If Only
Spare Parts and Left Over Screws
I finally got around to checking out the Emode Tests that were the talk of the blogs about six months ago. It gave me an IQ of 135 which apparently would put me in the top two percent of the population. If only these things told the truth...
UPDATE: I retook another one and got a 112. Maybe that one is right. Perhaps it is somewhere in between. It just goes to show you can't trust any type of psychology.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
What Is Going On?
Rants and Delusions
Something very odd just crossed my mind. It all started when I popped in my new Richard Wagner CD. I thoroughly enjoyed it and started reading a bit more about him. It was at that point I realized I need more sleep. The thought occured to me that perhaps I would enjoy his 15 hour opera entitled Der Ring des Nibelungen. It is rumored to be the greatest work of art of all time. Well, maybe some other day.
Rants and Delusions
Something very odd just crossed my mind. It all started when I popped in my new Richard Wagner CD. I thoroughly enjoyed it and started reading a bit more about him. It was at that point I realized I need more sleep. The thought occured to me that perhaps I would enjoy his 15 hour opera entitled Der Ring des Nibelungen. It is rumored to be the greatest work of art of all time. Well, maybe some other day.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Start of the Lasts
Rants and Delusions
The time has come. I'm starting to watch as the lasts fly by. Wednesday I put the finishing touches on the last research paper I will ever write. Yesterday I played in my last intramural game. I can't believe we lost. Frustrating, isn't it? I guess that is how it goes when graduation is only three weeks away.
Rants and Delusions
The time has come. I'm starting to watch as the lasts fly by. Wednesday I put the finishing touches on the last research paper I will ever write. Yesterday I played in my last intramural game. I can't believe we lost. Frustrating, isn't it? I guess that is how it goes when graduation is only three weeks away.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Fly SkyHigh Airlines
Spare Parts and Leftover Screws
Finally, an airline with a sense of humor. Visit SkyHigh Airlines to find out where in the world your luggage went, how best to survive a night in an unknown terminal, or how your drink container can double as a barf bag.
Spare Parts and Leftover Screws
Finally, an airline with a sense of humor. Visit SkyHigh Airlines to find out where in the world your luggage went, how best to survive a night in an unknown terminal, or how your drink container can double as a barf bag.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Happenings
Rants and Delusions
It's been awhile since I've posted. No, I haven't abandoned the blog. Life just exploded into craziness. I am in the process of cramming everything I learned over the past five years (and should have learned - which makes it more of a substantial amount) in an attempt to pass the FAA sanctioned Hell Weekend known as the Orals and Practicals. Up to 20 hours of pure testing pleasure for my enjoyment.
On a bright note I discovered that the Wing Stop has the best wings I've found this far south. Check it out if you are in Longview, specifically on the corner of Gilmer road and the Loop. The familiar taste a good wing (or twenty) went very well with the Eagles win over the Packers on Monday night. (I don't feel like giving links right now. Look them up yourself) Hopefully Philly has begun the climb back into their rightful place at the top of the NFC East.
Until this weekend is over, I'm signing off.
Rants and Delusions
It's been awhile since I've posted. No, I haven't abandoned the blog. Life just exploded into craziness. I am in the process of cramming everything I learned over the past five years (and should have learned - which makes it more of a substantial amount) in an attempt to pass the FAA sanctioned Hell Weekend known as the Orals and Practicals. Up to 20 hours of pure testing pleasure for my enjoyment.
On a bright note I discovered that the Wing Stop has the best wings I've found this far south. Check it out if you are in Longview, specifically on the corner of Gilmer road and the Loop. The familiar taste a good wing (or twenty) went very well with the Eagles win over the Packers on Monday night. (I don't feel like giving links right now. Look them up yourself) Hopefully Philly has begun the climb back into their rightful place at the top of the NFC East.
Until this weekend is over, I'm signing off.
Monday, November 03, 2003
Drive It Like You Stole It
The Casual Cynic
If you ever have the oportunity to mash the pedal to the metal of a brand new Corvette take it, but make sure there is no driving pro preventing you from turning off the traction control. Yesterday I had the opportunity to take advantage of an invitation to check out, free of charge, the majority of GM's automotive lineup as well as some of the competition. This was all part of the Auto Show in Motion promotion they are doing. While I was able to test numerous cars, the track and time limitations prevented me from really seeing what they could do. However here is a list of some first impressions I came home with.
Dodge Ram (yeah it had a hemi) This was the first truck of the day I drove. It reminded me how far trucks had come as far as comfort. I'm sure it tows a bunch and you can dump a ton (or half-ton) of bricks in the back, but I wouldn't know. What I do know is that I like the black on white gauges and overall feel of the interior. It wouldn't make a bad daily driver, except for the required ritual morning stop for gas on the way to work. Verdict: If I'm stuck in Texas for much longer this may be an option
Chevrolet Silveraldo SS Great feel for a truck. Liked the black on white gauges and hint of a slightly tuned exhaust. Took the 25 mph max course like a pro. Verdict: would like another shot at a test drive.
Chevy Trailblazer It was like climbing into a cookie box. There was nothing to catch my eye, and the lack of any real ammenities in the cabin did not justify the $35G price tag whatsoever. From what I could tell on the course, the handling was nothing to get excited about. Verdict: boring
Chevy Monte Carlo SS Here is a car I could drive for a while. It's amazingly comfortable interior (even the back) made this the road trip car of choice (except perhaps the Cadillac but we'll get to that.) Performed very well at 30 mph and got there in a hurry. Verdict: Could handle driving this again.
Chevrolet Corvette Definitely the longest wait of the day, but it was entertaining watching everybody mis-shift the poor cars. They had several Z06's, a convertible, some coupes, and several anniversary edition corvettes available. My luck of the draw was the coupe. There was no limit to how fast you could drive except the sarcastic cheering when a wannabe driver arrived back from taking out some cones. The only limit was the traction control. That was huge. I couldn't even get a chirp when I mashed it, but it did allow me to accelerate pretty quickly. I must say I was a bit disappointed in its performance. I took it to the edge around the corners and while it was impressive, it wasn't amazing. The engine is a work of art, beautifully balanced and mean as anything. The cabin was quite cozy and it let you know it wasn't your moms minivan, but I think it was Cake that sang about seat belts and bucket seats... Verdict: Still a very cool car in my mind. If only I hadn't gone to LU. I could have bought two.
Caldillac SRX This was one of the biggest surprises of the day. I liked it. Due to its almost wagon size, it didn't feel like a SUV. I think it will avoid the stigma of the SUV that could go off road but never will. This is not a truck. What really impressed me was the spaciousness of the interior. There was plenty of glass all around, and the sunroof extended all the way back to the rear seats. In that respect, it would be a perfect safari vehicle if it were a Land Cruiser instead of a Cadillac. It handled pretty well, and the ride was nice and smooth, but not too soft. Verdict: If I had a family and $40G, this would be one of my first picks.
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Now here is a car worth driving. It has plenty of power, plenty of options, and plenty of cool. I especially like the paddle shifting on the steering wheel, which worked much more instantaneously than the SAAB. The verdict: I'd think about buying one if I wanted to spend that kind of money.
Pontiac Aztec I just drove this one because there was no line (wonder why?). It is as ugly on the inside as is it from a distance. I thought the "O crap" handle prominately mounted on the dash was a interesting bit of design "huh?" Verdict: I felt like I had to wash my hands after driving this one.
Saab 9-3 I drove this car out of curiosity. I was a bit disappointed. For starters, forget the computerized radio that warns you not to change it while driving because it is too stinkin confusing to operate. The clutchless shifting (whatever they call their version of the autostick) had far too much delay and would drive me nuts. Visibility was pretty poor, especially in the coupe (in the convertible they only limitation was the A-piller - and what an a-piller it was). Verdict: Disappointed
Mercedes Benz C320 Here was the disappointment of the day. I was not impressed whatsoever. The entire car had a chintzy feel to it. The steering was heavy and unresponsive. The fake wood accents were tacky, especially the psuedo-scroll top type cover for the center console compartment. The passenger seat was broken in the far aft position - not a good sign. The only neat gimmick in the car was a button on the front dash that retracted the rear headrests for better visibility. You could have fun with a sleeping back seat passenger. Verdict: Absolutely horrible
Cadillac XLR This one you couldn't drive. I did get to sit in it though. From the moment my rear hit the leather I knew it would be a good fit. This car wrapped me like nothing else. I had a sudden urge for a martini - shaken, not stirred. Finally an american company that knows classy. It has all the elements, great lines and distinct edges, beautiful wood inlays, jewelry grade instrument cluster, convertible. What more could you ask for? Verdict: I can't believe it is a cadillac. Great job.
H2 Don't know. Didn't wait in line to find out. Didn't think it is worth it. Verdict: I still don't see why you would want a pansey version of the hummer. What's the point?
The Casual Cynic
If you ever have the oportunity to mash the pedal to the metal of a brand new Corvette take it, but make sure there is no driving pro preventing you from turning off the traction control. Yesterday I had the opportunity to take advantage of an invitation to check out, free of charge, the majority of GM's automotive lineup as well as some of the competition. This was all part of the Auto Show in Motion promotion they are doing. While I was able to test numerous cars, the track and time limitations prevented me from really seeing what they could do. However here is a list of some first impressions I came home with.
Dodge Ram (yeah it had a hemi) This was the first truck of the day I drove. It reminded me how far trucks had come as far as comfort. I'm sure it tows a bunch and you can dump a ton (or half-ton) of bricks in the back, but I wouldn't know. What I do know is that I like the black on white gauges and overall feel of the interior. It wouldn't make a bad daily driver, except for the required ritual morning stop for gas on the way to work. Verdict: If I'm stuck in Texas for much longer this may be an option
Chevrolet Silveraldo SS Great feel for a truck. Liked the black on white gauges and hint of a slightly tuned exhaust. Took the 25 mph max course like a pro. Verdict: would like another shot at a test drive.
Chevy Trailblazer It was like climbing into a cookie box. There was nothing to catch my eye, and the lack of any real ammenities in the cabin did not justify the $35G price tag whatsoever. From what I could tell on the course, the handling was nothing to get excited about. Verdict: boring
Chevy Monte Carlo SS Here is a car I could drive for a while. It's amazingly comfortable interior (even the back) made this the road trip car of choice (except perhaps the Cadillac but we'll get to that.) Performed very well at 30 mph and got there in a hurry. Verdict: Could handle driving this again.
Chevrolet Corvette Definitely the longest wait of the day, but it was entertaining watching everybody mis-shift the poor cars. They had several Z06's, a convertible, some coupes, and several anniversary edition corvettes available. My luck of the draw was the coupe. There was no limit to how fast you could drive except the sarcastic cheering when a wannabe driver arrived back from taking out some cones. The only limit was the traction control. That was huge. I couldn't even get a chirp when I mashed it, but it did allow me to accelerate pretty quickly. I must say I was a bit disappointed in its performance. I took it to the edge around the corners and while it was impressive, it wasn't amazing. The engine is a work of art, beautifully balanced and mean as anything. The cabin was quite cozy and it let you know it wasn't your moms minivan, but I think it was Cake that sang about seat belts and bucket seats... Verdict: Still a very cool car in my mind. If only I hadn't gone to LU. I could have bought two.
Caldillac SRX This was one of the biggest surprises of the day. I liked it. Due to its almost wagon size, it didn't feel like a SUV. I think it will avoid the stigma of the SUV that could go off road but never will. This is not a truck. What really impressed me was the spaciousness of the interior. There was plenty of glass all around, and the sunroof extended all the way back to the rear seats. In that respect, it would be a perfect safari vehicle if it were a Land Cruiser instead of a Cadillac. It handled pretty well, and the ride was nice and smooth, but not too soft. Verdict: If I had a family and $40G, this would be one of my first picks.
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Now here is a car worth driving. It has plenty of power, plenty of options, and plenty of cool. I especially like the paddle shifting on the steering wheel, which worked much more instantaneously than the SAAB. The verdict: I'd think about buying one if I wanted to spend that kind of money.
Pontiac Aztec I just drove this one because there was no line (wonder why?). It is as ugly on the inside as is it from a distance. I thought the "O crap" handle prominately mounted on the dash was a interesting bit of design "huh?" Verdict: I felt like I had to wash my hands after driving this one.
Saab 9-3 I drove this car out of curiosity. I was a bit disappointed. For starters, forget the computerized radio that warns you not to change it while driving because it is too stinkin confusing to operate. The clutchless shifting (whatever they call their version of the autostick) had far too much delay and would drive me nuts. Visibility was pretty poor, especially in the coupe (in the convertible they only limitation was the A-piller - and what an a-piller it was). Verdict: Disappointed
Mercedes Benz C320 Here was the disappointment of the day. I was not impressed whatsoever. The entire car had a chintzy feel to it. The steering was heavy and unresponsive. The fake wood accents were tacky, especially the psuedo-scroll top type cover for the center console compartment. The passenger seat was broken in the far aft position - not a good sign. The only neat gimmick in the car was a button on the front dash that retracted the rear headrests for better visibility. You could have fun with a sleeping back seat passenger. Verdict: Absolutely horrible
Cadillac XLR This one you couldn't drive. I did get to sit in it though. From the moment my rear hit the leather I knew it would be a good fit. This car wrapped me like nothing else. I had a sudden urge for a martini - shaken, not stirred. Finally an american company that knows classy. It has all the elements, great lines and distinct edges, beautiful wood inlays, jewelry grade instrument cluster, convertible. What more could you ask for? Verdict: I can't believe it is a cadillac. Great job.
H2 Don't know. Didn't wait in line to find out. Didn't think it is worth it. Verdict: I still don't see why you would want a pansey version of the hummer. What's the point?