Engineers Are Idiots...
At least those working for Learjet. I just spent the afternoon crammed upside down in the cockpit trying to insert 3 stinkin bolts that the goofballs decided needed to be nestled 6 inches up a blind crevice hidden by several overgrown wire bundles. And this was supposed to be their idea of a quick install method. I can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
What’s This? A BLOG?
Here it is. The post that the faithful few have stopped waiting for. The craptop computer is finally back up and running. Kind of. After a month of suffering through fatal errors and the never-ending blue screens of death, it was time for some work. Since I am not as computer literate as a post college kid should be, it took me awhile to get all the formatting and reinstalling done. The interesting part of the whole thing was that, after a week or so of not turning the thing on, I didn’t really miss it any more. It did feel a little weird to actually read a book instead of the internet, but an occasional throwback to the good ol’ days is ok.
The Subtle Change of Tune has begun its melodies once again.
Here it is. The post that the faithful few have stopped waiting for. The craptop computer is finally back up and running. Kind of. After a month of suffering through fatal errors and the never-ending blue screens of death, it was time for some work. Since I am not as computer literate as a post college kid should be, it took me awhile to get all the formatting and reinstalling done. The interesting part of the whole thing was that, after a week or so of not turning the thing on, I didn’t really miss it any more. It did feel a little weird to actually read a book instead of the internet, but an occasional throwback to the good ol’ days is ok.
The Subtle Change of Tune has begun its melodies once again.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Now I've Seen It All
Tonight I was watching another "absolutely dreadful" episode of American Idol, which really has nothing to do with the rest of the story unless you want to insert your own irony, when my mom popped in a Gather video that was inherited from my Grandma. It apparently was a sing along, and there were a bunch of those traveling family bands backed up by a choir of baptist bigwigs on stage like Mark Lowry and the old lady with the giant wig of frizzy white hair and a fake pearl necklace. (No, not Nancy Reagon, the other one.) As I stood up to walk out of the room none other than Terry Bradshaw came strutting across the stage. What in the world was a hall of fame quaterback turned annoying TV football commentator doing with the Gathers? Singing of course. It wasn't even that bad, for a football player. Who'da thunk it.
Tonight I was watching another "absolutely dreadful" episode of American Idol, which really has nothing to do with the rest of the story unless you want to insert your own irony, when my mom popped in a Gather video that was inherited from my Grandma. It apparently was a sing along, and there were a bunch of those traveling family bands backed up by a choir of baptist bigwigs on stage like Mark Lowry and the old lady with the giant wig of frizzy white hair and a fake pearl necklace. (No, not Nancy Reagon, the other one.) As I stood up to walk out of the room none other than Terry Bradshaw came strutting across the stage. What in the world was a hall of fame quaterback turned annoying TV football commentator doing with the Gathers? Singing of course. It wasn't even that bad, for a football player. Who'da thunk it.
Sunday, January 25, 2004
Blowing a Gasket
After making the final trip from Texas to Pennsylvania several weeks ago, my trusty Jetta decided it needed a break. On the way to church this morning I noticed the temperature gauge start to climb way above normal. Since I was only a mile from home, I decided to turn around and limp it back to my garage. It made it most of the way back before the water temperature idiot light started to blink at me, begging me to shut the engine down. Once in my driveway I popped the hood and found the expected steam and green slime oozing from the head gasket.
I spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon tearing apart my engine getting it ready for a new head gasket. Hopefully I will be able to pick it up tomorrow despite the expected snow storm that is supposed to sweep through the area overnight. On top of that, I need to find a way to get to work in the morning. I guess I'll be stealing my parent's car since they will probably have the day off. Lucky schoolteachers.
The Jetta is definitely starting to show its age. In addtion to the head gasket, it also needs four new tires, a power steering pump, several new exhaust components, new rear springs, (see previous posts), and something in the front suspension is now creating a terrible clunking noise everytime I transition from reverse to forward motion. I guess it may soon be time to part ways. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep it on life support. If only it had waited another couple of years.
After making the final trip from Texas to Pennsylvania several weeks ago, my trusty Jetta decided it needed a break. On the way to church this morning I noticed the temperature gauge start to climb way above normal. Since I was only a mile from home, I decided to turn around and limp it back to my garage. It made it most of the way back before the water temperature idiot light started to blink at me, begging me to shut the engine down. Once in my driveway I popped the hood and found the expected steam and green slime oozing from the head gasket.
I spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon tearing apart my engine getting it ready for a new head gasket. Hopefully I will be able to pick it up tomorrow despite the expected snow storm that is supposed to sweep through the area overnight. On top of that, I need to find a way to get to work in the morning. I guess I'll be stealing my parent's car since they will probably have the day off. Lucky schoolteachers.
The Jetta is definitely starting to show its age. In addtion to the head gasket, it also needs four new tires, a power steering pump, several new exhaust components, new rear springs, (see previous posts), and something in the front suspension is now creating a terrible clunking noise everytime I transition from reverse to forward motion. I guess it may soon be time to part ways. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep it on life support. If only it had waited another couple of years.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Nothing to Say
Having nothing to say, I leave it in the hands of the "experts."
But I also made it clear to [Vladimir Putin] that it's important to think beyond the old days of when we had the concept that if we blew each other up, the world would be safe." -George W. Bush, 2001
"For every fatal shooting, there were roughly three nonfatal shootings. And, folks, this is unacceptable in America. It's just unacceptable. And we're going to do something about it. -George W. Bush, 2001
Taken from the George W. Bushisms Daily Calandar. Expect more gems to come as they are uncovered.
Having nothing to say, I leave it in the hands of the "experts."
But I also made it clear to [Vladimir Putin] that it's important to think beyond the old days of when we had the concept that if we blew each other up, the world would be safe." -George W. Bush, 2001
"For every fatal shooting, there were roughly three nonfatal shootings. And, folks, this is unacceptable in America. It's just unacceptable. And we're going to do something about it. -George W. Bush, 2001
Taken from the George W. Bushisms Daily Calandar. Expect more gems to come as they are uncovered.
Saturday, January 17, 2004
By the Numbers
13 - Number of times driven either way between Longview TX and PA
1,350 - Mileage between the two points
17,550 - Estimated total miles driven on "The Trip" over the years
10 - Times I've driven pretty much straight through
2 - Record fewest number of stops
19 - Record fewest hours from start to finish
The Latest Experience:
10 - Broken down cars along the side of the road
2 - Number of those cars that looked older than mine
1.5 - Quarts of oil that needed to be added during the drive
39 - Gallons of gasoline my 1.8 cylinder engine drank along the way
4.5 million - estimated crankshaft revolutions (running at 3800 RPM)
2.5 - Estimated number of inches of travel left on my rear suspension after loading all my possesions
72 - Ounces of coffee consumed during the trip
18 - CD's enjoyed during the drive
1 - Trucks that ran of the road and almost flipped in front of me
1 - Times I thought I was going to die
0 - Times I ever want to drive that trip again
13 - Number of times driven either way between Longview TX and PA
1,350 - Mileage between the two points
17,550 - Estimated total miles driven on "The Trip" over the years
10 - Times I've driven pretty much straight through
2 - Record fewest number of stops
19 - Record fewest hours from start to finish
The Latest Experience:
10 - Broken down cars along the side of the road
2 - Number of those cars that looked older than mine
1.5 - Quarts of oil that needed to be added during the drive
39 - Gallons of gasoline my 1.8 cylinder engine drank along the way
4.5 million - estimated crankshaft revolutions (running at 3800 RPM)
2.5 - Estimated number of inches of travel left on my rear suspension after loading all my possesions
72 - Ounces of coffee consumed during the trip
18 - CD's enjoyed during the drive
1 - Trucks that ran of the road and almost flipped in front of me
1 - Times I thought I was going to die
0 - Times I ever want to drive that trip again
Friday, January 16, 2004
Saying Goodbye
The time came more quickly than I thought possible. After a whirlwind of last minute checkrides, graduation ceremonies and all that goes with them, Christmas break, and a week of doing nothing but fun back home in Longview I was suddenly stuck in a Starbuck's Cafe staring departure right in the face. By not initially setting a definite date I had thus far been able to avoid it in my mind. However, possible snow storms up north and upcoming job interviews forced the hand and it was time move on.
All in all I am ready and excited about the pending possibilities. I just wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye to my familiar life in Texas. Longview was my home for almost a fifth of my life and I never thought it would grow on me like it has. Good friends are a dangerous thing. They cause one to love places that have no reason to be enjoyed. Who would have thought places like the Waffle Shoppe, the king of "greasy spoon diners" and the worst coffee imaginable would be home to great memories of late night study sessions and eyebrow raising jelly poker games. I would have never guessed that Fast Freddy's, the run down, smoke filled pool hall that it is, would conjure memories of trying to impress a girl with my nonexistent pool skills (it worked for a while) and later fun times with my other poolshark minnow friends. How about resorting to opening a tasty beverage with jumper cables in the parking lot of a certain Texas Stadium, a location that, as a diehard Eagles fan, equates to the inner circle of hell itself? Ingenuity does indeed set us apart.
This was actually the second "promised land" exodus. Four years ago I couldn't wait to shake the dust from my sandals as I fled up 259 vowing "never again" to that godforsaken place. This time I couldn't really swallow until well past Dangerfield. Last time I was ecstatic to be "Homeward Bound." This time when Simon and Garfunkel's song played on the radio I couldn't help but "wish I were homeward bound."
The time came more quickly than I thought possible. After a whirlwind of last minute checkrides, graduation ceremonies and all that goes with them, Christmas break, and a week of doing nothing but fun back home in Longview I was suddenly stuck in a Starbuck's Cafe staring departure right in the face. By not initially setting a definite date I had thus far been able to avoid it in my mind. However, possible snow storms up north and upcoming job interviews forced the hand and it was time move on.
All in all I am ready and excited about the pending possibilities. I just wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye to my familiar life in Texas. Longview was my home for almost a fifth of my life and I never thought it would grow on me like it has. Good friends are a dangerous thing. They cause one to love places that have no reason to be enjoyed. Who would have thought places like the Waffle Shoppe, the king of "greasy spoon diners" and the worst coffee imaginable would be home to great memories of late night study sessions and eyebrow raising jelly poker games. I would have never guessed that Fast Freddy's, the run down, smoke filled pool hall that it is, would conjure memories of trying to impress a girl with my nonexistent pool skills (it worked for a while) and later fun times with my other pool
This was actually the second "promised land" exodus. Four years ago I couldn't wait to shake the dust from my sandals as I fled up 259 vowing "never again" to that godforsaken place. This time I couldn't really swallow until well past Dangerfield. Last time I was ecstatic to be "Homeward Bound." This time when Simon and Garfunkel's song played on the radio I couldn't help but "wish I were homeward bound."
Friday, January 02, 2004
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Checkride Jitters
The past several weeks have been full of little things that somehow swallowed up all my time. Classes have permanently closed their doors to me for several weeks now but, it wasn't until last friday that I could finally shut my books for a bit. The check ride that has been looming darkly on the horizon has come and gone in a wave of stressed nerves and urgent prayers.
This has been the sixth check ride of my flying career, and I think I have now figured out a way to best beat it without turning into nervously twitching wreck. I learned to face it in the same manner I imagine I would face fighting an unwinnable battle. I prepare myself for certain death. Once I resign myself to enevitable failure I can focus on performing my tasks without worrying about the formidable acheivement of performing everything perfectly.
This past friday I was able to face my examiner with the fortitude of a dead man ready to meet his executioner head on. I went down swinging. Somehow, when the smoke cleared after the three and a half hour oral exam, I was still standing, ready to preflight for the flight portion. Again, I climbed into the airplane prepared to fail, but ready to give him the best performance he had seen. An entire checklist of maneuvers later, I climbed out of the cockpit still alive and a multi-engine flight instructor to boot.
It is indeed an odd thing that preparing for failure with a resolve fight anyway gives an odd confidence and focus that allows one to succeed where a cocky assurance of success will only lead to failure.
The past several weeks have been full of little things that somehow swallowed up all my time. Classes have permanently closed their doors to me for several weeks now but, it wasn't until last friday that I could finally shut my books for a bit. The check ride that has been looming darkly on the horizon has come and gone in a wave of stressed nerves and urgent prayers.
This has been the sixth check ride of my flying career, and I think I have now figured out a way to best beat it without turning into nervously twitching wreck. I learned to face it in the same manner I imagine I would face fighting an unwinnable battle. I prepare myself for certain death. Once I resign myself to enevitable failure I can focus on performing my tasks without worrying about the formidable acheivement of performing everything perfectly.
This past friday I was able to face my examiner with the fortitude of a dead man ready to meet his executioner head on. I went down swinging. Somehow, when the smoke cleared after the three and a half hour oral exam, I was still standing, ready to preflight for the flight portion. Again, I climbed into the airplane prepared to fail, but ready to give him the best performance he had seen. An entire checklist of maneuvers later, I climbed out of the cockpit still alive and a multi-engine flight instructor to boot.
It is indeed an odd thing that preparing for failure with a resolve fight anyway gives an odd confidence and focus that allows one to succeed where a cocky assurance of success will only lead to failure.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Sleep, Good Coffee, and a Book I Want to Read
Yesterday was my last final. The week before, my last class. Gone forever are the days I have sit through classes I don't enjoy to get a piece of paper I don't really need. In two days I will take the walk across the stage to pick up that piece of paper (or at least the folder it is supposed to come in).
My college career ended, but it went more quietly than I anticipated. It just sort of faded away in the midst of preparation for other tests and checkrides. I guess that is the key. I don't really care about the degree. It isn't the degree I worked so hard for. My focus has always been on the Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Flight Instructor Certifications. It is those qualifications, not LeTourneau's piece of paper that has the chance of getting me somewhere in life. The degree has only been the backdrop.
Now I am left to finish up the odds and ends. I have a couple of written tests for the AMT certification, and the check ride still looms darkly on the horizon. But for now, life unfolds at a slower pace. There is nothing like a vacation in a setting that once was a frenzy of study and work to make one appreciate the extra couple hours of sleep. Now I can relax, drink good Costa Rican coffee and finish reading Homer's Odyssey. Life begins again after the Christmas season. Or is this life and all else merely unnecessary craziness?
Yesterday was my last final. The week before, my last class. Gone forever are the days I have sit through classes I don't enjoy to get a piece of paper I don't really need. In two days I will take the walk across the stage to pick up that piece of paper (or at least the folder it is supposed to come in).
My college career ended, but it went more quietly than I anticipated. It just sort of faded away in the midst of preparation for other tests and checkrides. I guess that is the key. I don't really care about the degree. It isn't the degree I worked so hard for. My focus has always been on the Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Flight Instructor Certifications. It is those qualifications, not LeTourneau's piece of paper that has the chance of getting me somewhere in life. The degree has only been the backdrop.
Now I am left to finish up the odds and ends. I have a couple of written tests for the AMT certification, and the check ride still looms darkly on the horizon. But for now, life unfolds at a slower pace. There is nothing like a vacation in a setting that once was a frenzy of study and work to make one appreciate the extra couple hours of sleep. Now I can relax, drink good Costa Rican coffee and finish reading Homer's Odyssey. Life begins again after the Christmas season. Or is this life and all else merely unnecessary craziness?
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
MayWhat?
Rants and Delusions
What do you get when you combine a 550hp twin turbocharged V-12 engine with fully reclineable rear seats, bulletproof glass and a built in microfridge? An ultimate $400,000 luxury car that out accelerates and slaloms the Corvette. AKA Maybach 62. Check out the features here or visit their graphic intensive site here.
Rants and Delusions
What do you get when you combine a 550hp twin turbocharged V-12 engine with fully reclineable rear seats, bulletproof glass and a built in microfridge? An ultimate $400,000 luxury car that out accelerates and slaloms the Corvette. AKA Maybach 62. Check out the features here or visit their graphic intensive site here.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Eagles Rivalry Takes Flight
Rants and Delusions
"What looked like an ordinary Monday around the city of Dallas was surely something else in the city of Philadelphia. It was Day One in a seven-day countdown to Armageddon." This was a quote I found in yesterday's Dallas Morning News. I think this town is finally figuring out what I have known all my life. "These [Eagles fans] really hate the Cowboys."
During the Eagles and Cowboys last meeting on Oct 12, I ventured into that dreadful Texas Stadium to watch what I hoped would be an exciting win on the road against the hated Cowboys. What I saw was an injury stricken Eagle team lose to their Dallas rivals. On a side note, I was also suprised by the amount of green jerseys I saw. If the roles were reversed and I ventured intoVeterens Stadium Lincoln Financial Field wearing a cowboys jersey I wouldn't make it to my seat without having my shirt torn to shreds along with my upper torso.
This rivaly has been going on since the days of Tom Landy and Buddy Ryan. At one point Ryan put a bounty of several hundred dollars to take out the kicker and the quarterback. They got the kicker by Aikman managed to escape. Philadelphia fans are notorious for their lack of respect for anything sacred. They cheared when a certain cowboy's wide receiver went down with a career ending neck injury. Ed Rendell, now governor of PA, once started a snowball fight during a game against Dallas that forced the chearleaders to evacuate the sidelines. The old Veterans Stadium, and I'm assuming new Lincoln Financial Field, has a built in prison and judge to deal with crowd infractions. They have even booed the arrival of Santa Claus.
Back to the upcoming game. This Sunday the 9-3 Eagles are hosting the 8-4 Cowboys in what is being called a revenge match even by several of the Eagles players. Dallas needs to win at least two of their next four games to make the playoffs. The Eagles are hoping to remain on top of the NFC East and continue a 7 game winning streak that started after their 23 - 21 loss to the Cowboys earlier this season. This is going to be a good one. I'm pumped already.
UPDATE: After the first half it wasn't even close. The Cowboy's couldn't get any throwing game going and the Eagles ended up jogging to a 35-10 victory. It was everything I thought it could be.
Rants and Delusions
"What looked like an ordinary Monday around the city of Dallas was surely something else in the city of Philadelphia. It was Day One in a seven-day countdown to Armageddon." This was a quote I found in yesterday's Dallas Morning News. I think this town is finally figuring out what I have known all my life. "These [Eagles fans] really hate the Cowboys."
During the Eagles and Cowboys last meeting on Oct 12, I ventured into that dreadful Texas Stadium to watch what I hoped would be an exciting win on the road against the hated Cowboys. What I saw was an injury stricken Eagle team lose to their Dallas rivals. On a side note, I was also suprised by the amount of green jerseys I saw. If the roles were reversed and I ventured into
This rivaly has been going on since the days of Tom Landy and Buddy Ryan. At one point Ryan put a bounty of several hundred dollars to take out the kicker and the quarterback. They got the kicker by Aikman managed to escape. Philadelphia fans are notorious for their lack of respect for anything sacred. They cheared when a certain cowboy's wide receiver went down with a career ending neck injury. Ed Rendell, now governor of PA, once started a snowball fight during a game against Dallas that forced the chearleaders to evacuate the sidelines. The old Veterans Stadium, and I'm assuming new Lincoln Financial Field, has a built in prison and judge to deal with crowd infractions. They have even booed the arrival of Santa Claus.
Back to the upcoming game. This Sunday the 9-3 Eagles are hosting the 8-4 Cowboys in what is being called a revenge match even by several of the Eagles players. Dallas needs to win at least two of their next four games to make the playoffs. The Eagles are hoping to remain on top of the NFC East and continue a 7 game winning streak that started after their 23 - 21 loss to the Cowboys earlier this season. This is going to be a good one. I'm pumped already.
UPDATE: After the first half it wasn't even close. The Cowboy's couldn't get any throwing game going and the Eagles ended up jogging to a 35-10 victory. It was everything I thought it could be.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
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.
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.
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?
Friday, October 31, 2003
Back in Business
Rants and Delusions
My laptop just arrived back from the repair shop, and with it renewed faith in the customer service of Best Buy. For the better part of 5 years I have done nothing but (justly) berate the actions of the Best Buy customer service desk. Over the past 5 years I needed to have my computer serviced no less than 6 times. (On a side note - NEVER BUY A COMPAQ!) Each time it has taken over an hour at the desk followed by at least a 30 day wait while they shipped it off. Apparently they have revised some of their service provisions. Today was only day four of my wait. They fixed what ailed the piece of junk I call my computer (a plug for my cord that wasn't making any electrical connection and a floppy screen) and even threw in a extra battery for good measure. Now if only it will break one more time before the end of December allowing me to get another free replacement courtesy of the lemon law clause of my warranty agreement...
Rants and Delusions
My laptop just arrived back from the repair shop, and with it renewed faith in the customer service of Best Buy. For the better part of 5 years I have done nothing but (justly) berate the actions of the Best Buy customer service desk. Over the past 5 years I needed to have my computer serviced no less than 6 times. (On a side note - NEVER BUY A COMPAQ!) Each time it has taken over an hour at the desk followed by at least a 30 day wait while they shipped it off. Apparently they have revised some of their service provisions. Today was only day four of my wait. They fixed what ailed the piece of junk I call my computer (a plug for my cord that wasn't making any electrical connection and a floppy screen) and even threw in a extra battery for good measure. Now if only it will break one more time before the end of December allowing me to get another free replacement courtesy of the lemon law clause of my warranty agreement...
Friday, October 03, 2003
Hey Loser, Come To LeTourneau
The Casual Cynic
While flipping through the latest edition of Sports Illustrated, I came across something that looked vaguely familier. It was the LeTouneau bell tower. Then I read the ad. In big, bold lettering,
"Your Dreams.
Chances are they won't come true in the big leagues. Better be prepared."
Then it said something about getting a degree at any of its many campuses.
LeTourneau University, the home for losers and failures the country over. What kind of marketing is that?
The Casual Cynic
While flipping through the latest edition of Sports Illustrated, I came across something that looked vaguely familier. It was the LeTouneau bell tower. Then I read the ad. In big, bold lettering,
"Your Dreams.
Chances are they won't come true in the big leagues. Better be prepared."
Then it said something about getting a degree at any of its many campuses.
LeTourneau University, the home for losers and failures the country over. What kind of marketing is that?