the same area code and prefix, 971-220...just different extension. So far, I have received calls from 971-220-1019, 971-220-1017, and 971-220-1183. Now, 971-220-1003. If you count all those numbers, this is the eleventh call from Gresham.
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR And so it begins.
3 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Barely 8:30AM and I am alreasy getting calls. I was lucky enough to have a mini break from these fucking assholes last month. Seems they are starting early and often. I do not get tired of NOT answering and typing "fuck off". So, fuck off!
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Wow, it only took 33 minutes for the second call of the day. That is four calls in less that 24 hours. Fourteen calls total, if we count the other calls from Gresham. And, a fuck off to you, too.
4 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Another early call. Seems like my call time is the latter half of the eight o'clock hour. With five calls in three days, I feel that I should post this now. By the way, the record is six calls in one day. See if you pussies can beat that.
202-783-6639 DC, USA Wait "DC", as in Washington DC? Holy fuck, is the President calling me concerning the telemarketer situation? Maybe it is the Do Not Call Registry calling to confirm that they targeted the terrorists and have put a stop to telemarketing. No, of course not. A simple Google check, and it shows that it is for some fucking 'cardholder service'. Yeah, go fuck yourself!
5 May 2012
253-382-9928 Tacoma, WA First Washington DC, now Washington the state. I think this is the first call from Tacoma...which is pretty close to our buddies in Kent, WA. Oh, did I mention this was a Saturday morning call?
7 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Sixth call, so far. We are seven days into the month and I got six calls. I wonder if they can average a call a day and to thirty. With Memorial Day and weekends, they will have to get on it and make several calls a day. If they are willing to commit to this, I am willing to ignore all their calls.
8 May 2012
701-920-9805 Center, ND Good old North Dakota. Been a while since I have hear from them. If they chose to repeat the pattern, I should be getting a shitload of calls in the next few days. Those fuckers in Gresham may have some competition for this month.
10 May 2012
702-525-0180 Las Vegas, NV A fucking text message that cost me another twenty cents. Fuck you.
14 May 2012
425-390-8149 Renton, WA The fucking Northwest. Again, not the first call from Renton. Their tactic is the old switcheroo. If you follow my rants about these fucking cunt holes, you will know that this shit happens all the time.
15 May 2012
253-246-8514 Kent, WA Once Renton calls, you know that Kent is not far behind. Again, same area code and prefix, different extension. It is like I won the lottery and relatives I have never heard from are calling me, begging for some money. I should be expecting a call from Astoria, soon. Oh, and let the record show that I kinda predicted this call ten days ago. Look at the first entry on this post. Fuck heads!
646-460-1282 New York, NY Another text message. Apparently, I won some bullshit contest that I have never heard of and sure as hell not enter in. Fuck you, you owe me twenty cents.
According to my calculations, this is the thirty-fifth text I have received a text from a telemarketer. So, at twenty cents a pop...these mother fuckers owe me seven dollars. I know that is not a lot, but that money could be used to feed the starving children. See, every time a telemarketer texts you, a child gets raped and dies. Yes, at the end of the day, telemarketers are raping and killing innocent children.
16 May 2012
406-219-2064 Bozeman, MT Bozeman? What the fuck kind of name is Bozeman? It sounds like a shitty fake name that a stoned teenager gives to a cop. Actually, this is the second time (since January 2011) I have received a call from fucking Bozeman. Had to look up the records. Again, different extension. I need to come up with a term for "same area code and prefix, different extension". How about SACAPDE?
17 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Oh, well welcome back. Only fucked off for ten days? Go ahead and fuck off some more. Seventh call.
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Eighth call, second call in less than an hour. Should I expect a few calls tomorrow to make up for those ten days? You are about eleven calls behind, if you want to hit that 30 call mark by the end of the month. Oh, and fuck off!
18 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR This would be number nine. Wait for it.....
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR ...and there it is, ten calls. Now, rest up during the weekend. You got a big week ahead of you. I expect you to break twenty by this time next week. Meanwhile, go fuck yourself.
21 May 2012
562-884-8324 Long Beach, CA Another fucking text. This one apparently my purchase from Wal-Mart last month won me $1000. Yeah, fuck you! I have said it before, I will say it again...save your fucking blood money and stop fucking drunk texting me. Next time I go to Wal-Mart, I am going to steal and/or damage twenty cents of their merchandise. Fuck you!
23 May 2012
720-409-2532 CO, USA Hey, new number from Colorado. Fuck you and your rectangular state.
25 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Where are we at with these assholes? Oh yeah, eleven. Something tells me they are not done.
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Twelve? Is that all you got? Barely averaging one call every two days. Oh, I almost forgot...fuck you!
29 May 2012
503-457-1166 Tillamook, OR So excited that I get to use my new term SACAPDE. Yup, I have received calls crom Tillamook on four occasions, each with a differnt extension. What the fuck is with Oregon? Speaking of Oregon...Hey Gresham, you less than three days to call me...fuck you!
805-490-1966 City of Commerce, CA Guess what...yup, another fucking text message. This one is for some work at home thing where I can make $57 an hour working from home. It would be fucking awesome if this job was a telemarketing job. You owe me twenty cents, fuck off!
31 May 2012
206-279-8764 Seattle, WA Holy shit, a new number. Last call of the month and the shitbags from Gresham did not step up, typical. Notice that these calls are coming from the Northwest. What the fuck is up with the hipsters up there? Until next month...well, tomorrow...fuck off!
Meanwhile, there are thousands of jobs in telemarketing that are in this country. They all speak the native language...after the automated system routes you to said assholes. No language barrier.
So, here is the idea. Telemarketers should become customer service and tech service people. That way, they have a meaningful job. True, they will have to learn a few skills (depending on the service), but at least the jobs stay within the country of origin. I am not forgetting the folks overseas. They become the telemarketers.
This plan works abroad, example: Operators from Country A will provide tech support and customer service to people in Country A. Meanwhile, different agents from the same Country A, the fucking losers, call other countries with telemarketing needs.
Anyways, on with this month's calls
2 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Again, this is from the same call center as previous Gresham numbers. It has the same area code and prefix, 971-220...just different extension. So far, I have received calls from 971-220-1019, 971-220-1017, and 971-220-1183. Now, 971-220-1003. If you count all those numbers, this is the eleventh call from Gresham.
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR And so it begins.
3 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Barely 8:30AM and I am alreasy getting calls. I was lucky enough to have a mini break from these fucking assholes last month. Seems they are starting early and often. I do not get tired of NOT answering and typing "fuck off". So, fuck off!
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Wow, it only took 33 minutes for the second call of the day. That is four calls in less that 24 hours. Fourteen calls total, if we count the other calls from Gresham. And, a fuck off to you, too.
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| The first of many to some. |
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Another early call. Seems like my call time is the latter half of the eight o'clock hour. With five calls in three days, I feel that I should post this now. By the way, the record is six calls in one day. See if you pussies can beat that.
202-783-6639 DC, USA Wait "DC", as in Washington DC? Holy fuck, is the President calling me concerning the telemarketer situation? Maybe it is the Do Not Call Registry calling to confirm that they targeted the terrorists and have put a stop to telemarketing. No, of course not. A simple Google check, and it shows that it is for some fucking 'cardholder service'. Yeah, go fuck yourself!
5 May 2012
253-382-9928 Tacoma, WA First Washington DC, now Washington the state. I think this is the first call from Tacoma...which is pretty close to our buddies in Kent, WA. Oh, did I mention this was a Saturday morning call?
7 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Sixth call, so far. We are seven days into the month and I got six calls. I wonder if they can average a call a day and to thirty. With Memorial Day and weekends, they will have to get on it and make several calls a day. If they are willing to commit to this, I am willing to ignore all their calls.
8 May 2012
701-920-9805 Center, ND Good old North Dakota. Been a while since I have hear from them. If they chose to repeat the pattern, I should be getting a shitload of calls in the next few days. Those fuckers in Gresham may have some competition for this month.
10 May 2012
702-525-0180 Las Vegas, NV A fucking text message that cost me another twenty cents. Fuck you.
14 May 2012
425-390-8149 Renton, WA The fucking Northwest. Again, not the first call from Renton. Their tactic is the old switcheroo. If you follow my rants about these fucking cunt holes, you will know that this shit happens all the time.
15 May 2012
253-246-8514 Kent, WA Once Renton calls, you know that Kent is not far behind. Again, same area code and prefix, different extension. It is like I won the lottery and relatives I have never heard from are calling me, begging for some money. I should be expecting a call from Astoria, soon. Oh, and let the record show that I kinda predicted this call ten days ago. Look at the first entry on this post. Fuck heads!
646-460-1282 New York, NY Another text message. Apparently, I won some bullshit contest that I have never heard of and sure as hell not enter in. Fuck you, you owe me twenty cents.
According to my calculations, this is the thirty-fifth text I have received a text from a telemarketer. So, at twenty cents a pop...these mother fuckers owe me seven dollars. I know that is not a lot, but that money could be used to feed the starving children. See, every time a telemarketer texts you, a child gets raped and dies. Yes, at the end of the day, telemarketers are raping and killing innocent children.
16 May 2012
406-219-2064 Bozeman, MT Bozeman? What the fuck kind of name is Bozeman? It sounds like a shitty fake name that a stoned teenager gives to a cop. Actually, this is the second time (since January 2011) I have received a call from fucking Bozeman. Had to look up the records. Again, different extension. I need to come up with a term for "same area code and prefix, different extension". How about SACAPDE?
17 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Oh, well welcome back. Only fucked off for ten days? Go ahead and fuck off some more. Seventh call.
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Eighth call, second call in less than an hour. Should I expect a few calls tomorrow to make up for those ten days? You are about eleven calls behind, if you want to hit that 30 call mark by the end of the month. Oh, and fuck off!
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| Technically, I have a stalker. |
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR This would be number nine. Wait for it.....
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR ...and there it is, ten calls. Now, rest up during the weekend. You got a big week ahead of you. I expect you to break twenty by this time next week. Meanwhile, go fuck yourself.
21 May 2012
562-884-8324 Long Beach, CA Another fucking text. This one apparently my purchase from Wal-Mart last month won me $1000. Yeah, fuck you! I have said it before, I will say it again...save your fucking blood money and stop fucking drunk texting me. Next time I go to Wal-Mart, I am going to steal and/or damage twenty cents of their merchandise. Fuck you!
23 May 2012
720-409-2532 CO, USA Hey, new number from Colorado. Fuck you and your rectangular state.
25 May 2012
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Where are we at with these assholes? Oh yeah, eleven. Something tells me they are not done.
971-220-1003 Gresham, OR Twelve? Is that all you got? Barely averaging one call every two days. Oh, I almost forgot...fuck you!
29 May 2012
503-457-1166 Tillamook, OR So excited that I get to use my new term SACAPDE. Yup, I have received calls crom Tillamook on four occasions, each with a differnt extension. What the fuck is with Oregon? Speaking of Oregon...Hey Gresham, you less than three days to call me...fuck you!
805-490-1966 City of Commerce, CA Guess what...yup, another fucking text message. This one is for some work at home thing where I can make $57 an hour working from home. It would be fucking awesome if this job was a telemarketing job. You owe me twenty cents, fuck off!
31 May 2012
206-279-8764 Seattle, WA Holy shit, a new number. Last call of the month and the shitbags from Gresham did not step up, typical. Notice that these calls are coming from the Northwest. What the fuck is up with the hipsters up there? Until next month...well, tomorrow...fuck off!
17 April 2012
DeLorean Shock Tower Bar Installation
I love spending time with my car, whether it is driving it around or just working on it. And by working on it, I mean doing the simple stuff. I leave the real work to the folks at DeLorean Motor Company in Garden Grove, or friends like Brendon Vetusky, who actually know how to work on cars. Last year, Brendon helped me lower the front end, and install the lower control arm brackets. This time the project is to install a shock tower bar. I think I can do this one myself, even if it takes me all weekend.
The shock tower bar ties the top of the shock towers together inside the trunk to stiffen the front of the car over the structure/frame. In a car without this bar, the strength is provided simply by the under body or floor of the trunk. It just happens that DeLorean Motor Company - Midwest had this kit for sale for a limited time. I gave Julee Swingle a call and placed an order. I met Julee (as well as David Swingle and Mike from DMC-Midwest) last year at the DMC Open House, in Humble. It was great to talk to Julee again and catch up on DeLorean and Hot Wheels happenings, more on that later.
A few days later, I get the goods. Everytime I get boxes with DMC labels on it, it feels like my birthday...oh wait, it was. The items came a huge box, good thing I did not drive the DeLorean to work that day. Pretty sure it would not have fit in the trunk, and surely not in the cockpit.
Along with the shock tower bar, I also ordered a carpet for the trunk floor. Julee included a surprise for me, the Hot Wheel Boulevard DeLorean. While on the phone, the conversation turn toward Hot Wheels and my latest projects. I had mention that I have yet to find my Boulevard DeLorean and Julee said she would give me one. Thanks, Julee!
Now that I have parts, it is time to install the bar. I read the instructions, and it seems pretty simple. Simple enough for me to take on. It may take me longer, but I should be able to handle this...hopefully.
Obviously, the first thing to do is to clear out the trunk. I keep a few things in the trunk, including a set of workshop manuals, rag and duster, a Hot Wheels DeLorean, and other miscellaneous stuff. In preparation for this project, I also taped the light switch at the bottom of the trunk to keep the light from staying on.
You can see my Hot Wheels DeLorean resting on the fuel filler ledge. I removed the carpet to locate and removed the two bolts where the shock tower bar will be secured to.
I used tape to mark the location of the two bolts. This will be used to transfer the measurements to the carpet. The bolts are removed and will be replaced by the posts and longer 17mm bolt. These bolts also secure the under body tub to the frame.
The carpet is placed back in the trunk. I marked the location of the holes with tape. This will be transferred to the back for cutting.
I decided to use my original carpet with backing and holding on to the new carpet as a spare. Plus, it was a good practice piece to work on, you only get one chance to get it right.
I used a rotary tool to cut out the hole. First, I used a cutting bit to drill holes all around the hole, then punched out the hole. Kinda like this scene from Underworld:
This step took the longest to do, and not as sexy as Kate Beckinsale did it. A sanding drum was used to clean up the hole. Ha, you did not see Kate Beckinsale do that. Once the backing is cut, I took a blade an made some cuts into the carpet. This will be for the posts to sit in.
Once I got the everything aligned, the bar gets installed. This part is tricky and took way longer than it was suppose to. The trouble is getting the main bolts to 'catch' into the threaded hole in the frame. After about twenty minutes of 'fishing' for the hole, I finally got it to thread. Now that the hard part is over, all that needed to be done it to tighten the bolt to 33 foot pounds.
Final step is tighten the shock tower bar. One side of the bar is reversed threaded, the other normal. All you have to do is twist it by hand to tighten. Then snug up the nut so it locks.
It took me about two hours to get this thing in there. Most of the time was taken with measuring and cutting of the holes in the carpet...and a lot of time was eaten up trying to get the bolts to catch. I think a normal person can do this in about an hour, easily. But there you go, I did it...all by myself.
With the work done to the front end a year ago, the difference from the stock set up was huge. Stiffening the front end can only make things better. After a test drive through my normal route to work...yes, there is a noticeable difference. Going over train tracks and bumps along the way, I could feel that the front end is stiffer.
So, my front end has Ed Uding's lower control arm brackets, Toby Peterson's urethane sway bar bushings, and now, Dave and Julee Swingle's shock tower bar. My car was originally from Texas, so Stephen Wynne (or his crew) did some work on it, and I get it serviced at Don Steger's shop. I just need to get something from Tony Ierardi's shop, perhaps in June.
Special thanks to Julee, David, and Mike at DMC-Midwest. I will see you guys in Orlando.
The shock tower bar ties the top of the shock towers together inside the trunk to stiffen the front of the car over the structure/frame. In a car without this bar, the strength is provided simply by the under body or floor of the trunk. It just happens that DeLorean Motor Company - Midwest had this kit for sale for a limited time. I gave Julee Swingle a call and placed an order. I met Julee (as well as David Swingle and Mike from DMC-Midwest) last year at the DMC Open House, in Humble. It was great to talk to Julee again and catch up on DeLorean and Hot Wheels happenings, more on that later.
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| I love getting packages with these labels |
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| What is in the box? |
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| Shock tower bar kit, instructions, trunk carpet, Hot Wheels Boulevard DeLorean |
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| Yeah, that box would never fit in there. |
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| Oh, so that is what is underneath the carpet. |
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| Marking the location of the bolts |
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| Tape on carpet marks location of the bolts. |
 |
| Laying out the holes for cutting |
 |
| Cutting out the hole |
 |
| Kate Beckinsale is HOT! |
 |
| Uprights go through the hole |
The carpet goes back into the trunk. The upright posts go through the hole, peeking out just above the surface for the stock tower bar to sit. I had to do some trimming of the back board and carpet to get the holes to line up. Good thing I used the beat up original carpet to practice on.
 |
| Final touches, tightening the bolts and nuts. |
Final step is tighten the shock tower bar. One side of the bar is reversed threaded, the other normal. All you have to do is twist it by hand to tighten. Then snug up the nut so it locks.
 |
| Finished installation |
With the work done to the front end a year ago, the difference from the stock set up was huge. Stiffening the front end can only make things better. After a test drive through my normal route to work...yes, there is a noticeable difference. Going over train tracks and bumps along the way, I could feel that the front end is stiffer.
So, my front end has Ed Uding's lower control arm brackets, Toby Peterson's urethane sway bar bushings, and now, Dave and Julee Swingle's shock tower bar. My car was originally from Texas, so Stephen Wynne (or his crew) did some work on it, and I get it serviced at Don Steger's shop. I just need to get something from Tony Ierardi's shop, perhaps in June.
Special thanks to Julee, David, and Mike at DMC-Midwest. I will see you guys in Orlando.
10 April 2012
FUCK YOU, STOP CALLING ME - April 2012
April showers bring May flowers. Well, April telemarketers can fuck the right off, and take the May ones with you. April opens with a string of calls from Denver, continuing their harassment from last month. I am a little worried about my friends from Oregon...well, no really. I hope they went out of business, but we all know that they will strike when I least expect it. But, here is the thing, I do expect them to call all the fucking time.
Oh, maybe since it is tax season, they got audited by the IRS. Wait, what am I thinking? No way would a government agency do anything about telemarketers...yeah, Do Not Call Registry, I am talking to you.
2 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Denver with number three. With Astoria lagging on calls, we may have a new contender if they are able to make a run this month.
503-902-8290 Salem, OR Interesting, been about four months since I received a call from Salem. Same prefix, different extension. That was the only call from Salem. Oregon sucks big donkey balls.
4 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO If I was a scout for the telemarketer, I would keep an eye on Denver. These guys could make a big impact on the telemarketer world.
843-619-7688 SC, USA Welcome, new caller. Now, go fuck yourself!
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Are you fuckers going to go for the hat trick?
5 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Call number six. Please proceed to fuck yourself.
9 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO This is no joke, these guys are for real. I was thinking that there would be a 'resurrection' of some sort this week from Astoria. Looks like Denver is here to stay. Well, many have tried few have succeed.
10 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO I was in Denver a few years ago. I remember it being a nice city. Oh, how things change. It seems it has now been taken over by terrorists.
14 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Saturday morning at 9:30. What the fuck? This will be their ninth call. Barely half way into the the month and these are on quite the streak. Here is a look at the last few calls I have received.
23 April 2012
310-409-2011 Los Angeles, CA Wow, it has been over a week since I had recieved a call. Maybe they are all distracted by the NHL Playoffs. I think this is the calm before the storm. They like to make a run for it at the end of the month. As always, I am prepared to ignore all telemarketing calls.
26 April 2012
617-390-4562 MA, USA Massachusetts, specifically the Boston region. Well, I guess that Game 7 lost to Washington last night brought out the assholes.
Oh, maybe since it is tax season, they got audited by the IRS. Wait, what am I thinking? No way would a government agency do anything about telemarketers...yeah, Do Not Call Registry, I am talking to you.
2 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Denver with number three. With Astoria lagging on calls, we may have a new contender if they are able to make a run this month.
503-902-8290 Salem, OR Interesting, been about four months since I received a call from Salem. Same prefix, different extension. That was the only call from Salem. Oregon sucks big donkey balls.
4 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO If I was a scout for the telemarketer, I would keep an eye on Denver. These guys could make a big impact on the telemarketer world.
843-619-7688 SC, USA Welcome, new caller. Now, go fuck yourself!
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Are you fuckers going to go for the hat trick?
5 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Call number six. Please proceed to fuck yourself.
9 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO This is no joke, these guys are for real. I was thinking that there would be a 'resurrection' of some sort this week from Astoria. Looks like Denver is here to stay. Well, many have tried few have succeed.
10 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO I was in Denver a few years ago. I remember it being a nice city. Oh, how things change. It seems it has now been taken over by terrorists.
14 April 2012
303-249-9700 Denver, CO Saturday morning at 9:30. What the fuck? This will be their ninth call. Barely half way into the the month and these are on quite the streak. Here is a look at the last few calls I have received.
 |
| Telemarketer of the month |
310-409-2011 Los Angeles, CA Wow, it has been over a week since I had recieved a call. Maybe they are all distracted by the NHL Playoffs. I think this is the calm before the storm. They like to make a run for it at the end of the month. As always, I am prepared to ignore all telemarketing calls.
26 April 2012
617-390-4562 MA, USA Massachusetts, specifically the Boston region. Well, I guess that Game 7 lost to Washington last night brought out the assholes.
09 April 2012
Adipure Trainer vs. Komodosport LS
There are many reviews out there on both the Adidas Adipure Trainer and the Vibram Komodosport LS. There are some that compare and contrast the two. Well, here is another one. But what makes my review better than others, you ask? Actually, those reviews are probably better, so I will just keep this short. I just happen to have both styles and I got time to kill...so do you, so read on.
Keep in mind that is just my opinion and based on my foot. Your foot an opinion may vary.
I got a pair of Vibram's first, so I will start with those. Vibram is also the first to hit the market with 'toe shoes'. By the way
how does one pronounce 'Vibram'? I thought it was 'Vye-Bruhm', like
vibrate. But, I have heard 'Vee-Bramm'.
These are surprisingly comfortable. You would think that the glove like design would annoy your feet and the crotch of your toes. But, like I have told others, it is like wearing a thong...very comfortable and damn sexy...and no panty lines.
The thin soles and light weight construction allow your foot to move freely (like Ace). It offers moderate protection on the toes. You can see how the sole sort of wraps up to protect the toes. The shoe is designed for running and the wrap of the sole to the toes provides protection and smoother transition as your toes roll and push off, during a run. You have probably heard the name Vibram before. They have been makers of shoe soles for various companies for years. So, they know how to make a good sole.
Pros:
I also have a pair of Adidas Adipure Trainers. Why, you ask?
Because Mike Cammalleri uses them in his training and "I wanna be like
Mike". Keeping with the theme, how do you pronounce Adidas? Is it
'uh-Dee-dus' or 'Ah-di-Das'?
While these incorporate the separate toe design, they are quite different from the Vibram's. The Adipure Trainer fits a little tighter, while offering more support. They are designed for...well, training. More for the gym and cross training. The shoe is more suited for lateral movements and quick stops.
Pros:
Other than support and general fit, there is one major difference that
you should look out for. Notice the curve of the toes in the picture
above. The Vibram has sort of a nice gradual curve. The Adidas has
more of a constant slope. For my feet, the toes fit better in the
Vibram, since my big toe is equal length to (perhaps slightly shorter
than) my second toe. This leaves a little play room when I wear the
Adidas. My little toe also fits better in the Vibram's, as it feels a
little tight in the Adidas. This is not necessarily a bad thing since
it is part of the added support that the Vibram's do not have.
Both shoes are designed well for their purpose. Komodosport for running, Adipure Trainer for working out. Depending on what you need these for, that should be considered. Or, you can get both, like me. I suggest really trying them on at a store before purchasing, more so than regular shoes.
There are benefits to wearing toe shoes, as it helps align your toes to their natural position. Regular shoes tend to squeeze your toes together, giving you a narrower platform to stand on. Women (and some men) who wear high heel shoes will notice their toes are wedged together by the small toe box and full weight of the body forced onto the toes. The lower profile also forces you to walk more naturally and is better for your joints, especially knees and back. This is what the studies show...and I tend to believe people in lab coats.
Note that this is Adidas' first toe, so far only, toe shoe. Vibram has a variety of toe shoes in their FiveFingers line, each designed for specific uses. Both brands offer a variety of colours.
It does take a little getting used to. At first it will be very difficult to get all your toes in the appropriate toe boxes. Once you get the hang of it, you will love them.
Update - 12 September 2013: I have used the Adipure Trainer at the gym for over a year. Overall, they are great. The sole is starting to ware down, I can see it lasting at least another year. Good thing I was able to find another pair at the outlet store for about $20. So what if they are pink. I will rock the pink toe shoes.
Anyway, I had an issue with them last night. I attended a Body Combat (you know, like kick boxing) class. It was an hour of jumping, hip torquing, and lateral movement. The lateral moves, think sashaying, caused blisters at the base of both my big toes. I also do this thing where I sashay on the treadmill and noticed that there is a lot of rubbing in the big toe, potentially causing blisters. On the treadmill, I would stop. But in class, I just kept going.
Obviously, there is too much room in the big toe area, at least for me. Any equipment, like shoes, that do not fit snug will potentially cause blisters. The Adipure Trainer is probably not the best for lateral movements since your big toe is primarily used to push off on. Running is fine, I have been running on the treadmill with no problems.
Keep in mind that is just my opinion and based on my foot. Your foot an opinion may vary.
 |
| Vibram Komodosport LS |
These are surprisingly comfortable. You would think that the glove like design would annoy your feet and the crotch of your toes. But, like I have told others, it is like wearing a thong...very comfortable and damn sexy...and no panty lines.
The thin soles and light weight construction allow your foot to move freely (like Ace). It offers moderate protection on the toes. You can see how the sole sort of wraps up to protect the toes. The shoe is designed for running and the wrap of the sole to the toes provides protection and smoother transition as your toes roll and push off, during a run. You have probably heard the name Vibram before. They have been makers of shoe soles for various companies for years. So, they know how to make a good sole.
 | |
| Komodosport, top and bottom |
- Light weight - I wear a size 8 (40), and the pair weighs only 336 grams. For some reason, the left weighs 163 grams, right weighs 173 grams.
- Flexible - From the words of Ned Flanders, "feels like I'm wearing nothing at all."
- Very comfortable - Can be worn all day.
- Stylish - Takes a while to get used to the 'goofy' look of the shoe, but it is a great design.
- Removable foot bed - This is useful for airing out the shoe.
- Reflective elements on heel - Good for running or other activities at night.
- Not much protection on the top of the foot - Well, we are not using this to kick things.
- Can get smelly after a while - Made to be worn without socks, so sweat and other foot odors can accumulate. Luckily, it is machine washable.
- May not fit all feet - Like all shoes, you have to try then on and see if they are right for you. The unique design may prohibit some from being able to wear these.
- Not waterproof - Not for use in wet conditions
 |
| Adidas Adipure Trainer |
While these incorporate the separate toe design, they are quite different from the Vibram's. The Adipure Trainer fits a little tighter, while offering more support. They are designed for...well, training. More for the gym and cross training. The shoe is more suited for lateral movements and quick stops.
 |
| Adipure Trainer, top and bottom |
- Light weight - A size 8 weighs only 296 grams. Both shoes weigh the same at 148 grams.
- Flexible - Not as flexible as the Komodosport due to the sole being about twice the thickness. Compare to, say a Nike Free, the Adipure Trainer offers more flexibility.
- Comfortable - I have worn these for hours with no problems.
- Support - In addition to the thicker sole, the uppers offer more support than the Komodosport, since its purpose is for training (as apposed to running).
- Stylish - I think I might wear these to a wedding or some sort of formal event...or not.
- Not much protection on the top of the foot - Like the Komodosport, not designed for kicking things.
- No reflective elements - Not recommended for night use unless you have other lights or reflective clothing.
- Can get smelly - No socks means the shoe absorbs everything. Pretty sure you can throw into washing machine, easy fix.
- Graphics on foot bed rub off - Notice the inside of heel, the graphics tend to rub off as there are just screen printed on. Minor issue, but it come off onto your foot and can transfer onto your carpet.
- May not fit all feet - These have smaller toe boxes for support, yet have a larger heel cup. I feel a little movement in the heel when moving side to side.
- Not waterproof - Looks like it is, but is not
 |
| Comparing Vibram and Adidas |
Both shoes are designed well for their purpose. Komodosport for running, Adipure Trainer for working out. Depending on what you need these for, that should be considered. Or, you can get both, like me. I suggest really trying them on at a store before purchasing, more so than regular shoes.
There are benefits to wearing toe shoes, as it helps align your toes to their natural position. Regular shoes tend to squeeze your toes together, giving you a narrower platform to stand on. Women (and some men) who wear high heel shoes will notice their toes are wedged together by the small toe box and full weight of the body forced onto the toes. The lower profile also forces you to walk more naturally and is better for your joints, especially knees and back. This is what the studies show...and I tend to believe people in lab coats.
Note that this is Adidas' first toe, so far only, toe shoe. Vibram has a variety of toe shoes in their FiveFingers line, each designed for specific uses. Both brands offer a variety of colours.
It does take a little getting used to. At first it will be very difficult to get all your toes in the appropriate toe boxes. Once you get the hang of it, you will love them.
Update - 12 September 2013: I have used the Adipure Trainer at the gym for over a year. Overall, they are great. The sole is starting to ware down, I can see it lasting at least another year. Good thing I was able to find another pair at the outlet store for about $20. So what if they are pink. I will rock the pink toe shoes.
Anyway, I had an issue with them last night. I attended a Body Combat (you know, like kick boxing) class. It was an hour of jumping, hip torquing, and lateral movement. The lateral moves, think sashaying, caused blisters at the base of both my big toes. I also do this thing where I sashay on the treadmill and noticed that there is a lot of rubbing in the big toe, potentially causing blisters. On the treadmill, I would stop. But in class, I just kept going.
Obviously, there is too much room in the big toe area, at least for me. Any equipment, like shoes, that do not fit snug will potentially cause blisters. The Adipure Trainer is probably not the best for lateral movements since your big toe is primarily used to push off on. Running is fine, I have been running on the treadmill with no problems.
04 April 2012
Hold the Camera Still
There is a growing trend in television and movie making. Excessive camera movements. This new way of framing a shot has made many shows and films physically unwatchable for me. Known in some circles as "documentary style", the frame is never still. It is constantly zooming in and out, panning left and right, tilting up and down, trucking left and right, dollying in and out, and constantly adjusting focus.
Sometimes, this is the result of the camera operator not holding the camera still, or the effect is achieved in the editing stage. It could be a combination of both crappy techniques of movie making. Seriously, why would you want to shoot or manipulate your footage in a way that is distracting to the view and story you are telling? I find myself looking at the background and seeing how it relates to the frame. Kinda like watching the horizon against a side rail of a cruise ship during rough waters.
One of the more annoying moves is the 'swooping' of the camera to follow the action or dialogue. Imagine a camera strapped to a tennis empire as he follows the ball, that is what it is like. The Office is a prime example of this technique. While I am sure that it is a great show, the camera movements are horrendous. It feels like I am reading a book while riding a bike...on an unpaved road...downhill...in the dark...under water.
My theory is this dates back to The Blair Witch Project. Though I have not seen it, I have been told the the 'filming' is done by the characters using handheld video cameras. Oh, there is a term for that now..."found footage". That was just the beginning. What really gave this style 'legitimacy' was amateur videos, more specifically YouTube. The introduction and strength of YouTube, has made the amateur videographer virtual stars overnight while their video go viral.
Slight tangent. If it was truly 'found footage', there would be no cuts, repositioning, or over the shoulder shots when people are talking. Go ahead, watch Paranormal Activity. About a third into the movie, the couple talk to this expert about the activity...essentially an interview, like a talk show. You will notice a few cuts and repositioning of the camera. This should not happen in a found footage film, especially one that was suppose to be shot with one camera.
There is also seems to be a need to zoom in really close when there is action. You will notice this in fight scenes from recent movies. What they are trying to do is bring the viewer into the action, part of the fight and struggle. This works really well in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. James Cameron is a genius and knows how to shoot and frame a shot. Where is does not work is pretty much every fight scene in the past ten years. You cannot see what is happening, strapping a camera to one of the stuntman's chest is not a good way to film a fight scene. I want to see the two actors, not what could easily be stuntmen, fight...I want to see faces and know that those two actors are kicking each other's ass.
Heck, why not have shaky subtitles? Oh, yeah...because it will distract from reading the dialogue. Therefore, distract from telling the story.
Yes, I have played some first person shooter video games, and I enjoy them. But, I am controlling the camera. When I want to walk around the corner and look up and left, I do it. Ever try watching someone else play a first person shooter? Pretty hard to watch, eh? Again, great game...but hard to watch someone else play it.
Take side scrolling games. Sometimes more fun to watch someone else play than to play it yourself. Heck, you can even join in and play two players...because the frame is still and everyone in the room can enjoy the game...like a good movie. In a first person shooter, the only way to have multi players is to split the screen...unwatchable.
A good director and/or editor can control the viewer's eye with the staging of the talent in the shot, framing of the shot, and cutting of the scenes. There are times when shaky cam works. Most of the time, it is just an annoying effect that does not add to the story.
Sometimes, this is the result of the camera operator not holding the camera still, or the effect is achieved in the editing stage. It could be a combination of both crappy techniques of movie making. Seriously, why would you want to shoot or manipulate your footage in a way that is distracting to the view and story you are telling? I find myself looking at the background and seeing how it relates to the frame. Kinda like watching the horizon against a side rail of a cruise ship during rough waters.
One of the more annoying moves is the 'swooping' of the camera to follow the action or dialogue. Imagine a camera strapped to a tennis empire as he follows the ball, that is what it is like. The Office is a prime example of this technique. While I am sure that it is a great show, the camera movements are horrendous. It feels like I am reading a book while riding a bike...on an unpaved road...downhill...in the dark...under water.
My theory is this dates back to The Blair Witch Project. Though I have not seen it, I have been told the the 'filming' is done by the characters using handheld video cameras. Oh, there is a term for that now..."found footage". That was just the beginning. What really gave this style 'legitimacy' was amateur videos, more specifically YouTube. The introduction and strength of YouTube, has made the amateur videographer virtual stars overnight while their video go viral.
Slight tangent. If it was truly 'found footage', there would be no cuts, repositioning, or over the shoulder shots when people are talking. Go ahead, watch Paranormal Activity. About a third into the movie, the couple talk to this expert about the activity...essentially an interview, like a talk show. You will notice a few cuts and repositioning of the camera. This should not happen in a found footage film, especially one that was suppose to be shot with one camera.
There is also seems to be a need to zoom in really close when there is action. You will notice this in fight scenes from recent movies. What they are trying to do is bring the viewer into the action, part of the fight and struggle. This works really well in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. James Cameron is a genius and knows how to shoot and frame a shot. Where is does not work is pretty much every fight scene in the past ten years. You cannot see what is happening, strapping a camera to one of the stuntman's chest is not a good way to film a fight scene. I want to see the two actors, not what could easily be stuntmen, fight...I want to see faces and know that those two actors are kicking each other's ass.
Heck, why not have shaky subtitles? Oh, yeah...because it will distract from reading the dialogue. Therefore, distract from telling the story.
Yes, I have played some first person shooter video games, and I enjoy them. But, I am controlling the camera. When I want to walk around the corner and look up and left, I do it. Ever try watching someone else play a first person shooter? Pretty hard to watch, eh? Again, great game...but hard to watch someone else play it.
Take side scrolling games. Sometimes more fun to watch someone else play than to play it yourself. Heck, you can even join in and play two players...because the frame is still and everyone in the room can enjoy the game...like a good movie. In a first person shooter, the only way to have multi players is to split the screen...unwatchable.
A good director and/or editor can control the viewer's eye with the staging of the talent in the shot, framing of the shot, and cutting of the scenes. There are times when shaky cam works. Most of the time, it is just an annoying effect that does not add to the story.
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