Here are some Simpsons Intro that you may not have seen!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Blast from the past -- Mechwarrior
I definitely spent a good portion of my childhood day playing this video game on my trusty Pentium processor. Yes, the original Pentium. At the time this was the most advanced video game they produced. Too bad the actual game play was nothing like the intro videos, but still fun to watch and remember a time when computers were slow and modem operated at 2,400 baud.
Mechwarrior 2:
Mechwarrior 3:
Mechwarrior 4:
Mechwarrior 5 (TBD):
Mechwarrior 2:
Mechwarrior 3:
Mechwarrior 4:
Mechwarrior 5 (TBD):
Videos from the AMG SLS experience
Since I personally don't own a camera, I have limited footage of the event, especially the videos. Most of the media you see here is from my trusty girlfriend as well as from other attendees of the event who were gracious enough to share.
Below are several more videos that gives you a glimpse of the performance as well as the intoxicating sound of the new Mercedes-AMG SLS. The videos may require a Facebook account to view.
Video #2 was the taxi ride I rode that almost caused me to leave my launch in the Mercedes-AMG SLS. I was definitely dry heaving like a drunk freshman for a good portion of the afternoon after the interview with Matthew K (he caught me right when I completed my taxi ride).
Video #3 was one of the training modules that we experienced early on in the morning. After our short lecture and orientation in the "tent" (it was really a very well furnished semi-permanent building) we all piled into C63 AMG as well as CLK Black series to do lead-follow practice with our instructors.
Below are several more videos that gives you a glimpse of the performance as well as the intoxicating sound of the new Mercedes-AMG SLS. The videos may require a Facebook account to view.
- A lap at Laguna Seca Raceway with Tommy Kendall [HQ]
- Bernd Maylander out of Turn 11 at Laguna Seca Raceway [HD]
- Down the Corkscrew [HD]
- TK ripping through the Corkscrew in an SLS AMG [HD]
Video #2 was the taxi ride I rode that almost caused me to leave my launch in the Mercedes-AMG SLS. I was definitely dry heaving like a drunk freshman for a good portion of the afternoon after the interview with Matthew K (he caught me right when I completed my taxi ride).
Video #3 was one of the training modules that we experienced early on in the morning. After our short lecture and orientation in the "tent" (it was really a very well furnished semi-permanent building) we all piled into C63 AMG as well as CLK Black series to do lead-follow practice with our instructors.
My debut on Youtube
My debut on Youtube. I just completed my taxi lap around the track with Bernd Maylander. I was dazed, confused, and trying not to throw up on this guy as he's interviewing me. Awesome.
Matthew K. was the first individual I met when I arrived and signed in to the AMG SLS event. As part of his job, he travels extensively and gets the honor of driving various vehicles.
Matthew is a very cheery individual who loves cars, but doesn't own one himself. From conversations my girlfriend has with him, he just can't decide. Matthew sounds very much indecisive like myself, except I have a beat up 1996 Volvo.
Matthew's site's privacy policy is from Daimler. My guess is that he is part of Mercedes Benz. Not a bad job!
Matthew K. was the first individual I met when I arrived and signed in to the AMG SLS event. As part of his job, he travels extensively and gets the honor of driving various vehicles.
Matthew is a very cheery individual who loves cars, but doesn't own one himself. From conversations my girlfriend has with him, he just can't decide. Matthew sounds very much indecisive like myself, except I have a beat up 1996 Volvo.
Matthew's site's privacy policy is from Daimler. My guess is that he is part of Mercedes Benz. Not a bad job!
Monday, November 23, 2009
The baby Mercedes AMG "SLS"
As cool and unique as the SLS and it's gullwing doors are -- it is very impractical. Maybe I just have really short arms, but when I sit down in the low slung body of the coupe, and buckle in, I cannot for the life of me reach the door handles. During the AMG driving academy, I was many times assisted by very friendly and helpful instructors and employees. Unfortunately, I don't make enough to have them around all the time if I ever do own one.
One project that does show some promise is the new "baby SLS". Although the representative from AMG did say they are not planning to reuse the current SLS platform for any other vehicles (I asked the question myself and heard from the man himself over dinner), it does not stop them for reusing the technology to build a secondary platform for a smaller, and cheaper sibling.
One project that does show some promise is the new "baby SLS". Although the representative from AMG did say they are not planning to reuse the current SLS platform for any other vehicles (I asked the question myself and heard from the man himself over dinner), it does not stop them for reusing the technology to build a secondary platform for a smaller, and cheaper sibling.
The sibling is expected to have a much shorter nose (current SLS nose tip to windshield is almost 9 meters) and regular doors. The car is also expected to retain it's front mid engine layout and 7-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission. The result is both in performance and price a vehicle that is destined to compete with the Porsche 911s and Audi R8s of the world. Because of the shorter overhang, the vehicle should also be much more nimble while retaining and possibly improving the near 50-50 balance of the SLS.
This may be my potential next car. The vehicle that both allows me to keep my promise of "AMG for life" as well as stays within my budget. Then again, considering how my current13 year old Volvo 850 Turbo ("Nismobile") is doing, I may end up with both a C63 AMG estate (if they ever come to the States) and this sporty little number on the weekends. Volvo has the reputation of lasting for life, but unfortunately this current example has been through the torture of my mother. During these past few weeks, there has been noises that started emanating from the vehicle that I have never heard before and has grown concerning louder as time passed. Once the Volvo dies, I will need a new vehicle to carry around our trusty semi-retarded doberman (hence the car's nickname). Every time I take the Volvo in for service, I pay about half the value of the vehicle. If there are major repairs, it may not be worth it.
This seems like just the right cup of soup for me, not too hot, not too cold.
My realistic next car
As I start coming back to reality and dreams of my Mercedes-AMG SLS experience fade into history, I am confronted by two sudden realizations. First, I will probably not be able to afford the Mercedes-AMG SLS in the near future, nor would it be smart of me to get one at this time of my life. Second, there is a strong possibility that my Volvo may not be as bulletproof as I initially imagined and I may soon be in need of another car.
With those concerns on the horizon, what do I do? I know in my heart that after this event the likely next car in my stable will be an AMG. But I also need the vehicle to fit my luggage, passengers, my dog, and various other junk that I have learned to love and use my Volvo for.
Although the AMG vehicles may not be as precise and accurate as the Audi RS4 or the BMW M3, I cannot deny my love of large displacement engines and the sound from the throaty V8.
The vehicle I can probably afford in the near future would be the C63 AMG. The handling of the C63 AMG on the track actually pleasantly surprised me. I have to admit, I drove it nowhere near the limit of it's performance like Jeremy Clarkson or 'The Stig' did. But even within my comfort zone, the car handled beautifully and the vehicle had limitless amount of torque. The downside is the automatic transmission, it's not as intelligent as I would like it to be. I am in love with the dual-clutch transmission of the SLS, but within my budget, I will have to settle for the automatic.
Now if they only sold the C63 AMG Estate (wagon) here across the pond...
With those concerns on the horizon, what do I do? I know in my heart that after this event the likely next car in my stable will be an AMG. But I also need the vehicle to fit my luggage, passengers, my dog, and various other junk that I have learned to love and use my Volvo for.
Although the AMG vehicles may not be as precise and accurate as the Audi RS4 or the BMW M3, I cannot deny my love of large displacement engines and the sound from the throaty V8.
The vehicle I can probably afford in the near future would be the C63 AMG. The handling of the C63 AMG on the track actually pleasantly surprised me. I have to admit, I drove it nowhere near the limit of it's performance like Jeremy Clarkson or 'The Stig' did. But even within my comfort zone, the car handled beautifully and the vehicle had limitless amount of torque. The downside is the automatic transmission, it's not as intelligent as I would like it to be. I am in love with the dual-clutch transmission of the SLS, but within my budget, I will have to settle for the automatic.
Now if they only sold the C63 AMG Estate (wagon) here across the pond...
Mercedes Benz AMG SLS crash and explosive bolts test
Well, at least the explosive bolts work if the car ever gets flipped over.
Friday, November 20, 2009
AMG Driving Academy SLS Stage I - Laguna Seca 11/17/09
This post isn't about makeup, and I probably won't have anything concerning it in this post. I will however, comment that throughout the course of this event, three or four zits magically appeared on my face. Perhaps, in jealousy that if there's one thing I love more than makeup and skincare, more than a good book, and rivals my lust for good food is my absolute fascination with motoring. (Those who know me will contest that yes, I don't drive. I'm a horrid driver.) But there is, on this vast earth, no physical feeling more incredible than being pressed upright against the soft leather in a snug bucket seat, while hurtling down a straight and listening to a glorious roar somewhere far, far behind you.
My boyfriend grew up admiring the 300sl Gullwing. It was a truly iconic car, and of course--to this day he will imitate the raise of the doors with his arms, grin plastered across his face whenever the word "gullwing" is mentioned. When news came out of a modern gullwing, he was ecstatic. Having seen only camouflaged shots of the car, he signed up for the AMG Driving Academy course featuring the SLS, and brought it up at every gathering and every dinner he attended with his friends. When the first non camo shot of the front came out, his excitement was spurred tenfold. Then, shots of the rear surfaced, and from what we could tell, it looked like the artist drew inspiration from an old Acura CL. His toothy grin quickly shrank backwards, tail tucked between its legs, and he never mentioned the car, or the event again. We also learned that the car would weigh a whopping 3600 lbs, a far cry from the light-weight sports car we were expecting, and his enthusiasm for the car really died down. He and I went into Monterey on Monday with the expectation of falling in love with the SLS completely out the window of a 63 story building.
My boyfriend grew up admiring the 300sl Gullwing. It was a truly iconic car, and of course--to this day he will imitate the raise of the doors with his arms, grin plastered across his face whenever the word "gullwing" is mentioned. When news came out of a modern gullwing, he was ecstatic. Having seen only camouflaged shots of the car, he signed up for the AMG Driving Academy course featuring the SLS, and brought it up at every gathering and every dinner he attended with his friends. When the first non camo shot of the front came out, his excitement was spurred tenfold. Then, shots of the rear surfaced, and from what we could tell, it looked like the artist drew inspiration from an old Acura CL. His toothy grin quickly shrank backwards, tail tucked between its legs, and he never mentioned the car, or the event again. We also learned that the car would weigh a whopping 3600 lbs, a far cry from the light-weight sports car we were expecting, and his enthusiasm for the car really died down. He and I went into Monterey on Monday with the expectation of falling in love with the SLS completely out the window of a 63 story building.
AMG Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS -- part 3
The event was both very exciting and safe as there was always one instructor to every two or three vehicles on the track leading the pack. These instructors had skills above and beyond anything I can imagine. The instructors had the ability to lead the pack in a C63 AMG while holding onto the radio in one hand and driving in another. On top of all of this, they are looking in the rear view mirror giving us pointers. During this period, the attendees were all in significantly higher performing cars (i.e. the SLS and CLK Black Series) and still not able to catch up.
In the afternoon, when the whole track at Laguna Seca was opened, we were even videotaped in a CLK Black Series driving around the track following an instructor.
There was so much driving that by early afternoon I proceeded to make myself carsick with all the track time we had. I wasn't in the mood to take a taxi ride around the track in a SLS with Bernd Maylander, but both my girlfriend and Mario convinced me otherwise. Honestly, it felt like a 3-minute roller coaster ride. The ride was both exciting as I got to experience near the limit of what the SLS can handle and terrifying as I thought I was going to die (and I'm pretty sure at certain points on the track I was screaming like a little girl).
Another very impressive aspect of the event had nothing to do with the cars at all (although they are very impressive on their own). Both the people that attend this event as well as the people that work for AMG are very welcoming. I also met reporters such as Matthew K as well as many other individuals I have started cultivating a friendship with.
Matthew has done a great job making a video summarizing the event:
I would like to add my sincerest gratitude for Mario's hospitality during the AMG Driving Academy. I still can’t stop talking about the SLS with my girlfriend. I was pleasantly surprised by the vehicle and the event that Mario's team put together far exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed how intimate the affair was as well as how much time “seat time” we had in each of the vehicles. Mario and his team went above and beyond to make my girlfriend and I feel like part of the AMG family. Although I have mainly been a Porsche guy in the past, they now have a loyal future AMG owner for life.
Of course, all the excitement from the event also cause me to be "motion sick" for the next two days, which is why I wasn't able to write about it until today. You may also want to check out my girlfriend's post about the event. She's a much more eloquent write than I am.
In the afternoon, when the whole track at Laguna Seca was opened, we were even videotaped in a CLK Black Series driving around the track following an instructor.
There was so much driving that by early afternoon I proceeded to make myself carsick with all the track time we had. I wasn't in the mood to take a taxi ride around the track in a SLS with Bernd Maylander, but both my girlfriend and Mario convinced me otherwise. Honestly, it felt like a 3-minute roller coaster ride. The ride was both exciting as I got to experience near the limit of what the SLS can handle and terrifying as I thought I was going to die (and I'm pretty sure at certain points on the track I was screaming like a little girl).
Another very impressive aspect of the event had nothing to do with the cars at all (although they are very impressive on their own). Both the people that attend this event as well as the people that work for AMG are very welcoming. I also met reporters such as Matthew K as well as many other individuals I have started cultivating a friendship with.
Matthew has done a great job making a video summarizing the event:
I would like to add my sincerest gratitude for Mario's hospitality during the AMG Driving Academy. I still can’t stop talking about the SLS with my girlfriend. I was pleasantly surprised by the vehicle and the event that Mario's team put together far exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed how intimate the affair was as well as how much time “seat time” we had in each of the vehicles. Mario and his team went above and beyond to make my girlfriend and I feel like part of the AMG family. Although I have mainly been a Porsche guy in the past, they now have a loyal future AMG owner for life.
Of course, all the excitement from the event also cause me to be "motion sick" for the next two days, which is why I wasn't able to write about it until today. You may also want to check out my girlfriend's post about the event. She's a much more eloquent write than I am.
AMG Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS -- part 2
The next morning I woke up early to take a stroll around the area overlooking the Monterey Bay in front of the hotel. Afterward, as requested by our hosts, I had a very light breakfast. We took a short bus ride to Laguna Seca and came out of the bus to a whole fleet of AMG vehicles that we were going to use and abuse throughout the rest of the day.
The event started off with a quick orientation and overview of driving positions as well as how to "correctly" drive on the track. The whole orientation did not take more than 30 minutes. We were then quickly broken into driving groups/teams and sent out to our vehicles. There was 8 rotations in total and we spent about 1-hour in each rotation. There was definitely no lack of vehicles. Each of us paired up with a driving buddy and the two of us were assigned to a car.
We started the day learning to drive the corkscrew on a C63 AMG as well as a CLK Black Series. The track was split up into sections so we can focus on practicing and honing our skill on a particular aspect of the track.
Later, we moved on to drag racing and emergency braking in a SL63 AMG and E63 AMG. Eventually, we finished the morning with emergency lane change and autocross in the SLK63 AMG and the SLS. One thing I would like to point out is the SLS has A LOT of torque. There nothing that kills your lap time like drifting into the running start of my timed autocross lap. The winner of the autocross won later in the evening a $6,000 limited edition IWC AMG titanium watch. My team/group did get the overall win for having the best lap times so we all won mini-cones -- which I proudly display on my desk in my office.
We took a short break for lunch of freshly grilled steak and chicken and continued the afternoon with taxi rides around the track with Tommy Kendall and Bernd Maylander as well as driving the full track in a CLK Black Series and the SLS.
The event started off with a quick orientation and overview of driving positions as well as how to "correctly" drive on the track. The whole orientation did not take more than 30 minutes. We were then quickly broken into driving groups/teams and sent out to our vehicles. There was 8 rotations in total and we spent about 1-hour in each rotation. There was definitely no lack of vehicles. Each of us paired up with a driving buddy and the two of us were assigned to a car.
We started the day learning to drive the corkscrew on a C63 AMG as well as a CLK Black Series. The track was split up into sections so we can focus on practicing and honing our skill on a particular aspect of the track.
Later, we moved on to drag racing and emergency braking in a SL63 AMG and E63 AMG. Eventually, we finished the morning with emergency lane change and autocross in the SLK63 AMG and the SLS. One thing I would like to point out is the SLS has A LOT of torque. There nothing that kills your lap time like drifting into the running start of my timed autocross lap. The winner of the autocross won later in the evening a $6,000 limited edition IWC AMG titanium watch. My team/group did get the overall win for having the best lap times so we all won mini-cones -- which I proudly display on my desk in my office.
We took a short break for lunch of freshly grilled steak and chicken and continued the afternoon with taxi rides around the track with Tommy Kendall and Bernd Maylander as well as driving the full track in a CLK Black Series and the SLS.
AMG Driving Academy Stage 1 SLS -- part 1
First of all, I would like to take everything negative back I said about signing up for the SLS AMG event. I only have one thing to say about the event I just experienced (and took two days off for): amazing, absolutely amazing. Although $2,200 is a lot of money to spend for a 1-day driving program, the amount of money AMG put into the program easily surpassed the fee that each of us paid.
Because the SLS program sets us up for one night at the Intercontinental Monterey, I made the most out of it. My girlfriend and I both took Monday and Tuesday off and drove down to hang out at Carmel. Every time I visited Carmel, there was always one store I had to visit: Lussori on Ocean Ave. They had a custom made Glashütte watch made specifically for the store on sale for a discounted price of $11,000 (list price of $21,000). The watch was a gorgeous Rolex like style watch with a gold base and deep blue dial. They only had 15 made and the watch I was staring down lucky #8.
After stressing myself out for about 2-3 hours trying to figure out if it was financially smart for me to purchase that watch (the answer is always no). I decided to head back to the hotel to rest before dinner. Needless to say, it was very hard for me to not buy that watch. Sometimes, I just wished I had more disposable income.
I finally saw the Mercedes-AMG SLS in person for the first time as I pulled up to the hotel. Not a bad car, much more beautiful and elegant in person than over pictures.
Dinner started out with a reception in the atrium of the hotel overlooking the Monterey Bay. They were serving the guests Twomey and Jordan wines. I was very impressed since they were not the cheapest wine. I noticed a good portion of the guests knew each other as they have attended similar AMG sponsored events and were trading old war stories from those prior events. I did get to meet quite a few of these guests, couple Wall Street bankers, some oil baron, senior executives and vice presidents of pharmaceutical and tech companies. Around thirty of us in total. Overall, a very impressive crowd.
Because this event was specific to the Private Lounge, everyone here were current AMG owners. I made myself comfortable for the presentation that was to come welcoming us and introducing us to the new Mercedes - AMG super car. Being someone with no old friends at the event, I chose to sit during our dinner towards the back of the banquet hall. This turned out to be the best decision I made that set the tone for the whole event. After this initial introduction, several key people decided to join our table for dinner since it was one of the only tables with empty seats. These individuals included Mario Spitzner (head of branding, sales, marketing for AMG) and Bernd Maylander (F1 Safety car driver). I immediately struck up a conversation with Mario. After several minutes discussing the history as well as the future of AMG, we got on a discussion about the specifics of AMG. Several surprising points: AMG does have only 1 master mechanic assemble an engine from beginning to end. On average, it takes them 2-4 hours per engine.
As we started finishing our entree (braised beef shank with chunks of black truffles) I mentioned that my girlfriend regretted not signing on as a guest to the event and was hanging out by herself in the hotel room. I explained she's a huge car fanatic and probably knew more about cars than I did. Mario requested she come down and join us. Later on, Mario insisted that my girlfriend join us the next day as his guest. This means she gets to experience all that the event has to offer (minus the driving). I was very grateful with that gesture of friendship. I was also very impressed at how humble everyone at AMG was as well as how they go out of their way to be hospitable.
Because the SLS program sets us up for one night at the Intercontinental Monterey, I made the most out of it. My girlfriend and I both took Monday and Tuesday off and drove down to hang out at Carmel. Every time I visited Carmel, there was always one store I had to visit: Lussori on Ocean Ave. They had a custom made Glashütte watch made specifically for the store on sale for a discounted price of $11,000 (list price of $21,000). The watch was a gorgeous Rolex like style watch with a gold base and deep blue dial. They only had 15 made and the watch I was staring down lucky #8.
After stressing myself out for about 2-3 hours trying to figure out if it was financially smart for me to purchase that watch (the answer is always no). I decided to head back to the hotel to rest before dinner. Needless to say, it was very hard for me to not buy that watch. Sometimes, I just wished I had more disposable income.
I finally saw the Mercedes-AMG SLS in person for the first time as I pulled up to the hotel. Not a bad car, much more beautiful and elegant in person than over pictures.
Dinner started out with a reception in the atrium of the hotel overlooking the Monterey Bay. They were serving the guests Twomey and Jordan wines. I was very impressed since they were not the cheapest wine. I noticed a good portion of the guests knew each other as they have attended similar AMG sponsored events and were trading old war stories from those prior events. I did get to meet quite a few of these guests, couple Wall Street bankers, some oil baron, senior executives and vice presidents of pharmaceutical and tech companies. Around thirty of us in total. Overall, a very impressive crowd.
Because this event was specific to the Private Lounge, everyone here were current AMG owners. I made myself comfortable for the presentation that was to come welcoming us and introducing us to the new Mercedes - AMG super car. Being someone with no old friends at the event, I chose to sit during our dinner towards the back of the banquet hall. This turned out to be the best decision I made that set the tone for the whole event. After this initial introduction, several key people decided to join our table for dinner since it was one of the only tables with empty seats. These individuals included Mario Spitzner (head of branding, sales, marketing for AMG) and Bernd Maylander (F1 Safety car driver). I immediately struck up a conversation with Mario. After several minutes discussing the history as well as the future of AMG, we got on a discussion about the specifics of AMG. Several surprising points: AMG does have only 1 master mechanic assemble an engine from beginning to end. On average, it takes them 2-4 hours per engine.
As we started finishing our entree (braised beef shank with chunks of black truffles) I mentioned that my girlfriend regretted not signing on as a guest to the event and was hanging out by herself in the hotel room. I explained she's a huge car fanatic and probably knew more about cars than I did. Mario requested she come down and join us. Later on, Mario insisted that my girlfriend join us the next day as his guest. This means she gets to experience all that the event has to offer (minus the driving). I was very grateful with that gesture of friendship. I was also very impressed at how humble everyone at AMG was as well as how they go out of their way to be hospitable.
Friday, November 13, 2009
My famous rib recipe
After much thought, I decided to share my famous rib recipe.
I'm too lazy to post any pictures of the result, but rest assured it is very flavorful and "fall off the bones" tender. This rib recipe is a combination of recipes from Food Network TV shows, including Good Eats, Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay, and various BBQ competition. Because I don't have my own smoker, I did take some shortcuts that mimics traditional BBQ. My resulting ribs lack the signature "smoke ring", but it's still good.
I have been requested by friends to make these ribs again this weekend so here it goes. Items you will need to successfully create the recipe:
- Rack of baby back/ pork loin ribs
- Old Bay seasoning
- Brown sugar
- Regular sugar
- Salt
- Spices (including garlic powder and black pepper)
- Aluminum Tray
- Aluminum Foil
- Saran Wrap
Mix ingredients #2 - #6 in a Tupperware container and mix throughly -- this will be your dry rub. I mainly eyeball the ratio I use for my dry rub. Rule of thumb is to use mainly 3x brown and 1x regular white sugar and mix in the remaining spices to taste. The resulting rub should have a hint of sweetness but not be overwhelmingly sweet.
Place the clean slabs of rib face side first into the aluminum tray. Pour evenly half of your rub on the top and massage into the ribs evenly. Turn over the rib and repeat. You should end up with a rack of rib that is very well seasoned both sides with the dry rub. Seal the tray with Saran wrap and leave in fridge overnight (ribs should be facing top side up). Because we are not doing a traditional BBQ, we will need this time for the flavors from the rub to marinate into the rib.
The next day, remove the tray from the refrigerator re-apply another layer of dry rub this time just on the top of your ribs. The dry rub should stick easily as the overnight marinade should have drawn out some liquid from the ribs and made your application the night before "wet".
Replace the Saran wrap with aluminum foil covering the tray. Place the covered tray in a 250-300 degree oven and let it cook for 3 - 4 hours. This process both slow cooks and braises the ribs in your rub while the fat will slowly render off. When the ribs are "fall off the bones tender", remove the tray from the oven and drain out the remaining liquid. You can use the drained liquid (after skimming off the fat) as a base for your own homemade BBQ sauce, but I'm usually lazy and I go with a store bought brand.
With the foil off the tray, spread your store bought or homemade BBQ sauce evenly on the top of the rack of ribs and place it in the oven under the 'Broil' setting. Keep the light in the oven on and keep an eye on your ribs. When the sauce starts bubbling turn off the heat and your ribs are done and ready to serve. If you over do this step you will end up with burnt ribs as the sugar in most BBQ sauces burn very easily.
Mercedes Benz SLS and Laguna Seca
Although I still question the rear design of the car, I can't deny that I am very excited about taking a couple days off next week and being one of the first civilian in the United States to drive this vehicle at the famous Laguna Seca.
The plan is to drive down Monday morning with the girlfriend and enjoy all the beauty Monterey and Carmel have to offer -- minus all the weekend tourists. After spending most of the day by the ocean, we will eventually drive back to the hotel where I will attend the reception.
What makes it even more special is I was signed up for a special day normally reserved for previous AMG Black Series owners. My understanding is there will be less individuals during my "day with the SLS" as well as more individualized attention and track time.
Unfortunately, the journalists already got to the car this week before I ever got to set foot in Monterey. Being an auto journalist does have it's privileges. Here is an interesting review from one of those journalists fortunate enough to experience the vehicle before I do. From the video the first thing I noticed was the intoxicating sound from the exhaust -- no doubt the M-B engineers spent plenty of time tuning the sound from those pipes.
I also won't deny that I am scared of the infamous "corkscrew". Hopefully I won't make a mess of the turn when my time comes. Pay attention around 1:40 - 2:00 in the video below and you will see what I am talking about!
Below is the itinerary that was sent to me several weeks before the event:
PRE-EVENT RECEPTION: Monday, November 16, 2009
The Technical Briefing & Dinner Reception will include an important pre-program briefing with special guest Tommy Kendall.
We strongly encourage your attendance at the Technical Briefing and Dinner Reception as this is an integral part of the Academy curriculum and foundation for your track activities.
PROGRAM DETAILS: Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009 - AMG Driving Academy with SLS
Transportation will be arranged as part of your reservation from the Intercontinental Hotel to Laguna Seca Raceway the morning of your event date. A detailed schedule will be presented in your next program reminder a week out of your event date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Dress in comfortable clothing and shoes that will not hinder you're driving. We recommend flat, thin-soled shoes such as driving shoes or sneakers. Sandals or open-toe shoes are not permitted.
Helmets will be provided; however, if you prefer, you may bring your own open-faced helmet. We do not require racing suits; therefore we do not provide them nor will you have to bring one.
I will be posting more pictures and writing my reviews when return, but until then, have a great weekend everyone!
The plan is to drive down Monday morning with the girlfriend and enjoy all the beauty Monterey and Carmel have to offer -- minus all the weekend tourists. After spending most of the day by the ocean, we will eventually drive back to the hotel where I will attend the reception.
What makes it even more special is I was signed up for a special day normally reserved for previous AMG Black Series owners. My understanding is there will be less individuals during my "day with the SLS" as well as more individualized attention and track time.
Unfortunately, the journalists already got to the car this week before I ever got to set foot in Monterey. Being an auto journalist does have it's privileges. Here is an interesting review from one of those journalists fortunate enough to experience the vehicle before I do. From the video the first thing I noticed was the intoxicating sound from the exhaust -- no doubt the M-B engineers spent plenty of time tuning the sound from those pipes.
I also won't deny that I am scared of the infamous "corkscrew". Hopefully I won't make a mess of the turn when my time comes. Pay attention around 1:40 - 2:00 in the video below and you will see what I am talking about!
Below is the itinerary that was sent to me several weeks before the event:
PRE-EVENT RECEPTION: Monday, November 16, 2009
The Technical Briefing & Dinner Reception will include an important pre-program briefing with special guest Tommy Kendall.
We strongly encourage your attendance at the Technical Briefing and Dinner Reception as this is an integral part of the Academy curriculum and foundation for your track activities.
PROGRAM DETAILS: Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009 - AMG Driving Academy with SLS
Transportation will be arranged as part of your reservation from the Intercontinental Hotel to Laguna Seca Raceway the morning of your event date. A detailed schedule will be presented in your next program reminder a week out of your event date.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Dress in comfortable clothing and shoes that will not hinder you're driving. We recommend flat, thin-soled shoes such as driving shoes or sneakers. Sandals or open-toe shoes are not permitted.
Helmets will be provided; however, if you prefer, you may bring your own open-faced helmet. We do not require racing suits; therefore we do not provide them nor will you have to bring one.
I will be posting more pictures and writing my reviews when return, but until then, have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Pigeon Impossible
Great short animation clip made in the same style as Pixar. Very funny and entertaining.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Don't throw other people under the bus
I do not understand why individuals in work environments feel the need to throw other people under the bus to CYA ("Cover Your Ass"). This action both pisses off the innocent party as well as creates bad blood that will come to bite them in the ass later on in life. There's also a finite amount of individuals one can throw under the bus -- when the time comes where he/she have no one else to blame, there will be some drama.
I've seen this happen many times during my career, and many times the individuals I have seen who are guilty of this tend to be significantly older. This goes into my other theory of just because someone is older it does not mean they know better and/or are more mature.
Ironically, this also plays into the culture of the work environment that is cultivated. I have noticed this much more with larger, established, "blue chip" companies and individuals who have spent a significant amount of their career there. The correlation between the two is not lost. The larger a company becomes, the more likely an under performer is able to "hide" within the organization. Because many individuals, across-verticals, are responsible for a deliverable in a larger blue chip firm (everyone has a piece of the pie), it is hard to pinpoint the overachievers and under performers. Especially with seniority, these individuals have the ability to toss less senior individuals under the bus as sacrifice for their own job security. On the reverse, they also actively take credit for ideals and accomplishments that they themselves did not create.
I wasn't the best employee at my last position by any stretch of my imagination but I worked as hard as I can. An individual like what I described above ended up being relocated from Minnesota to become one of my direct managers about two years into my career at Medtronic. This individual blamed everything on myself as well as other direct reports to him. Eventually, most of us left for greener pastures. Several years later I overheard that this individual ran out of people to blame and eventually got let go because of his poor performance.
I have experience the same type of individuals in my current position as well. Although I don't work for a start up, the company is still relatively small compared to my previous work experience. There is a distinct difference in the culture. Individuals who like to throw others under the bus and take credit for accomplishments they did not generate tends to be weeded out very quickly. Because of the performance culture of a small firm, and the size of the firm, there isn't a lot of areas an under performer can hide. Coworkers and management also very easily see through the stories and lies that these under performers tell to take credit where it is not deserved or blame their shortcomings on others. There is also significantly more accountability for an individuals work because unlike a larger company, usually there are not multiple people responsible for the deliverable.
No matter where you work, you cannot avoid office politics. My advice would be to understand the office politics at your company and utilize that knowledge to get things accomplished and done for the good of the firm. This really is a small world. Do not throw anyone under the bus or it may come back to bite you later on. Be upfront and take responsibility. As long as it is not a pattern of mistakes, management will understand, and your colleagues will respect you for that.
I've seen this happen many times during my career, and many times the individuals I have seen who are guilty of this tend to be significantly older. This goes into my other theory of just because someone is older it does not mean they know better and/or are more mature.
Ironically, this also plays into the culture of the work environment that is cultivated. I have noticed this much more with larger, established, "blue chip" companies and individuals who have spent a significant amount of their career there. The correlation between the two is not lost. The larger a company becomes, the more likely an under performer is able to "hide" within the organization. Because many individuals, across-verticals, are responsible for a deliverable in a larger blue chip firm (everyone has a piece of the pie), it is hard to pinpoint the overachievers and under performers. Especially with seniority, these individuals have the ability to toss less senior individuals under the bus as sacrifice for their own job security. On the reverse, they also actively take credit for ideals and accomplishments that they themselves did not create.
I wasn't the best employee at my last position by any stretch of my imagination but I worked as hard as I can. An individual like what I described above ended up being relocated from Minnesota to become one of my direct managers about two years into my career at Medtronic. This individual blamed everything on myself as well as other direct reports to him. Eventually, most of us left for greener pastures. Several years later I overheard that this individual ran out of people to blame and eventually got let go because of his poor performance.
I have experience the same type of individuals in my current position as well. Although I don't work for a start up, the company is still relatively small compared to my previous work experience. There is a distinct difference in the culture. Individuals who like to throw others under the bus and take credit for accomplishments they did not generate tends to be weeded out very quickly. Because of the performance culture of a small firm, and the size of the firm, there isn't a lot of areas an under performer can hide. Coworkers and management also very easily see through the stories and lies that these under performers tell to take credit where it is not deserved or blame their shortcomings on others. There is also significantly more accountability for an individuals work because unlike a larger company, usually there are not multiple people responsible for the deliverable.
No matter where you work, you cannot avoid office politics. My advice would be to understand the office politics at your company and utilize that knowledge to get things accomplished and done for the good of the firm. This really is a small world. Do not throw anyone under the bus or it may come back to bite you later on. Be upfront and take responsibility. As long as it is not a pattern of mistakes, management will understand, and your colleagues will respect you for that.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Weight lifted off my shoulders
I finally received the balance of my deposit this past week. No longer do I have to worry about Sammy, MNM Parters, Oxford Manor apartments, or even that ghetto area of Belmont near 101. I had to fight the management step by step to get most of my deposit back.
The damage on my deposit of $1,300 ($1,000 deposit, $300 pet deposit) was $304 for my tenure there from middle of July through October. I had $996 returned to me.
Of the $304 charged, $100 was for "cleaning" even though the unit was given to me dirty (and even a hole in the balcony to boot), $60 was for "deep" carpet cleaning (this I understood since I had a pet). The balance was for my "water" bill. This was the water bill for 1 individual.
Oxford Manor uses Minol to manage their water use. In other words, on top of your regular PG&E gas and electric bill, they also pro-rate out their water expenses to the tenants. Fairly annoying, and ultimately the money you spend living in the apartment is anywhere from $50-$100 more a month. This is especially unfair to certain tenants as there are units that live 5 to a 1 bedroom junior apartment.
End of the day, as annoying and disgusting as the apartment complex was, I the management has been "fair" and I'm glad the nightmare is over.
In contrast, the new management company for the duplex I am staying in now has been nothing but spectacular and super responsive. Amazing.
The damage on my deposit of $1,300 ($1,000 deposit, $300 pet deposit) was $304 for my tenure there from middle of July through October. I had $996 returned to me.
Of the $304 charged, $100 was for "cleaning" even though the unit was given to me dirty (and even a hole in the balcony to boot), $60 was for "deep" carpet cleaning (this I understood since I had a pet). The balance was for my "water" bill. This was the water bill for 1 individual.
Oxford Manor uses Minol to manage their water use. In other words, on top of your regular PG&E gas and electric bill, they also pro-rate out their water expenses to the tenants. Fairly annoying, and ultimately the money you spend living in the apartment is anywhere from $50-$100 more a month. This is especially unfair to certain tenants as there are units that live 5 to a 1 bedroom junior apartment.
End of the day, as annoying and disgusting as the apartment complex was, I the management has been "fair" and I'm glad the nightmare is over.
In contrast, the new management company for the duplex I am staying in now has been nothing but spectacular and super responsive. Amazing.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
There is no constitutional law against being framed
"THERE IS NO Freestanding Constitutional 'Right Not To Be Framed.' " So states a brief filed by Iowa prosecutors hoping to persuade the Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit against them for allegedly fabricating evidence that led to the 25-year incarceration of two innocent men.
The attorney for the prosecutors maintain that there is no way for the judicial system to separate what was done pre and post trial and precedent was set by the Supreme Court that gave prosecutors full immunity from being sued. The attorney for the prosecutors also believed this should apply to them and the police even during the investigation.
There are so many things wrong about that statement I don't even know where to begin. I have been wrongfully accused before and even being someone with a good upbringing and privilege (i.e. money to hire a very good attorney) I can very easily see how manipulative those police and detectives can be.
Most of the detectives are not very highly educated and have a chip on their shoulder. A lot of the prosecutors are not from the best law schools either or the "shining star" of their class. If you wish to understand their mentality, just read 'Bonfires of the Vanities'. Most individuals this day and age would not becomes public prosecutors unless they really have no other option. Sadly, the very item we are so proud of as Americans is now riddled with corruption and the worst examples of our society.
These individuals also very often manipulate, lie, and straight out pressure witnesses to give statements that collaborate with their evidence, even though these statements may be straight up lies. As long as they are not recorded, they believe they can get away with it because ultimately it's your word vs. theirs. In other words, this isn't an one off occurrence, and it is very common practice among detectives and prosecutors to fabricate and create a storyline to convict whomever they have chosen. If you do not believe that is the case, then why did ALL the witness recant their statement once it was found out that the man was innocent? The same thing happened in my scenario when the detectives and prosecutors realized that they have to directly deal with my attorney. The witness in their case obtained an attorney as well. Miraculously where they claim they had all the evidence in the world they now completely dropped the case.
I strongly believe that prosecutors and detectives should be 100% liable for what represent in court, before or during the trial. If they knowingly represent false evidence and testimony to convict an innocent individual, they should be ready to reap all of the pain of the judicial system they help create and represent.
I'm glad this glaring issue has finally been brought into the spotlight. It's very obvious to me that we need to completely revamp the judicial system so everyone accepts their responsibility. We no longer can have the police, detectives, and prosecutors acting until a vale of immunity and carelessness.
Source, and here.
The attorney for the prosecutors maintain that there is no way for the judicial system to separate what was done pre and post trial and precedent was set by the Supreme Court that gave prosecutors full immunity from being sued. The attorney for the prosecutors also believed this should apply to them and the police even during the investigation.
There are so many things wrong about that statement I don't even know where to begin. I have been wrongfully accused before and even being someone with a good upbringing and privilege (i.e. money to hire a very good attorney) I can very easily see how manipulative those police and detectives can be.
Most of the detectives are not very highly educated and have a chip on their shoulder. A lot of the prosecutors are not from the best law schools either or the "shining star" of their class. If you wish to understand their mentality, just read 'Bonfires of the Vanities'. Most individuals this day and age would not becomes public prosecutors unless they really have no other option. Sadly, the very item we are so proud of as Americans is now riddled with corruption and the worst examples of our society.
These individuals also very often manipulate, lie, and straight out pressure witnesses to give statements that collaborate with their evidence, even though these statements may be straight up lies. As long as they are not recorded, they believe they can get away with it because ultimately it's your word vs. theirs. In other words, this isn't an one off occurrence, and it is very common practice among detectives and prosecutors to fabricate and create a storyline to convict whomever they have chosen. If you do not believe that is the case, then why did ALL the witness recant their statement once it was found out that the man was innocent? The same thing happened in my scenario when the detectives and prosecutors realized that they have to directly deal with my attorney. The witness in their case obtained an attorney as well. Miraculously where they claim they had all the evidence in the world they now completely dropped the case.
I strongly believe that prosecutors and detectives should be 100% liable for what represent in court, before or during the trial. If they knowingly represent false evidence and testimony to convict an innocent individual, they should be ready to reap all of the pain of the judicial system they help create and represent.
I'm glad this glaring issue has finally been brought into the spotlight. It's very obvious to me that we need to completely revamp the judicial system so everyone accepts their responsibility. We no longer can have the police, detectives, and prosecutors acting until a vale of immunity and carelessness.
Source, and here.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Fascination with watches -- Omega
Prior to my Omega, I was never really into watches. Growing up, I switched from my trusty Casio G-Shock to... another Casio. In fact, non of my watches really surpassed a couple hundred dollars. Because my main concerns were reliability and accuracy, my watches at the time were all Quartz driven and digital.
I didn't really start appreciating watches as a work of art and design until I had a cell phone. Essentially, with the onset of reliable, cheap, and portable cell phones, there was no longer the need for a wristwatch. Wristwatches became for some more of a status symbol, expression of style, and "male jewelery" than before -- where the wristwatch was much more of a functional item.
The Omega Seamaster was a wristwatch that my parents bought me the winter before I graduated from college as am early graduation present. Initially, my parents planned on getting me an entry level Rolex, but since I was at the time in love with James Bond (and all the gadgets he has), I could not resist saying yes to an opportunity to own his watch. My parents ended up purchasing this watch at an authorized store in Cancun while on winter vacation. My parents were okay with my decision since the Omega I chose was thousands less than the watch they planned to gift me.
The deep blue face of the watch has a beautiful wave pattern and dots that represent the hour hand. The watch is waterproof up to 300m or 1,000 ft. Pretty impressive. It even comes with a pressure release valve at the 10 o'clock position (not that I ever used it though).
In retrospect, this was a great marketing campaign for Omega, as I'm sure I am not the only one who bought this specific style of Seamaster because of the product placement.
Not knowing very much about watches, I chose the cheaper model, which happened to be the Omega Seamaster Quartz. The Quartz model still had the same external design and style as their more expensive cousins, except the Quartz does not contain the more intricate internal automatic movement. I also picked a small dial at the time -- 36mm. A decision I later on regretted. I would recommend getting a larger dial size and the automatic movement. The battery for the Quartz Seamaster also needs to be replaced every 4-5 years.
On a side note, it is the perfect size for my girlfriend, who proudly wears it where ever we go.
I didn't really start appreciating watches as a work of art and design until I had a cell phone. Essentially, with the onset of reliable, cheap, and portable cell phones, there was no longer the need for a wristwatch. Wristwatches became for some more of a status symbol, expression of style, and "male jewelery" than before -- where the wristwatch was much more of a functional item.
The Omega Seamaster was a wristwatch that my parents bought me the winter before I graduated from college as am early graduation present. Initially, my parents planned on getting me an entry level Rolex, but since I was at the time in love with James Bond (and all the gadgets he has), I could not resist saying yes to an opportunity to own his watch. My parents ended up purchasing this watch at an authorized store in Cancun while on winter vacation. My parents were okay with my decision since the Omega I chose was thousands less than the watch they planned to gift me.
The deep blue face of the watch has a beautiful wave pattern and dots that represent the hour hand. The watch is waterproof up to 300m or 1,000 ft. Pretty impressive. It even comes with a pressure release valve at the 10 o'clock position (not that I ever used it though).
In retrospect, this was a great marketing campaign for Omega, as I'm sure I am not the only one who bought this specific style of Seamaster because of the product placement.
Not knowing very much about watches, I chose the cheaper model, which happened to be the Omega Seamaster Quartz. The Quartz model still had the same external design and style as their more expensive cousins, except the Quartz does not contain the more intricate internal automatic movement. I also picked a small dial at the time -- 36mm. A decision I later on regretted. I would recommend getting a larger dial size and the automatic movement. The battery for the Quartz Seamaster also needs to be replaced every 4-5 years.
On a side note, it is the perfect size for my girlfriend, who proudly wears it where ever we go.
Fascination with watches -- Breitling
The first "nice watch" I ever bought on my own was a Breitling Navitimer Montbrillant Datora.
I have always wanted a nice watch before but I never knew very much about watches. Like most other Chinese individuals, the only brands I knew were Rolex and Omega. The Breitling has been on my cross hairs at by then for quite some time. In fact, I was interested in the Breitling Bentley series -- which I first saw during one of my trips to Las Vegas at Tourneau.
When I sold my Honda S2000, I told myself that I would treat myself to a nice watch instead of buying another car (boy was I wrong, cause I ended up with a Porsche Carrera 911). I still remember going to Gleim Jewelers at Stanford Shopping Center and looking at their selection. Unfortunately, the Bentley series was both too expensive as well as too big for my wrist. I still wanted something with a brown/Havana dial, which was both very unique to the watch as well as very classy.
The salesperson introduced me to the Montbrillant Datora. It was love at first sight. Although I couldn't even tell the time of day when I first saw the watch (it took complication to another level), I loved the elegant and intricate design. The watch incorporates both the time of day, a 24 hour time with second hand, as well as the month, day of week, and date of month. It even had a 12 hour stop watch. I never until then had a watch that had that many functionalities.
The watch looks gorgeous with a brown crocodile leather strap, but I eventually ended up spending another $1,000 for the stainless steel band. The crocodile leather band did not stand up to normal wear and tear and quickly deteriorated during the first 6-months of ownership. I would recommend buying this watch with the stainless steel band as it's cheaper when you buy it with the original watch vs. separately later on.
You can buy future leather bands more cheaply from an after market leather smith. Many of these bands are a fraction of the OEM cost at the same or better quality.
You can buy future leather bands more cheaply from an after market leather smith. Many of these bands are a fraction of the OEM cost at the same or better quality.
People not to introduce to your female friends
I'm amazed at this day and age, especially when my friends are mainly in their mid to late thirties, that I have to actually experience this. I would assume most people with half a brain and some social skills would be aware of this.
Just in case there are others that need this pointer:
When someone you know brings out a female friend, YOU DO NOT TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GIRL WHEN THEY ARE DRUNK. Yes, I understand they may have been flirtatious when they were sober--but if you're not a sleazy douche bag, you will give her your number and see if there's any real connection between you two when she's sober next time.
Do not continue to hover over her, force your way to have her make out with you, and nearly dry hump your friend's unwilling, and somewhat disgusted female friend. Learn to respect others. Please.
It is distasteful, tactless, and just plan rude to try to take advantage of an inebriated lady.
This has been a public service announcement brought to you by people (and their girlfriends) against sleazy tool bags.
Just in case there are others that need this pointer:
When someone you know brings out a female friend, YOU DO NOT TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GIRL WHEN THEY ARE DRUNK. Yes, I understand they may have been flirtatious when they were sober--but if you're not a sleazy douche bag, you will give her your number and see if there's any real connection between you two when she's sober next time.
Do not continue to hover over her, force your way to have her make out with you, and nearly dry hump your friend's unwilling, and somewhat disgusted female friend. Learn to respect others. Please.
It is distasteful, tactless, and just plan rude to try to take advantage of an inebriated lady.
This has been a public service announcement brought to you by people (and their girlfriends) against sleazy tool bags.
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