Taylor’s ceramic artwork “given to me” from 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
One would think that I would look forward to replacing a couple old computers, the pile of wires and CRT monitors with a new 27” iMac 3.4ghz i7 computer … well yes and no. It certainly is well past time to retire my wimpy Mac Mini, my Mac G4 (still running OS 9) and an old Dell Dimension (still running Windows 2000 and rarely used). Still, these old faithful’s are as comfortable as a pair of well loved shoes — but perhaps the surprise loss is where to put all of the prized art that adorned the tops of my CRTs. These masterpieces have been given through the years by my children and I’m struggling with moving them anywhere else as that new thin screened iMac isn’t going hold my art collection anymore!
Posting a video test of Glympse tracking Katelyn and Drew heading home from Columbus in real time. Impressive detail as to where they are and the speed they are traveling.
Sailing friends Ben Eriksen and Teresa Carey, a couple I’ve posted on previously (1, 2) continue to edit and upload video tidbits that I assume will eventually be used in their upcoming sailing movie One Simple Question. The segment below highlights what life is like on a small sailboat on bluewater passages … particularly “watch keeping or watch standing.” Great stuff.
The Swedish automaker Volvo will be showing their new plug-in V60 diesel hybrid at the New York auto show later this month according to reports in the automotive press. This new information may hint that Volvo is considering bringing their pricey new hybrid to the U.S. after all; initially reports suggested it would only be available in Europe.
The V60 Plug-In features a 2.4L D5 turbodiesel engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear axle, giving the hybrid all-wheel drive. The diesel engine is rated at 215 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, with the electric motor adding 70 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, netting a total system output of 285 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. Volvo says the hybrid wagon can accelerate from 0-62 in just 6.1 seconds. The V60 Plug-In can cover 31 miles in electric-only mode and is capable of 130mpg in hybrid mode.
The addition of a new bluetooth Jambox speaker has certainly improved the audio quality of my iPad … AND the new Postie plug-in for WordPress looks to be a great replacement for Posterous (shutting down next month).
Here’s a 2 minute snippet from the iPhone of a post to our EAA284 site. Let’s see if the video shows up via Postie.
EDIT: Still had to tweak the code … but I’m learning to post via email.
Occasionally I make one of those spur-of-the-moment impulse purchases that doesn’t give me buyer’s remorse. I have been wanting a bluetooth speaker to improve the sound coming from my iPhone or iPad without resorting to plugging in the 3.5mm cable or using earbuds. I thought, “hmm, this will work great on the desk and even better when traveling or on the boat.”
So I purchase a small Jawbone Jambox was listed on Ebay for half the normal listed price not really expecting much more than portable speakers, but was instead very impressed … AND it even came in the more subdued black color as opposed to the bright colors (below). Yes, it was still expensive considering its an electronic gadget that will most likely collect more dust that get used, but boy was I surprise by the sound quality when it arrived. Very impressive to this “one eared” guy. Even better, it doubles as a decent speakerphone.
Biggest Sound, Smallest Package
JAMBOX delivers stunning hi-fi audio in a portable wireless speaker so compact you won’t believe it when you hear it. Unlike other portable speakers, JAMBOX is powered by a pair of proprietary, highly sophisticated acoustic drivers, unmatched in their ability to produce extreme high (tweeter) and low (woofer) frequencies from a single, ultra-small dome speaker. They work in concert with an innovative moving-wall passive bass radiator and airtight enclosure to deliver shimmering highs and thumping lows that you can literally feel – the richest sound all in the palm of your hand.
Well just because I didn’t include commentary or photos from Katelyn’s wedding shower this past Saturday, doesn’t mean it wasn’t important; I can take a hint and will include a few of Brenda’s snapshots over lunch today (sorry if I missed someone). As the subject line says: “No offense intended.”
I can’t vouch for the fact that it was a “nice event,” but according to “my sources” they all have a good time (I’m still glad Taylor and I were in Columbus!)
Katelyn’s fiancé Drew invited both his dad and me to join his groomsmen to a full day of fun in Columbus for his bachelor party (it was also his brother Tyler’s bachelor party – almost the same guys. Left to right below: Colin, Tyler, Rich, Taylor, Drew, Randy and Carson). We started by meeting for breakfast and shortly after worked up a sweat playing laser tag (Taylor’s sweat was good for a laugh the rest of the afternoon). We had a great time, although I obviously do not have this laser tag thing figured out – next time perhaps?
Next up, 9 holes of “virtual golf” (a few photos below) and a quick lunch at Firehouse subs followed by touring the Columbus autoshow, which just happened to be downtown this weekend. Probably a bad choice since I was distracted and ended up checking out the new Volkswagen TDIs on display.
All in all, the day worked out perfectly since both Taylor and I had to be out of the house while Brenda’s sister Chris and her girls hosted a bridal shower for Katelyn at our house in Cincinnati (they had a great time too.)
I included the Beetle TDI convertible for Brenda and “we” made sure to forward a photo of the Tiguan for Katelyn … most likely her next car IF it shows up in diesel.
While Brenda spends the week getting the house ready for an in town bridal shower for Katelyn, Taylor and I did our best to stay out of her way. We decided to replaced the rear brakes on his Volkswagen GTI earlier this week while he was home on spring break … although am sure he would have rather been some place sunny?
As is the norm for VWs, the rear brakes wear quicker than the front – I have heard that this is by design and prevents the nose diving that is common with many manufacturers. (???) This was the first brakes for Taylor’s 2007 car and he did an excellent job. We opted for the less expensive Autozone “house brand” brakes that offer a lifetime replacement warranty. I’ve used these brakes before my VW, as well as Katelyn’s TDI and Brenda’s RAV4, and smile each time I return the worn brakes pads (and lifetime rotors for the Toyota) and get new parts for free!
I’m also closer to getting the basement … and in particular my workshop … back together. Since the equipment was mostly in the garage, it was a good time to strip the tile floors and put some fresh wax back it. (almost too nice to mess up again!)
