Mitchell Greenblatt's Blog

Sly Monkeys Productions: Lake Tahoe Video - February 2011

2011-02-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Here is another video from my friend's new production company "Sly Monkey Productions." They're adding more and getting better.

It is pretty cool to have a local, Issaquah-based production company ready to start producing for any and all. :)

Sly Monkeys Productions: Lake Tahoe Video - February 2011: "My late father always said, if he had to pick one place in the world to retire, it would be Lake Tahoe, California. When I asked why, he sai..."

Sly Monkeys Productions: Raging Bull - Camaro Sneak Peek

2011-02-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

Sly Monkeys Productions: Raging Bull - Camaro Sneak Peek: "Raging Bull Marketing - Camaro Teaser from Jin Lee on Vimeo. This video was filmed in Walnut Creek, California by the Sly Monkeys and Raging Bull Marketing..."

2008 Ferrari F430 Spider FOR SALE

2010-11-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

For sale is my friend's 2008 Ferrari F430 Spider. This is an immaculate car with not a single blemish or mechanical issue. It has 2,200 original, single owner miles and has never been raced or mistreated. The exterior is Silverstone Gray with a black Alcantara interior, white stitching and carbon fiber trim.

It has the following options: F1 Transmission, Extended Warranty, Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Self-Leveling Adaptive Suspension, Bluetooth, Power Front Seats, Rear Parking Sensors and Polished 19" Wheels. The F430 is powered by a 483hp aluminum V8 and is as robust as any Ferrari engine to date.

The car was purchased new from Ferrari of Seattle and has had all of it's service completed there as well. A clean Carfax report is available upon request. Title in hand. Asking $218,000 or best offer.

The car is listed on Auto Trader too. Check it out here for more information.

- Mitch G

New Computer Build

2010-09-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've built a complete computer from scratch, since my RedWire days during college. I wasn't what I'd call rusty but I've definitely been out of the industry for a while. I ended up

using an old ATX case I had laying around which worked perfectly but doesn't have much room for too many more devices. The process was a good refresher and reminded me why I left the business years ago.

I was in need of a new computer for some time, and I was trying to decide if I wanted another laptop or a desktop for my office. My only

computer, the trusty Dell E1405 Laptop has been going strong for nearly six years but was struggling with all of the programs I run at once these days. It's maxed out at 2GB of memory and that just wasn't enough when a quarter was bring used for the integrated graphics rendering which were mediocre at best.

I ended up ordering the following components from NewEgg.com. The goal was to build a machine that would last another 5 years and allow me to run any new application that hit the market within that time.

Motherboard: eVGA Intel P55 Core i5/i7 w/Gigabit NIC & SLI Support

CPU: Intel Core i5-750 2.66Ghz Quad-Core Processor

Memory: Geil 8GB DDR3-PC1066 Dual-Channel

Hard Drive: Western Digital 640GB SATA 3GB/s 7,200rpm 16MB Buffer

Video Card: MSI TwinFrozer 512MB GDDR3 PCI-E x16 SLI Video Card

Power Supply: OCZ 600 Watt SLI Slient Power Supply

CPU Cooling: Thermaltake Ti 1128 w/Copper Heatsink & Dual-Ball-Bearing Variable Fan

Optical Drive: Lite-On DVD+/-RW Burner w/Lightscribe

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

The physical configuration went well, even when plugging in the case buttons to the motherboard (usually a pain in the butt). I was able to get everything powered up without too much trouble then started seeing a handful of random blue-screen errors at odd times. I troubleshooted every piece of the machine looking for physical electrical shorts, proper seating of components and updating to the latest Windows 7 drivers. After an exhausting two days of research and testing I ended up determining that I had two bad sticks of memory. To confirm the problem I ran a memory test from www.memtest86.com that told me there were some unidentified errors. It wasn't until I bought a two replacement sticks locally that I confirmed there was in fact an issue. After swapping out the memory sticks and reinstalling the Operating System (for a clean slate) everything has been running great for over a week!

It is really nice to have a new, up to date machine again.

From this process I am certain that leaving the computer service industry was the right move for me. My patience with myself, troubleshooting my own computer was so short I can't imagine what it would be for countless strangers. The good news is that I'm still able to fix any problem... even some of the toughest blue-screen issues that Microsoft likes to deliver when your memory is throwing hidden errors.

Yay to multi-tasking at the speed of life again!

- Mitch G

Microsoft .NET Framework Cleanup Tool

2010-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

I was working on cleaning up my Windows computer the other day to install some updated Digital Media Rendering software and ran across an issue with the Microsoft .NET Framework versions on my machine. I did a lot of research, tried manually removing all previous versions of .NET and reinstalling only the latest but to no avail.

After even more frustrating time spent browsing the internet for solutions I came across a handy little cleanup tool by none other than Microsoft themselves. I've hosted the small .zip file of it here so that anyone who is having trouble with older .NET versions can fully remove all traces of the .NET operating files and start with a clean installation from Microsoft's web site or the Windows update service.

Hopefully this can be helpful for others! It took me a long time weeding through a lot of junk on the web to find exactly what I needed.

- Mitch G

Starting My Race Career at ProFormance Racing

2010-03-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well it was quite the day yesterday. There was a late-March winter storm warning in effect for the entire Seattle area, gutters and mountain passes were being overwhelmed with near record levels of rain and a heavy snow, people were busy rustling through the first day of the wet work week, newscasters were reveling in the storm's stories and I was out at a race track near Covington, Washington to thrash my 2007 BMW Z4 Roadster around a soggy race track for the first time--ever.

Yeah, I was pretty lucky. There are a lot worse things I could have found myself doing. I had been looking forward to yesterday for quite some time; some would say my entire life but I will say a confident and solid 10 years. At the end of the day I became certified to solo lap at Pacific Raceways, Seattle's biggest road-course track. This is the first step in the long road to amateur and professional auto racing and I am finally, officially on the road!

The basic steps to becoming an amateur (and maybe a pro) racer are as follows. One must first obtain the basic skills necessary to race safely around a track with other cars (rules, car control basics, etc). After you've received the absolute basics (generally from an accredited driving school) you spend a LOT of time practicing your skills with other drivers and their everyday cars on a track without engaging in any real "race."

Once you've practiced your skills aplenty, you are eligible to enroll in a race licensing program. Once you complete one of the many qualified programs you can start basic bumper-to-bumper racing in a pre-designated class. As you get better and better you can add to your licenses and move into different car classes and driving series. From there it is just a matter of having great natural talent, honing your skills and deciding in which car class or series you want to make your mark. In the end everything really comes down to how much time and money you have to spend. This is the road I will be following from now until, most likely, the day I die or heaven forbid have my license revoked. I'm itching for the next step now!

As for my experience yesterday, it was everything I expected it to be. I've done a couple of auto-cross events before and been the passenger in a few more but it didn't come close to the experience of running my car, full-speed, as fast as I can go around a road course with a dozen other cars. While I had a race instructor with me the entire day, it didn't detract from my experience or ability to push the limits. The instructors at ProFormance Racing were extremely knowledgeable and forgiving. They had the right advice at the right time but knew when to let you experience failure for yourself. There is absolutely no better way to learn.

Our day had quite the structure but it all worked out quite well with very little down-time. We began with an 8:00am class session to learn the basics of car control and track etiquette. From there we all (a dozen of us) jumped into our cars, most of them daily drivers, and headed out to the track. The school had set up a number of exercises that we had to repeat until success before we could move on. There was a high speed slalom course, high speed under-steer simulation, emergency braking familiarization and an obstacle avoidance challenge. All of the exercises were extremely rewarding but reasonably familiar to me from my years of being stupid behind the controls of fast things.

Once we successfully completed each exercise we met again in the classroom for a recap and introduction to track lapping. On the way back to the classroom one of the student drivers who had rented the school's Lotus Elise for the day slammed it into a safety wall at a 30mph and did over $6,000 in damage! I was in front of him and saw it all in my rear view mirror. While the accident wasn't dramatic it was definitely something you wouldn't expect to see. Thankfully that was the only accident of the day and that is saying a lot for how treacherous the conditions were.

After our recap we broke into two groups of six, were fitted with helmets and radios, partnered with instructors then shuffled back out to the track for our first lapping session. I was in group two and waited while group one completed their first 30 minute session. During that time we watched the other drivers and were given pointers by the lead instructor, pro racing driver Don Kitch Jr. I soaked everything up. Before we knew it it was our turn to drive.

I thought I was very familiar with the limits of my car (again testing the limits in ways and places I probably shouldn't be) but the experience on the track was like nothing I've known before! This is the essence of my experience at Pacific Raceways in my Z4...

Coming out of turn eight at speed (roughly 70 mph) I lined up to hit the apex of turn nine (the last one before the straightaway) which is right at the corner wall of Grandstand "A." As I approached the apex of turn nine I put the "GO" pedal to the floor and ran through the gears tearing onto the straight and across the start/finish line. As the turn-in cone of turn one quickly approaches I am doing 125-130 mph in sixth gear, I turn slightly and ease back on the the throttle to blast past the apex of turn one towards the downhill entrance to turn two. It is a 125 mph downhill run as I go HARD on the brakes into the entrance to turn two downshifting to third gear while blipping the throttle to keep the engine speed in check. As I wrapped around the wide and steady second turn at 85 mph I realized my tires had a death grip on every bit of asphalt they could find to keep me from running off into the gravel. The core of my body is doing all it can to keep me relatively centered in the seat. As I approached the late apex of turn two I eased on the throttle and as soon as the cone was in my driver's side window I planted my foot into the floor and opened up the steering towards the exit of the turn. Speed comes on out of turn two like a growing tsunami but the force is seamless. As soon as I hit the exit I'm back up over 100 mph and flying over the ridge to turn 3a and 3b. I can smell my brakes baking. The same process is repeated through the rest of the two plus mile course with some turns being much more technical and some requiring just the right amount of four-wheel drift to keep things pointed in the right direction. It is an assault of the senses with a concentration level higher and more defined than ever before. I can't get enough. Each lap I got faster and more consistent in my lines--apparently I have a natural ability to race.

Each group had completed three track sessions by the end of the day plus the earlier car control exercises for a total of about two hours of track time. It was excellent. For our second two sessions a dozen or so experienced, solo lapping drivers came to join us so I was able to run with a ZR1, 430 Spyder and 911 C4S. What was more amazing is I somehow held my own and was never overtaken! As for weather, the first session was drizzly and damp, the second dry and the third a complete soggy monsoon so I was fortunate to gain experience in all of the possible conditions. I also learned a lot about my tires, mainly that it is quite difficult to hold an 85 mph 180-degree turn with summer run-flat tires. I still have to work on that one.

As for my car, it too did fantastic. The brakes held up after nearly 60 miles of at-speed track time, I still have some tread on the tires and nothing has fallen off or gone "clunk." BMW, you really are the ultimate driving machine. Even my instructor commented on how nice the stock tires and suspension setup felt on the track--I agreed.

From the whole day and experience this is what I've taken away. Everyone should take a course like this with their car. Even if you don't want to race, don't like racing or don't know what racing is, you have a much more profound understanding for your car, how it works and how you can drive IT rather than have it drive YOU. If you are interested in racing, this is the first step and a must do. Summer is approaching and the racing season is starting. Now is the perfect time to get started. I can't wait for the next lapping day where I can run solo and really melt my brake pads away!

This is going to be the addiction and disease I always knew it would be but I'm glad I finally got started. Now it is time to think about the next car, something faster and more track-worthy, a Z4 M Roadster maybe? How about an E36, E46 or E92 M3? Who knows. There is also the possibility of a dedicated track car in the near future, E30 325 or M3 anyone? Oh, the choices are endless and so must be my pocketbook. I still have to work on maintaining the latter before I can do anything else but now I have something defined to work for!

- Mitch G

Come On Washington, Obama, DO SOMETHING!

2010-03-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

Honestly, Obama, I wish you would get in front of a camera and tell me WTF is happening there on the other side of the country from me. I realize that the amount of things that DO get done in Washington during a single day are probably more than what I accomplish over an entire year but I'm sick of your lack of communication.

I realize the red and the blue, the elephant and the donkey, the right and the left are in a grid-lock over health care, war policy, foreign policy and many other issues but why is no one speaking frankly about it?

Obama, I voted for you, I still believe in you. Come out and tell me what the hell is going on! Tell me exactly WHO is making it SO difficult to get something substantial done in Washington. I don't want to hear the "Republicans" or the "Conservatives" are making it hard. WHICH EXACT PERSON in WHICH PARTY is making it so difficult? Ultimately, it always comes down to individual people, always.

If there was more communication about what EXACTLY was going on and who EXACTLY was involved then I (we) as the general American public might be able to do something to help the situation. If all we hear is that the entire "conservative" party is making things difficult it makes the issue nearly impossible to confront now doesn't it?

I understand politics, at least more than the average person, but I don't understand why the traditional "rules" of the game should continue to apply. Take risk, show us we voted you in for a reason and that you are not afraid to stand up, shout out and make something happen.

I've taken a risk and I'm willing to take more because I believe you know what you are talking about. Our government is not a family or a group of old friends, it is a business, as it should be. It is here to provide a service to the rest of us, something that we agree to pay for... period.

I believe you have what it takes to run a good business and businesses cost money to run and to fix. I want to see you speak to me, not to reporters or anyone else. Come on the TV, no prompters, no script and tell me how to help. I want to know which doors I need to kick down to make something happen--I'll help in any way I can if given a useful direction.

An example that popped into my mind just now is the CEO of Sprint, Dan Hesse. His company was heading straight for the toilet. He started showing up on their commercials, making it very clear what they offer and what their intentions are and what the "other guys" are doing. No gimmicks, no fluff, just straight talk. Spring is clawing back. We can do the same.

Now be the CEO of our business, communicate, lead, and lets get this done!

- Mitch G

Stanwood Web Developer Gives Seattle Free Cash!

2010-01-18T15:34:00.000-08:00

My good friend and web developer, Loren Anderson, has outdone himself with the creation of, and I kid you not, a FREE web site that gives hints to find cash-stuffed envelopes around Seattle!

The site, www.seattleteasure.com, rewards its visitors with hints to the locations of "treasures" hidden around Seattle. Each day, a couple of hints are added to the site, bringing visitors closer and closer to the hidden treasures. The first person to zero-in on each treasure's location is rewarded with the contained prize... CASH!

During the month of January, this month, for all of those, who, like me, start to blend time, Loren hid eight envelopes under park benches throughout the city. Six of those $25 cash-filled envelopes have been found with two, more difficult hidden treasures remaining.

Next month he plans to hide a handful of $10 prizes throughout the city with the possibility of one containing a much larger sum.

Check out www.seattletreasure.com to take part in the hunt! It can't be anything but a good time and a great excuse to get out. Your lunch break could actually be profitable for once!

Monica Guzman of the Seattle PI wrote on her blog referencing the site here. The word on the street is KOMO 4 News may also do a TV spot featuring Seattle Treasure and Mr. Anderson. We'll just have to wait and see.

Congrats, Loren on the success. Your web site is one completely bad-ass idea.

- Mitch G

Mitchell Greenblatt Real Estate

2009-11-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am now working full time as a real estate agent in Washington! Please check out my web site www.mitchellgreenblatt.com if you need any type of real estate service--I handle every facet of the industry. It is my goal to provide the most caring and complete service to each of my clients.

- Mitch G

For You Judgemental Types...

2009-07-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone I have talked to over the years has said how appalled they were at Michael Jackson's ever evolving appearance. Understandable. What really bothered me was how critical and judgemental they were over the changing color of his skin. I suppose the repulsed thoughts had crossed my mind a few times, however, I still held out hope that there was an explanation greater than "he wanted to be white."

Based on yesterday's article posted on CNN.com Michael Jackson's Glove, I can now sleep better knowing I was right to withhold judgment all of those years! As a result of postmortem interviews with Jackson's former doctors and dermatologists, as well as statements from friends and close associates, it has been confirmed that Michael Jackson did suffer from the melanin-destroying (skin-lightening) disease "Vitiligo."

In the 1980s, actress friend of Michael, Cicely Tyson, was told by their mutual fashion designer that he was designing a glove for Jackson to cover up the beginning stages of the disease which attacks the hands and face first. Michael's dermatologist later said he began administering skin-lightening treatments to blend the white patches of skin from the Vitiligo with the rest of Michael's body. He said the procedure was in no way an attempt for Michael to "become white" and he was a "proud black man."

The CNN article has all of the information in detail and I will let you refer back to it for the rest of the story. Either way, even for the type of lifestyle that Michael Jackson lived, it is a far-fetched claim that he wanted to be "white" badly enough that he bleached his skin. He was many things but wanting to be white certainly does not seem like one of them. This just adds even more to the amount of pressure he was under and the number of unusual circumstances he had to deal with.

I can't even imagine.

- Mitch G

Twilight Review... Revisited

2009-07-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Alright, it seems as if I've made a few people a bit upset with my harsh review of the teen Vampire melodrama "Twilight" so I wanted to make a few more points here.

First, my initial review still stands. Period. The reason it stands is because I am basing my review on the movie, not the books, which I have not read. I can, and will, take a leap of faith and believe the book was far better than the movie.

Second, and what I deem most is important, I now know the movie was based only on the first book, and not the entire series. Unfortunately this doesn't improve my impression of the movie, it worsens it. I can be a bit more understanding if a screenplay writer and director need to compress a series of books into a two hour spot, it is difficult to do, but when they are dealing with only the first book in a series, come on, lets see a bit more effort. They (the screenwriter and director) assumed I knew everything about the characters, their background, their feelings and the reasoning behind their actions. I didn't, and unless I had read the entire book, could not have had a clue. The movie jumped right into the action with no caution for development and understanding. I was never able to get attached to the characters and understand their motives. There wasn't enough meat to make me believe those things could actually be happening in a Forks, Washington high school. Speaking of, what is with the high school stereotypes? Don't movie makers know that those stereotypes are outdated and far too obvious?

Third, I've been made vividly aware that this was a low budget film. Now, I understand a low budget film means you generally end up with cheesy visual effects and scenery but this film did reasonably well in that regard. While spending $37 million, a low figure but not debilitatingly low, they should have thrown a little more towards the screenwriter and received a better adaptation from the book--that would have made things infinitely better. I believe the actors have talent and that their talent is limited by the supporting writing and directing in a movie so I can't fault them too much, yet. Since there were basically two filming locations (Arizona and Forks) with minimal special effects I would say that $37 million should have bought me a lot more entertainment and satisfaction. None of this is really surprising considering their marketing budget was at least as much as the film budget, if not more.

Finally, sometimes bold statements need to be made when jaded people make unreasonable claims about something. I am not knocking on the books because I know vampire stories tend to tread on the campy side as a part of their basic nature. I am simply stating that from a non-devout Twilight book fan the movie was really awful. Hopefully, with a bigger budget, a better adaptive screenwriter, and possibly a new director, the second movie will be far better. I will keep and open mind since I now have a minimal understanding of the characters.

- Mitch G

Twilight, the movie

2009-07-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

This was a terrible movie. No real plot, no character building, cheesy cinematography and a poor timeline. Why do all recent Vampire movies and television shows have to be this way? They are all so campy I figured Old Navy must have mashed a bunch of their old commercials together for the silver screen.

I realize that Twilight the movie was intended for the followers of the Twilight book series, but attempting to wrap them all into a single movie was a joke; thinking it would come off as artistic was a fantasy made in... hell.

What a waste of over two hours of my life. I'll stick to books when it comes to this type of thing.

- Mitch G

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

2009-07-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

The greatest summer for Michael Jackson fans in nearly two decades has been cut abruptly short. Michael Jackson, as everyone in the world now knows, was pronounced dead late last week at the age of 50. I won't go into the details of his death because that is common knowledge but I will say that I am sad and mourning.

Jackson was my pop idol since I can remember--I learned how to dance based on his style and I still jam to his music a couple days a week. When his music comes on while I am out I'll be the first on the dance floor to break it down. It hard to imagine him being gone.

This summer was going to be the best for Jackson in a long time; he had 50 concerts planned for the O2 arena in London starting early this month and stretching until spring 2010. It was my intent to fly to London and see one of those concerts, knowing it could be the only chance I'd have to see him dance and sing in person--that goal of mine is no longer.

I know that I am better off than most of his concert going fans in that I had yet to purchase a ticket. I can't imagine the feeling of waiting days in line for a floor seat, front row and now knowing I wouldn't be able to use it... ever. It is just tragic.

The amazing part about MJ's death is the out pour of sympathy for Jackson and his family. I am one of those who will forever remember him as the "king of pop." It is true that we all make mistakes in life and if anyone knows Michael's story, they know he isn't completely to blame. I wish him peace and I wish his family peaceful mourning in their time of grief.

Rest in peace Michael. You are an idol and inspiration to millions.

- Mitch G

I am sick and tired of this "Swine Flu" Crap!

2009-05-01T20:40:00.002-07:00

Once again, people all around the world, unlearned and irrational are causing and attempting to cause mass hysteria over an issue.

I just found out that someone is developing an iPhone application that will track the "Swine" or "H1N1" flu. Talk about a way to make people even more paranoid! Next to that article I read another one about a university that is making a group of students who recently returned from Mexico graduate separately from their classmates. I have a slick idea for the university, why not stop over-reacting, give them a simple flu test if you think there is a REAL cause for concern and then make your decision. Genius, I know.

There is one truly outrageous happening in our country right now due to this "flu" to top it all off... mindless morons who promoting the closing of our southern border with Mexico due to the "imminent pandemic"--they should be locked away in an insane asylum. If you stop, think rationally (I know it is hard to do), and realize that illegal immigrants coming into this country DID NOT BRING THE FLU you might reconsider your absolutely aimless, pointless and horrid protests. The flu, as it has traveled around a bit, came by US CITIZENS traveling freely by air! I guess maybe we should think about keeping them away too right? Oh, no, this is just a great opportunity to voice your "no illegal immigrant" banter to the media. I can't stand it and think it is completely irresponsible.

This is the flu. Like any other flu. Get treatment early and lay low and you'll probably be fine. The media and societies idiots are really getting the best of people right now. I wish they didn't get the best of me but I'm so angry that I can't get any REAL news right now that I felt compelled to rant.

- Mitch G

How do traffic lights work?

2009-04-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine wanted me to prove to him how traffic signals (lights) knew when a car was waiting to cross an intersection or make a controlled turn. I had consistently told him that most systems (especially on rural or country roads) use an "inductor" loop-style circuit that senses the magnetic field of the stopped car to tell the system a vehicle is waiting.

The car's mass, most of it some type of metal (frequently steel), acts as the inductor material in the loop of wires placed in the ground. You can frequently see the loop of wires at the stopping points of an intersection with a traffic control light (the wires are typically covered by a black rubber compound). The car's mass has a magnetic field and that field is sensed by the circuit in the ground which is read by an induction meter. When the meter value changes the system knows there is some considerable mass (car) waiting for the light to give it the indication to proceed.

This is precisely why it can be difficult to get a traffic signal to change for a motorcycle. It is also why it is nearly impossible for it to change for a bicycle or human being. The system was set up to measure the field of an object with considerable mass (in all cases, a motor vehicle) and the above mentioned objects have little mass with even smaller magnetic fields because of it.

There are many other types of traffic control systems but the most common is the induction-style circuit. Timed systems that change on a schedule with no consideration of actual traffic flow are common in urban areas with many intersections and consistent traffic patterns. There are also dual-systems that utilize both technologies in many cities. It just depends on the right system for the specific application.

For more information on traffic signal (light) systems you can read the How Stuff Works article regarding this subject. It also explains induction circuits in more detail.

- Mitch G

Why Such Beatings on Obama?

2009-04-03T19:32:00.001-07:00

I'm not going to write much here but I wanted to link the commentary from James Carville about Obama's presidential day on April 2, 2009. He says, and I complete agree, that Obama had a fantastic day as President of our great country.

STORY

I'm getting really frustrated with all of the conservative right-winged individuals in this country posting online how much hatred they have towards Obama. He has been in office for a little less than three months and is doing more than most presidents have in that amount of time.

I'm reading complaints that the economy is still in the tank, that the government is now in control of our lives and we are becoming a socialist country, all this blah, blah, blah because of Obama. What people FORGET to mention is that we are in one of the biggest holes of ALL TIME and it isn't just the government's fault--the fault falls on the shoulders of ANYONE who overextended themselves or became greedy with others' money. Time is needed to fix major problems like those our country is facing and drastic action is necessary to do so to prevent a bigger collapse.

Patience is a virtue. Let's all get some or pretend to have it if you can't figure it out permanently. You'll help everyone. The best thing we can all do is channel our energy (anger or sadness) into productivity to build this country up again to what it was and should ultimately be!

If you are afraid the country will be, or is now, a socialist nation, just look at REAL socialist countries and tell me how similar we are. Research is good to do before making bombastic claims. I hate reading them, and wouldn't, except they pop up everywhere. The beauty of a democratic society is that if things get out of hand we, the people, still have ultimate power and if enough of us agree that we need change we can make it happen. It did during the last election. It is a great example. It is quite simple. It has been done before and can be done again, if necessary. Until we know what is necessary the claims need to stop so progress can be made.

Sometimes we need to sacrifice for the good of the nation. This may be one of those times. Why don't we all pitch in and do it? The complaining is getting terribly old. Someone has to take control and make the big decisions... I say we let that happen and figure the rest out when we have a solid foundation again.

If you disagree with me, please post and tell me why and for the sake of a good argument please have something to back it up. I am definitely fired up and ready to take this to debate. Too many people are too negative in this country right now.

- Mitch G

Your Kids Aren't That Special

2009-04-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

I really need to stop with this CNN reading but I can't help myself!

Articles like this one titled, "Parents, your kids aren't that special," are the little gold nuggets I find every day! This article, an excerpt from Jack Cafferty's "The Situation Room" on CNN, is exactly how I feel 99.9% of the time when out and listening to people's children complain, act out and disrupt.

Jack's commentary is spot on... parents, your kids are not that special. Children deserve discipline. They must be taught what is appropriate behavior and what is not--especially when in public. I am not a fan of physical discipline and I certainly don't condone it and the good news is that all research indicates it is not necessary. With steady parenting (the biggest component), proper techniques, and a healthy dose of trial and error you can teach your children to be human beings from a young age... seriously!

Obviously being a parent is not a perfect science, in fact many would say there is no science to it all. As a sociology major from the University of Washington who studied human behavior I have to respectfully disagree. While being a good parent is a learned skill and certainly not genetic, you can be effective right out of the box using proven steps.

Start by doing your research (yes you can research being a parent and it is OK!), remember to be compassionate (you are raising a human, not an animal), and most importantly, establish fair but firm boundaries. Fair but firm means keeping a steady hand--not a vise-grip--and recognize that children are children and they do not yet have the ability to manage their emotions like you do (or like we all hope you do).

NOTE: If you don't have the ability to manage and effectively channel your own emotions... don't have children; you are doing them, you, the world and me great harm.

It is important to recognize that you and your child can teach each other things. It is OK. You can learn from your child--it is encouraged. Please do it. They may help you understand yourself better. Your child could quite possibly--and likely will--open your mind to new and better ways of interpreting life that you would miss on your own! The innocence of youth has a funny way of doing that. Don't squash it. Listen, you may be surprised by what you hear.

With all this said, I am not attempting to give parenting instructions here. I am also not saying that each method works for each parent and child. There are variations... many of them. Ultimately the responsibility always falls on the parents for a child's behavior. Please, don't neglect them. If you can't parent, don't have children.

I get upset when children are unruly and lash out with no restraint but it is your job as a parent to resolve the issues with your children and you owe it to them to do so. You are the only one who can set your child on a path for proper societal integration. Do it. For you, for them, for me and for everyone else on this planet who may have to deal with them now or in the future.

- Mitch G

Robbers Steal $100 million from Harry Winston Paris

2009-04-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this quickly as a result of my complete shock...

STORY

Apparently four robbers held up a Harry Winston jewelry store near the Champs-Elysee's in Paris. They not only got away with nearly $100 million in jewels in roughly 15 minutes but the store had been held up not 14 months earlier!

The store is located around the corner from a police station and the robbers STILL got away. I'm completely amazed and wish I had more details because it is hard to believe. It sounds easy.

Not only is there an armed security guard at the door of my local Tiffany's store in an ENCLOSED shopping mall but there are roaming armed city police within minutes, if not less, from the location. Should there be a problem a half-dozen or more armed law enforcement personnel would be on site before you could beathe.

I guess I figured a Harry Winston would be better protected. Arrogance maybe? Who knows. I just don't know how a store such as H.W. could allow something like this to happen with no resistance whatsoever.

Does anyone know more about this? I want to know more. I realize this was a while ago now but I finally got around to writing about it (like most of my other posts I've been putting off).

- Mitch G

Gas Guzzling to Gas Sipping... Hummers?

2009-04-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

The title does pose a strange question... can gas guzzling, classic American cars as well as some late model vehicles (ahem... Hummer?), become fuel sipping econo-cruisers? According to Johnathan Goodwin of Wichita, Kansas they most certainly can!

Goodwin's company H-Line Conversions specializes in converting gas guzzling Hummer off-road vehicles (H1 and H2 models) into economical (and environmentally friendly) bio-diesel cruisers. The details of the CNN story is here and H-Line Conversion's web site is here.

The H2 Hummers go from 325hp, 8-12mpg binge gas drinkers to 650+ hp, 25mpg, bio-diesel and earth-friendly wonder trucks. The conversions are not cheap but the positive environmental impact is high--not to mention you will have one of the most unique vehicles on the road.

What really caught my eye was the conversion of rock legend Neil Young's classic 1959 Lincoln Continental from a big-block gas guzzler to a gas sipping hybrid gas-electric land yacht. Not only is the Continental one of the biggest and heaviest cars America ever produced but it is nearly 19 feet long and still, with the conversion, can achieve nearly 100 miles per gallon!

The conversions aren't exactly cost effective but they make a great statement. I would call them a great topic and centerpiece for conversation. If I ever decide to spend enough of my money to buy a gas guzzling truck or classic car I may consider a conversion like this to make a statement and spice things up a bit!

Very cool.

- Mitch G

Kindness Can Be Surprising... Again

2009-03-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

This was another article from a while back (again from my trusted and always informative CNN.com) that caught my eye. I've been wanting to write a little something about it for a while now, much like the last article but never got around to it. Now I'm sitting at a Tully's Coffee in Wallingford and found the time to post it up to share with everyone and anyone.

The gist of the article is a Texas woman attending the foreclosure auction of her home. She is sitting at the back of the room when a stranger strikes up a conversation with her about home buying. The woman explains to the stranger that the home up for auction is hers and without any further conversation the stranger bids and wins the home. Once she has won the home she tells the woman that she did it for her and that she can continue living in her home--no strings attached.

A Good Samaritan is one way to describe the stranger, Marilyn Mock, who bought the home to help out the distressed woman, Tracy Orr. It is something that you rarely hear of. A woman buying a home, in the spur of the moment, to help another in need. This story is the perfect example of one person helping out another for no reason other than kindness and aid. I suggest you read the article to get the full and detailed story--it is one for the books.

As I mentioned in my last posting, it is this type of selfless kindness and generosity that can change the world. A pay-it-forward type of living that can and will pay certain dividends for everyone involved. When you help out others, not asking anything in return, you help yourself at the same time. That is something you can't achieve when only seeking profit and practicing frugality. It is something I am trying to to more and more of each day and I encourage everyone else to do too.

Again, I realize that most of us can not afford to purchase a house for a person or family in need but on a much smaller scale the effects are the same. If we all start positively participating just a little bit more, the changes will be real and noticeable.

- Mitch G

Kindness Can Be Surprising

2009-03-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to write about this article for a long time. It is a short KMBC Kansas City news story about a generous customer, in this case an unassuming family, who left a $400 tip for a waitress they overhead having school-related financial troubles.

I can't begin to say how proud it makes me to know that there are good people out there, everywhere. They don't have to be in certain areas of the country, they don't have to look a certain way, and they don't have to have loads of extra money to throw around. I realize that it is not always about money as kindness and generosity can come in many forms. This is the best example of helping someone in need and asking nothing for it in return.

The waitress was having trouble paying for her school textbooks and was explaining the issue to her co-worker. The customer overheard the conversation and without any prompt, left a $400 tip when leaving the restaurant. Marlena Hayes thought the tip was a mistake at first but realized, and confirmed with a kind note from the customer, that the tip was for her textbooks.

This simple act of kindness and generosity, almost in a pay-it-forward fashion, is something we should all try to do as often as possible. If we continually take and never give, the system will eventually fail. Our society would fail. America was built on give and take. We must continue to do so. I realize giving a random $400 to those in need is not always possible for most of us, but there are other ways to give back and each of them count.

In these tough economic times the social and moral fabric of our nation is stressed. It is now, more than ever, that giving back and having great compassion are essential. It is truly amazing what the littlest things can do when done as a group and being aware enough to do those things when needed is the most important skill one can have.

- Mitch G

Congratulations Obama. Congratulations America!

2008-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Barack Obama and congratulations to the good 'ol USA! For the first time in a long time I am proud to say I'm a citizen of the United States.

Last night marked the turning point in our tough but very impressive history as a country divided and at the same time, together. Many never thought that current generations would see an African-American elected to the most powerful position on the planet. I'm happy and proud to say that I know where I was the moment it happened--I was sleeping. I was watching the election results come in and figured I could afford a little 20 minute nap. I woke abruptly about 10 minutes later to find the projection had just come in, Barack Obama would be the next president of the United States!

From then on the rest of the nights' events moved quickly as Senator John McCain gave his concession speech and President-elect Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech. I was glued to the television in a state of shock as reality set in that the impossible was very much possible and we as a country were finally moving forward.

There are quite a few conservatives extremely upset with the election results (I know a handful of them)--something that was evident during McCain's concession speech. I sincerely hope it will not deter our country from unifying to help ourselves and help others. I believe that while Barack Obama indeed has a lot to learn about leading this country, what he stands for and what his election represents will benefit us far more than what he is personally able to achieve in the next four years.

What excites me the most is my belief that Obama will have a supremely positive impact on our county's global image. No longer can other nations label us, as a whole, intolerant or suppressive. There are certainly things to complain about with any country but we are taking steps in a positive direction to improve our world relations and I am certain that will allow us to rebuild and prosper.

The world is now, more than ever, a global community and no longer individual nations divided by land and sea. This requires a different type of leadership and a different path. I believe we are finally heading down the right path.

In addition to improving our world image, I'm certain that Barack Obama will inspire many an American (and hopefully citizens of other countries) to get up, get out and aim high. The fact that there is still hope and possibility in this country is simply refreshing. I love being a citizen of the greatest country on the planet!

The next four years will be tough for us; we will face a big transition after writing the history books once again. We will need to think out of the box to solve our problems and help our neighbors. I can say that I am ready to help and be a part of the solution.

Overall what a great night and a great feeling! I'm glad I could witness it and I can't wait to see what the future holds. All that is really left to say is AMERICA... F*CK YEAH!

- Mitch G

2010 Mercedes-Benz CLK Spy Photo!

2008-10-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

I caught a good look (and a photo) of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLK pulling out of the parking lot at a winery in Napa, California over the weekend. It was there with a prototype E-class covered in the same camouflage padding and tape.

When I arrived, both cars were parked and had pad-locked covers to prevent peeking and removal. That didn't stop me from sliding under the side to get a look at the belly to realize it was infact a Mercedes and was in fact a coupe (pictured) and a sedan. The coupe I had the most time looking at and realized quickly it was the new CLK test mule.

The CLK had much more angular skin than the current CLK (as did the E-class prototype in the lot). It was difficult to tell exactly what the style would be with so much padding but it will look very different from what we have now, and thankfully so.

A few moments later I was heading into the winery while a group of four Germans were heading out. I noticed one of them dangling a Mercedes smart-key from their hand and knew it had to be the drivers.

I turned around and followed them back to the cars where they proceeded to unlock the covers and get in. One of the drivers started talking to me and although he made a snyde comment about taking the photo, he wasn't angry or forceful. He wouldn't admit to what type of car it was but did say that the "2-doors" should give it away. Yeah, they do. Thanks. He also said he loved his job but the testing was only a fraction of it.

I'd have to say that anytime I could get a prototype German car to drive around the twisty roads of California for a month I couldn't complain about my job either. Napa was just a leisure stop on their test trip; part for the wine and part for the roads. I'm guessing the latter must be addressed before the former or there could be some serious problems.

I'm wondering what it will look like when the camouflage comes off. I guess we'll find out next year!

- Mitch G

Bill Maher's Religulous

2008-10-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

Let me just say... this film is AMAZING! Bill Maher hit it right on the nose with his documentary pointing out the ridiculous nature of "religion," both historic and modern.

Religulous is so well put together and benefits from a substantial amount of research data. The position taken by Maher is not one of an antagonistic nature, only an inquisitive one looking for honesty in others about their religious convictions. If an individual is not certain of their beliefs and has not fully investigated why they follow, it is easy to be offended and angered by the films message. This, however, is the entire point of the film; it is meant to uncork the minds of the masses and get society thinking about WHY they believe and not just about WHAT they believe.

To set the record very straight, Maher isn't in any way attacking "God" in the film. He doesn't even attack faith or sprituality. What he does take a hard stance against is participation in a religious system fueling some of the largest social problems our world has ever seen. We are looking towards a higher power to give us meaning and purpose in this life when we can not find it for ourselves. The fear of being alone and without direction is terrifying to many. The differing beliefs established over the centuries cause us to fight each other physically and emotionally while justifying it with divinity.

Religion, but most importantly religious participation as we know it is a flawed enterprise. There is no hard evidence to prove that one religion is the true and only religion or one God is the true and only God. This is what was examined and argued in the film. If there are so many varying beliefs and practices how can just one of them be so absolutely true? Why is it when religion becomes involved humanity and the value of our existence on this planet, for this lifetime, becomes so trivial?

"Religulous" outlines and exposes the fallacies of religion, both historic and modern, to open the eyes of those jaded by their participation. In turn it opens the door for others to freely voice their independence. The film confirms just how essential and satisfying it can be to think as an individual and be a part of our society--humanity--without direction and unfounded prophecy from a flawed system.

Bottom line, go see this movie. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, it is worth your time just to find out what nearly 16% of Americans believe to be true, or in this case, don't believe to be.

- Mitch G

Lexus IS-F Review (Finally!)

2008-10-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well it is probably a little too late for this review as the IS-F has now been on the market for close to a year but I wanted to give my impressions of the little monster car that Toyota built myself.

If history is any indication of trends and future potential then it comes as no surprise that Toyota is no slouch when it comes to performance and class. They pioneered power and presence with the Supra back in the late 80s and early 90s with twin-turbocharged fury. Today, Toyota (and their luxo nameplate Lexus) are still able to produce power and prestige in a tight package gleaming with 21st century refinement and gadgetry--does all of that add up to a true German super-car competitor though? Maybe.

This "package" I speak of is the 2008 (and just arriving in showrooms 2009) Lexus IS-F performance compact sedan. After my drive in the IS-F nearly six months ago, I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging the car was for a Lexus/Toyota production automobile; the steering was quite precise (albeit on the light side) and you felt connected to the road as you would in most non-juiced European sport sedans. This is good for Lexus but doesn't quite meet my expectations based on their marketing plan. The IS-F, however advanced it is, did have traditional "Lexus" features that made it a bit hard for me to fall in love with--namely the quietness of the cabin which takes much away from the car. In your mind you know there is a monster five liter V8 cranking out 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of twist and exhaling through a high-flow quad-pipe exhaust system but you just don't hear much of it... that is until you get past 3,500 revs.

The experience reminds me of a turbocharged four-banger with 20 pounds of boost. The experience with the throttle planted on the floor from a dead stop left much to be desired until you hit that magic number. In the IS-F, 3,500 was that number. You take off with confidence and very little chassis flex but don't feel much from the engine or hear much from the exhuast. Then at 3,500 RPM it was like throwing pure nitroglycerine into the fuel tank and holding on for dear life. Out of nowhere there was a monstrous growl from the engine bay and the exhaust pounded like a woofer at a rave concert behind your head. No Lexus sound dampening material could compete with what was going on now. The tires skipped and you could feel the front end become just slightly lighter than before you were really taking off. The advertised 0-60 time is accurate, clocking in a couple ticks under five seconds during my drive. The 8-speed sequential automatic was confident for having so many gear options but didn't shift as quick as BMW's SMG or Audi's S-tronic systems. If I recall, the AMG Speedshift 7-speed in the C63 was even a bit quicker. The up-side is that cruising on the freeway at the speed limit (sometimes hard to do) yields extremely low revs and thus improves fuel economy. 8-speeds also helps in the 0-60 times of the IS-F but not by a significant margin.

Unfortunately, this was the only time I did feel the IS-F gave you what was advertised. In everyday driving it felt no more exciting than the lesser 350 or even 250 model IS models. The large monoblock ventillated brakes were strong and consistent but didn't give much feedback and the steering just wasn't as predictable or direct as its European competitors. The style is edgy and relatively under the radar but didn't stand out enough for me in comparison to the two standard models in the line.

The interior of the IS-F was nearly identical to the 250 and 350 IS models. The major differences were the "F" badging, revised gauge cluster, thicker steering wheel and heavier seat bolstering. The seats were not as comfortable as I would have liked but did their job keeping you in place. The rest of the car is every bit IS with a plethora of standard features and a simple but loaded option package including all the common goodies: keyless start, backup camera, navigation, premium audio, bluetooth, iPod control, heated leather and plenty of upscale finishes.

It was a decent job done by Lexus; taking a compact luxury sport sedan and picking a fight with the big boys. The downside is that it is still a Lexus and thus doesn't offer the raw, precise and time-tested driving experience you get from the Europeans. For Lexus it is amazing but in the real world it becomes average. The real problem now is that the car asks the same price as the others but wont hold its value like most Lexus models because of the small target market.

In the end, the IS-F can be fun to drive and offers you more than the base IS models on their best days, however, it still doesn't give you what the others can for the same coin. If you are a die-hard Toyota or Lexus fan and want something with kick that not many others will have then this might be the car for you. Just remember... you can't fit anyone but a midget (or your children--who may also be midgets) in the back seat.

- Mitch G

Invest In My Dream

2008-06-09T02:29:00.000-07:00

After a solid weeks worth of idea crunching and logistics discussions I have finally launched the online investment opportunity website Invest In My Dream! A good friend and I have been troubled for years with many business and charity ideas but no way to have them heard. From this need we came up with a solution and investinmydream.com was born. We wanted to provide ourselves, as well as anyone else with a great idea, a trusted and user-friendly place to share that idea and get the funding and networking support they need to see their idea come to life.

It is going to take a lot of work to make the site what we imagined it will be. The first showcase project is one envisioned by my partner Craig Allen and supported by myself. We are looking to start the first publicly "grass-roots" funded solar power plant. We are not willing to wait for big business or private equity firms to decide it is time to save the planet; we want everyone who has ever wanted to do something good for the environment, the opportunity to get involved and finally make it happen. The first plant will be built overseas in the European Union country of Bulgaria-- picked for its abundant sun, available land and dire need for clean, renewable energy.

If we can raise enough money to start this first plant many more will follow. Because land is extremely expensive in the United States a project here will be a few down the line. The benefits of installing solar are that it not only benefits the area in which it was installed but the entire globe from an environmental aspect and the environmental aspect is our biggest motivator. With gas prices reaching five dollars a gallon, every country paying major premiums to OPEC and the gaseous waste of this excess building up in our atmosphere it is high time a change is made. We intend to make that change, one donation and one project at a time.

Check out the revolution at www.investinmydream.com. Any donation and/or suggestion on how to improve the site is welcomed.

- Mitch G

Congratulations Obama!

2008-06-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

I wont say too much here because most of it has already been said by countless supporters and skeptics. What must be said is that there is no two ways about it, Barack Obama will be the Democratic Presidential Nominee.

A huge congratulations is due to Barak Obama; he has managed to overcome the intense prejudice alive and well in our country as well as the political whipping of his sometimes fierce opponents. It has been a rough battle and one that was necessary in this age of dead politics. Even if he hasn't been a Washington bureaucrat for very long he has exhibited the passion and enthusiasm necessary to bring this country back to its former glory.

Change is possible with honest goals and the right amount of energy. The Presidency is not just about an individual, it is about a country united behind a common ideal... one that I fully believe Obama can uphold and support.

All I can say now is BRING ON NOVEMBER! (Not that I want to fight other parties as myself I am an independent voter but this should be a good one)!

- Mitch G

Farewell Kristy Lee Cook

2008-04-16T22:31:00.001-07:00

Is anyone else as sad as I am here? I mean... Kristy Lee! Jason Castro really needs the boot and Carly Smithson needs to be axed as well. Kristy should have stayed longer than both of them. I'm devastated. Since it is a given one of the Davids will ultimately take this one home, I feel less of a reason to watch.

- Mitch G

Mr. Awesome is Glenn Beck

2008-04-10T11:47:00.001-07:00

Glenn Beck of CNN Headline News is my April monthly idol. His direct acknowledgment of our country's problems is admirable. I can't help but completely agree with what he says while at the same time realizing I am also a part of the problem.

In his latest blurb posted on CNN's homepage (again my favorite place for daily news) he talks about America's faults and why we are the cause of our own hurt. He gives suggestions on change based around the A.A. "12-step" program to make us, once again, the country the world envies. I couldn't agree more.

The article can be found here. I'm curious what the rest of America thinks.

- Mitch G

Damnit Lindsay!

2008-02-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Go figure that the day I write my rant about the media's obsession with celebrity blunders I find out later that day Lindsay Lohan just posed nude for New York Magazine. She did a shoot with famed photographer Bert Stern recreating Marylin Monroe's 1962 "The Last Sitting" photos.

I do acknowledge that Lindsay was trying to do something tasteful and I believe the photos are. She is a very beautiful girl, especially considering some of the physical troubles she has had over the years. It is just ironic that I finally write about my frustration and then she pops up doing this.

I'll be curious to see what the public's response is to the shoot. Click here to view the NY Magazine slide show.

- Mitch G

Damnit Britney!

2008-02-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears and her slightly younger copy Lindsay Lohan have completely destroyed entertainment. Their trials and tribulations have even encroached on the importance and point of the massive Hollywood writers strike that lasted nearly 4 months!

I will try to hold myself back here as much as possible but I find it completely infuriating hearing one more thing about either of these girls and the stupid, childish, and ignorant decisions they make. Don't get me wrong, I have no problems with empathy, even for celebrities; what I have a problem with is the media's obsession with exploiting their struggles and mistakes while all of the major issues facing our existence are basically ignored.

I find it so incredibly sad that all the mass media cares to report on are the failures of other people. Not that it is their [media's] fault, they are fueled by a society who thrives off of the blunders and misfortune of other people. I refuse to buy the tabloid magazines with gossip, both true and false about other people and their lives. I refuse to continue watching TV when they begin talking about Britney Spears' child custody battles. I refuse to read the internet blurbs when a celebrity is caught speeding and drinking in their Mercedes.

The only time I don't refuse to read up on a celebrities misfortune is when I'm looking for real news regarding the issues that concern me, my future and the future of those that I love. I read about the celebrities to remind myself how frustrating it is when the media, a source of vital information for my livelihood, becomes clouded with bullshit gossip and unfounded speculation.

Steven King named Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan the two "monsters that ate entertainment." And I completely agree. What is sad is that it is hardly their fault at all. Us non-celebrity types make the same mistakes, worse mistakes and no one but our immediate families and possibly a couple of government workers ever hear about it. It is the media's fault for following the trail of decay and the fault of our society for buying into the gossip and devastation that is a troubled young entertainers' life.

- Mitch G

Are You Obsessed With Your Job? Revisited.

2007-12-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

I found this article on Yahoo a while back, just two days after I wrote about being obsessed with jobs and work. I told myself I would write my response to the article as it seemed to be a message written directly to me about my life and my work. Now the ironic part here is that I've been so busy and consumed with my work that I haven't had time to write anything until yesterday.

The article, written by Heather Boerner of Yahoo Jobs outlines the steps one can, and should take, to identify their work habits and manage them. After applying a few of the steps to my daily life I've found that I do, in fact, focus on work a bit too much and have a tendency to say "yes" more often than I should.

Since I first read the article I've started to apply some of the techniques mentioned to see how they affect my lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges I've found with this new work/stress management policy is convincing everyone around me, especially co-workers, that I've not lost my enthusiasm for the job but that I'm just trying to maintain my physical health and mental sanity. When I apply the techniques for maintaining a proper balance I notice I am more relaxed, I do not lose my temper as easily, I sleep better and I am more personable throughout the day. This is a me I like much more than the old.

The trick here is, as with everything in life, to find the proper balance. While I'm still no expert in this, I've become much better than I was just 6 months ago. Some days I might not be as involved as I should be, some days a bit too much but I am much more in control of my physical and emotional self and it is noticed by those around me.

The real and ultimate test will be my perceived success in the future. Will I feel that much different? Will I ultimately accomplish more in my lifetime with the proper balance? Will I feel as if I didn't accomplish as much? Only time will tell I guess. To make sure I'm honest, I fully plan to revisit this topic every so often to share the updates on my pursuit of balance.

- Mitch G

Students Create Wireless Self-Driving Car

2007-12-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

This article worries me. Not that I'm afraid of having a car drive me around as I trust by the time the technology passes the strict NTSA standards it will be suitable for my daily use but because I enjoy the driving experience and buy exciting cars because of it. If every car on the road was able to self-drive then it wouldn’t matter what type of car your own because they would all drive and function the same. The only options would be whether you want plush or firm, cloth or leather seats.

Except for the occasional traffic-induced rage, I rarely wish that my car could drive itself. I do realize however that there are many people out there that loathe driving and would love nothing more than to have their car take them where they need to go. This loss of control and loss of choice is what you see in almost every past and present sci-fi movie. The loss of control inevitably leads to some type of dilemma for the main character causing them to wish they had maintained more in their life.

One reference is the movie i-Robot where Will Smith is taken for a ride in his self-driven Audi. All of the highways are completely automated which results in a major problem for Smith. The only reason he has the option to drive the car himself is because he has police authority to do so.

Just last year the NTSA partnered with GM’s Buick brand to test a handful of partial-self-driving cars on Southern California highways. The cars were able to maintain an 8 foot gas at a constant 60mph and could accelerate, brake, and steer themselves with little or no input from the human driver. So the technology is there and the testing has started.

The only level of automation I would gladly accept is a car capable of self-drive that would activate only on a specific portion of highway, if, and only if you wished to travel on that portion of the road; everything else would be left to the driver. Not that I would have any say in the issue, but I would fight vigorously to maintain my control for as long as possible. Efficiency, bah; control and driving pleasure, yes please.

I must however tip my hat to the students who were able to make the project a success. It takes a lot of hard work and ingenuity to create a self-driving car out of readily available technology and on a minimal budget.

With self-parking cars and smart cruise control already available, it is obvious we are not far away from the time when self-driving cars will hit local showrooms. I know I’ll be anxiously awaiting that day.

- Mitch G

"Vampire Electronics"

2007-10-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

This article on CNN is a great one to read for any of us with a plethora of electronic devices in our homes.

In short, the electronic devices you have around your home can consume as much as 10% of the total power you consume each month while they are lying dormant in "standby" or "sleep" mode. Subject devices: DVD players, TVs, Stereo Equipment, Game Systems, Computers, Coffee Makers, Cell Phone Chargers, Printers, Fax Machines, Battery Chargers, and Electric Toothbrushes.

The International Energy Agency and the US Department of Energy has estimated that 5% of the nations' electrical consumption is a result of the "vampire electronics".

So keep close tabs on your energy bill and make sure to turn off or completely unplug any electrical device that you are not constantly using. When you shut off your computer for the night, make sure to "shut down" and not "hibernate" or "sleep." This will help keep your energy bills and our environment happy.

- Mitch G

Are You Obsessed With Your Job?

2007-10-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes I am. I'm a workaholic. But not like the article makes me out to be.

I don't consider myself a clinical case but I am aware that I work much more than the average American; I also have a hard time turning off the work mode, even after I've left the office for the day. The article I found, once again on my beloved CNN.com, talks about the signs of workaholism and some of the notable downsides to being a workaholic.

I can't say that I see any notable downsides to loving the work you do and being good at it. Maybe this is my denial of the disease? The most important skill necessary to succeed as a workaholic is to be productive with your over-time. This is contrary to the article's statement: "having an office full of workaholics is like having a yard full of moles,... they start tunneling, but not in the same or best direction." I've found that this is only applicable if you have poor management who is neither willing nor capable of keeping the employees on task as they push past that 40 hour per week mark. It can also be the result of improper company procedures and guidelines--not an active management duty.

If each worker knows how to effectively utilize their time while they are working, more work will get done. The issues arise when individuals do not know when, or how, to turn off the work-mode. There is a definite burn-out point for everyone, and only that individual knows exactly where that point is. As long as you are not reaching that burn-out point, and you are not adversely affecting your family and friends I don't feel there is a negative to clocking in the hours.

Your mindset regarding the relationship between work and personal life will ultimately determine the positive or negative effects. If you manage effectively, and you are truly content with the work then working hard and frequently doesn't have to be negative. If you feel as if the world will stop spinning should you take a break, or your personal life is falling apart, then you do have a serious problem.

I enjoy my work, I look forward to the challenge and regularly feel that there isn't enough time in the day. However, I know that personal time is important and when I feel myself becoming stressed I will step away and take that necessary personal time. The balance is the important issue here, not how many calculated hours you work, but how much of your life is affected by your working.

I will always work hard to maintain a healthy balance and work hard for the sake of working.

- Mitch G

Who Doesn't Wash Their Hands?

2007-10-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

You've all seen this person, you know you have, and if you truly have not... well... you're that person. The person I'm talking about is the guy (or gal) that doesn't wash their hands after they use the toilet.

I came across this article posted in the CNN.com Health section revealing the percentage of people who do not wash their hands after using the restroom. This has been a pet peeve of mine for as long as I can remember and now the results make it even more concerning. The article focuses on men not washing their hands as frequently as women but the statistics show neither wash their hands as much as they should. At any given time a full 1/3 of the men surveyed and nearly that much of women did not wash their hands after using the toilet!

I find myself momentarily queasy when I see someone use the urinal or walk out of a stall in a public bathroom and head straight for the door. Maybe I was raised with higher standards of hygiene as I could never imagine leaving a bathroom without washing my hands first with soap and water, especially in a public setting. I guess it could also be because I am a self-diagnosed partially obsessive-compulsive individual.

If any of the violators of the public hygiene law took the time to read about the spread of disease and germs they may think twice about their lack of hand washing when using the restroom, public or not. This is also a good time to tell those people that a little spritz of cold water and a paper towel will do nothing for you... or anyone else.

This is a personal cry from me to you: please, please wash your hands after every use of the bathroom. I don't want to get sick because you were too lazy to take the extra 20-30 seconds out of your potty break to do so. I, and all others who take the time to wash-up after dumping-out, thank you.

- Mitch G

Paid To Be Shot?

2007-08-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I would first like it to be known that this post is in no way meant to undermine the severity of the Virginia Tech shootings on April 16th, 2007; I sympathize with everyone involved and affected by the tragedy and wish them only the very best during the recovery process.

I came across this New York Times article yesterday following up on the VT shootings. The article mentions the compensation available to the perished victims' families and the recovering victims of the shooting. While I'm glad that there is financial support for those involved, I thought to myself "would I get shot for that much money?"

So I pose this question: would you get shot for $50,000? Would you do it for $90,000? Would you do it for a free education? What is the price in which you would submit to being shot?

For me there is one major component of the proposal that needs to be confirmed before any decision can be made; would I have the chance of dying or would I be guaranteed to live? If I had the chance of dying I would say I ultimately value life more than money and the answer is no. If I was guaranteed to live I would say yes. Yes because that amount of money can be life-changing and physical pain can come from many seemingly harmless places (i.e. recreational sports that yield no financial gain).

I'm curious: would it be worth it to you?

- Mitch G

Transformers

2007-07-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

First of all I must say that I am extremely pleased with "Transformers" the movie. I went in with little expectations for the toy to film adaptation but came out pleasantly surprised and now very excited for the DVD release.

I must admit that with Steven Spielberg as the executive producer and Michael Bay as the director, while not my favorite director of all time, the quality of the movie should have come as no shock. When the nutshell is cracked open you find Spielberg produced another summer blockbuster (something he is famous for) and Michael Bay brought it all to life with his sometimes hit-or-miss action-suspense directing. Fortunately for both men, I would consider "Transformers" a definite hit.

The movie is in no way just a kids film. While adapted from the beloved children's toy created and sold by Hasbro, the movie provides fun and suspense for all theatergoers. The target audience is anyone in the 12-25 age bracket--one that can drive a car (or will shortly), knows of or has played with Transformer toys before and drools over Megan Fox or Shia LeBouf.

"Transformers" has a simple plot that is easy to understand yet can still entertain with plenty of twists and turns--enough to keep you in your seat and sometimes on the edge of it for the entire 2 hour 20 minute run time. The cinematography is great and engaging, albeit with nothing new to report. The characters that matter are well developed and strong creating a positive ending with a sense of accomplishment and closure.

Shia LeBeouf (Disturbia) is a great young actor. He exhibits in "Transformers" his ability to deliver timely and fitting comedic relief in a serious situation. He is believable, entertaining and has great screen presence. I can't imagine him doing anything other than more great movies, especially once he distances himself from cheesy Disney sitcoms.

Megan Fox is excellent in her first real break-out role. She has talent, a complementary personality and of course plenty of screen presence. It isn't hard for a young and attractive woman to land a leading role in Hollywood these days but Megan Fox displays true acting skill with plenty of potential--which will give her the real talent respect many of her peers do not deserve.

The supporting roles played by Josh Duhamel (Tad Hamilton), Tyreese Gibson (Four Brothers) and Jon Voight (Varsity Blues, National Treasure) all add to the excellent quality and feel of the movie. Duhamel is a good-looking soldier with nothing but selfless protection on his mind and Gibson provides the support. Jon Voight, while not in a large role here, is a great actor and adds the much needed: "what the hell is going on" feeling to the movie.

"Transformers" is a great summer movie and entertains the entire way through. I give it 4.5 "Mitch Heads" for providing plenty of good looking fun, action and cool cars but just 20 minutes too long. (I can't wait for that 2008 Camaro).

- Mitch G

Live Free or Die Hard

2007-06-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

John McClane is back and better than ever in "Live Free or Die Hard," the fourth installment of the "Die Hard" series. We've missed a true blockbuster action flick for some time now; this one fills you up with all of the right stuff and little or none of the bad. It has been over a decade since we've seen a truly decent action blockbuster and finally that stagnation period is over!

Bruce Willis kicks ass. Period. He is blown up, shot at, blown up again, thrown out of windows, thrown out of cars, thrown off of planes and then shot at again for good measure. In classic Die Hard fashion he prevails with a gritty, sour yet lovingly witty character. There is little time to take a breath in Die Hard 4; you are constantly and violently thrown into the next turbulent situation and love every minute of it. The plot doesn't include a lot of "fluff" and there are only a few main characters with well developed personalities--the combination adds to the blockbuster effectiveness of this movie. With so many contemporary "action" movies relying heavily on non-human CGI (computer generated image) animation, Die Hard takes you back to a time when one two people fight, they shoot at each other and have to dodge "real" bullets. There is some CGI in the film but it is kept to a minimum and well blended. The most important thing is that the action scenes (basically the entire movie), while still a bit outrageous, are still based around our universe's laws of physics.

The supporting cast, including the evil (and fantastically cold-blooded) Timothy Olyphant, the skittish computer genius Justin Long, and the Kung-Fu sadist Maggie Q does a great job of bringing this movie together for two heart pounding hours. As I mentioned above, there are really only a handful of main characters (four in this case) and all are developed well--adding greatly to the likability of the movie. There is only one plot, one story and that is exactly how the movie starts and ends.

Because I don't usually like to give away a movie in a review I will just say this as a brief (and very crude) overview: terrorists are using the internet to systematically shut down the United States and Bruce Willis gets involved to whoop their ass. Hopefully that helps.

The cinematography and direction of Die Hard 4 is as good as the rest. You wont get a brain hemorrhage from watching it but you certainly wont yawn or look away. This was the most entertaining two hours at the movies I've had in a long time.

For great summer blockbuster fun I highly suggest seeing "Live Free or Die Hard." At the tender age of 52, Bruce Willis still has what it takes to bring Detective John McClane to triumphant life. The movie gives you all of what you want and little of what you don't and in my book that deserves a full five "Mitch Heads." (Oh, and it is PG-13 rated too most of your family can share in the joy of explosions).

- Mitch G

Toyota Prius - "Yes"

2007-06-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Even though my BMW has yet to sell I am waiting delivery of my newest car, the 2007 Toyota Prius. This little car has sold more than 600,000 units worldwide and is still the #1 best selling hybrid car on the road today. Toyota really hit the spot with the Prius and I figured it is time for me to check it out for myself.

As my consulting position with Multimedia LED winds down I will be moving to Newport Beach, California to (hopefully) take my post as a development assistant with Craig Realty Group; this transition will result in a ten-fold increase in travel. I feel this change justifies the sale of my beloved 7-series and purchase of the new techno-loaded, gas-conservative green-box. I'm really looking forward to the technological innovations offered with the new Prius--especially the Smart Key entry and start system.

I've heard many complaints about gas mileage not meeting up to advertised EPA ratings but what I've found through experience in friend's Priuses is that those complaining individuals are not driving the car properly. It is a difficult game to maximize gas mileage in a Prius, one that undoubtedly involves a significant learning curve. Once I start driving mine I will report my findings on how to maximize gas mileage to achieve the advertised MPG.

If everything goes as planned I will be buying a 2007 Prius with the #6 option package that includes every option Toyota offers: DVD Navigation, JBL Audio, Smart Key, Bluetooth, HID Headlights, Leather Seats & Traction Control. The deal I have slated can not be disclosed but I am getting a smoking deal through my connections at the local dealership here in Sacramento. I opted out of a Touring model because the wait would be too long, the wheels are not favorable and I can not get the color (Grey) that I want.

Not that I consider myself a complete "yuppie," or anything of the like; I am just looking to do my part to help the environment, enjoy some new technology and maybe save a bit of "green" as well.

- Mitch G

Lower Price!

2007-06-20T16:18:00.001-07:00

I am lowing the price of my car to $15,800 if anyone is interested please let me know. I can provide a 27-point inspection report taken a few weeks ago from Niello BMW of Sacramento and am willing to ship. Thanks!

- Mitch G

For Sale: 2001 BMW 740i Sport

2007-06-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm selling my beloved 2001 BMW 740i Sport. It is currently up for auction on eBay and you can find it with this link here. It is fully loaded with the BMW factory sport package, convenience package and DVD navigation system.

It has almost every feature you could ask for: voice recognition, rain sensing wipers, HID headlights, power leather seats w/driver memory, sunshades, tinted windows, power folding mirrors, homelink and a UV protected windshield. The car has had all maintenance done on time and is in excellent overall condition. There are 113k miles on the clock and it runs perfect--just recently passed emissions testing. The title is clear with no marks on the carfax report.

I'm asking $17,900 and willing to accept offers. Please contact me for more information (425) 765-8460.

- Mitch G

2007 SCCA Mather Field Charity Autocross

2007-06-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

What a complete blast this was! I've never had so much fun with my car. The event was designed to support the Shriner's Children's Hospitals and all proceeds were given to the Shriner's charity fund. In total there were nearly 300 cars on the tarmac of Mather Air Field in east Sacramento County. At 8am the cones were up and the course was swept spotless--the weather sunny and flirting with a warm 75 degrees and a light breeze from the south.

The first run group (my group) positioned our cars on the starting grid and then proceeded to walk the course to get a feel for our task. After we made our rounds we went back to our cars, strapped on our racing helmets and started our engines. (I was the largest car there by about 1,000 pounds and 4 inches in length). Then the event started. I was in position number 15 on the grid and was able to see how a few drivers did in front of me. I felt anxious to say the least but of my nerves melted away as my heart took over pulling up to the beginning. The course, a 3/4 mile, 8 turn, 2 slalom, 2 chicane road challenge would exercise my bone stock 2001 BMW 740i Sport and its 18" All Season Michelin Pilot Sport Tires.

The transmission was locked in 2nd gear with the stability control turned off, my heart raced at a hundred paces per minute and before I knew it the green flag was waving in front of me. I jammed the pedal to the floor as the 4.4L V8 roared to life and jumped off the line with the authority and refinement only a German engineered V8 saloon can provide. A little wheel spin on the hot concrete to start but otherwise plenty of grip from the 255/45zr18 rubber in the rear. The rest of the 87 second run was a blur as all I remember was the sound of tires screeching and a drifting rear end as I plowed through the corners and powered out of them with a firm press of the "go" pedal. The smell of burnt rubber was intoxicating.

Each driver ran four laps for our $25 dollar donation and fortunately for me my times improved with each round (87, 83, 81 and 79 seconds respectively). After I was done racing it was the next group's turn to go and I spent the rest of the day out at turn 7 safetying the course and watching the other cars squeal around the corner and power onto the straight. At the end of the day I was sun-burnt, I smelled like gasoline and road grime but it was euphoric. Being my first ever car racing event, and driving a 4,400lb 4-door sedan I felt I did exceedingly well compared to the other cars out that day. As it stands I was only 3-4 seconds slower than many of the Subaru STIs, Mitsubishi Lancer EVOs, Corvettes and BMW 3-Series on the track that day. With the proper tires and suspension, given the same car and a few more laps of experience I believe I could have had very competitive times for the day. The quickest time set without penalty was a 62.005 by a race spec C4 Corvette and the 2nd quickest (63.257) by a 500hp Rousch-powered 427 Shelby Cobra; needless to say I am pleased with the results.

What an experience and pleasure it was to run my car and be in the presence of hundreds of other auto enthusiasts from all walks of life testing the limits and showing off their skills. It is even more thrilling that the entire event will benefit the Shriner's Children's Hospitals. Thank you to the SCCA team for all of their hard work to make the event happen and let me participate. I will definitely be back for more... once this damned sun-burn fades away.

- Mitch G

2007-05-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

There is quite a bit to be said about the attraction of sci-fi time-warping movies, much of which I will not cover here because most of it has been done before; being done before is the main downfall of the movie "Next" with Nicholas Cage.

Now, granted, there are minor changes to the story in which the future is seen and experienced but the overall plot and flow of the movie is still the same. At 10,000 feet the movies are nearly identical: you see a generally intriguing main character with a special ability or discovered phenomena/technology and he or she uses it to thwart evil and save either the damsel in distress, the world or sometimes both. "Next" is exactly that, a movie where a guy (Nicholas Cage) has a unique ability that helps him twart evil terrorists and save the damsel; it then wraps up in a nice tidy package.

Nicholas Cage (Gone in 60 Seconds, Face Off, The Rock) seems to be in a career lull with his most recent films. He hasn't exercised his screen presence like I wish he would and is focusing on the "gifted hero" style films; this provides a performance that is still entertaining but not outstanding. As the damsel of the movie, Jessica Biel, is as good looking as always. She has a natural beauty and soft character with excellent silver screen appeal. Her character isn't developed in the film but didn't necessarily need to be and in the end you are pleased with her role. While she doesn't get the opportunity to flex her acting talent in this flick it is another on the resume and that doesn't usually hurt.

The other supporting actress is also worth noting here, Julianne Moore, as the relentless and ruthless FBI investigator Callie Ferris. Her character is hardened, goal-oriented and efficient, which suits Julianne well. She gets a fair amount of screen time with Cage but like Biel doesn't receive much in the way of character development. Again, another one for the resume and pocketbook.

The cinematography and direction of the movie was action-flick standard yet gave the time-twisting plot just enough fresh appeal to attract the crowds.

If you enjoy movies that provide time altering theories then this is a good movie to go and see. The beginning of the movie provides the best entertainment of the entire film but you still feel a sense of accomplishment and a little "oh yeah, I got it now" at the end.

- Mitch G

The Horsepower Battle!

2007-04-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

The cat is officially out of the bag, and what a cat it is! The 2008 V8-powered 414hp BMW M3 is a serious looker. With all of that horsepower and a lightweight body (not to mention a carbon-fiber roof panel) there is no need to wonder if this will be an ultimate driving machine.

What is left to wonder is what the response will be from the other luxury car makers. Audi currently has their 420hp RS4 for sale and Mercedes-Benz is promoting their C55 AMG (only 369hp) but the real news from Mercedes will be the 5.5L engine giving way to the 6.3L AMG power plant later next year to make the C63 AMG with a staggering 450+ hp. It is also worth noting here that Cadillac is entering (and might dominate) the horsepower war games with its revised 2008 CTS-V that will churn out nearly 500hp from a variation of the 6.2L corvette engine. Lexus is also coming into the running next year with the (previously mentioned in this blog) IS-F concept--the V8-powered IS-F is said to put 400+ hp to the ground in its production form.

What is really fantastic about this horsepower battle is with each new car maker entering the pack the prices will begin to drop and the options will begin to rise for us buyers. In a few years, for around $50k, you will be able to have yourself a 500hp tire-shredding street machine with the refinement and build quality of yester-years Rolls and the tenacious handling and sporty character of the latest Ferrari model.

BMW has not yet released much information on the new M3 except that the SMG gearbox will no longer be an option, giving way to a dual-clutch automatic or (of course) the beloved 6-speed manual tranny. Weight is down and power is way up when compared to the E46 M3 so with its 8,400RPM red line it'll be an exhilarating ride to say the least!

I plan to post updates once production time comes closer for most of these cars. Be prepared for the monstrous C63 AMG, the bone-jarring CTS-V, a new response from Audi and the refined IS-F. I can't wait for the head-to-head reviews once these mean-machines hit the streets.

- Mitch G

Possessed by Possessions

2007-03-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Baruch HaLevi, is a young Rabbi at a temple in Boston. A few weeks ago he gave a sermon that brought to light the ultimately negative thoughts and feelings surrounding my worldly possessions I fight with from time to time. His words echo many of the sentiments shared by my closest friends and I, and as I have come to realize, by most of our capitalist-industrial society. If it isn't an open issue at the forefront of your thoughts, you may realize you are overtaken with the same feelings at more random times. No matter how it the feelings are dealt, there appears to be truth in that fact that it is, in one way or another, always plaguing our subconscious.

The following is a copy of his sermon; one in which I agree with deeply. I am not certain what I can do to ease the addictive and possessive tendencies I feel regarding my possessions but accepting the fact that I do feel that way is the first step in establishing a solution. If nothing else this is a great read for self-reflection and understanding. The most enjoyable thing about Baruch's messages are that they do not preach, they are just honest, truthful and informative without much in the way of religious propaganda... something I admire greatly. I apologize for the length but I believe it is worthy of a post.

- Mitch G

"Mishpatim: Possessed By Possessions

If you've spent any time around my son you'd know he has one love thus far in his young life. Though he adores his Mimi (mommy), cherishes his Abba (daddy) and relishes his playtime with his sister, truth be told, nothing compares to Blue Bear.

Blue Bear, the love of my son's life, honestly, is a misnomer. There simply is nothing blue about this bear; at least not anymore. Whereas once he had a soft light blue fur, now he's a matted, grayish, shmutzed up mess - no matter how many times you wash him. But when Yudi looks upon his little, germ infested friend he sees no shmutz, only soul. He loves that bear, can't sleep without him because frankly, it is part of him, an extension of his sense of self and identity. Though my son has many possessions, the one thing he
believes he truly owns is Blue Bear.

My daughter has no Blue Bear but she has many possessions as well. Try taking something that's hers and you will hear the wail of the toddler war cry, "mine, mine, mine." This, however, isn't a quality particular to Yudi or Maya but to all toddlers. Babies, from the earliest stages are dominated and defined by possessiveness. They want what they want, they want it now, it's theirs, they are entitled to it and that is that. And as we all know, this quality isn't bad. It's healthy and befitting an infant, toddler and young child.

The challenge, however, is that this possessiveness doesn't go away. Right through childhood, adolescence, the teen and tween years and into adulthood, human beings can't help but attach themselves to things, to material possessions, often seeing those things, more or less like Blue Bear, as an extension of their very self.

C'mon, we all live like this. Who doesn't look out their window and think or at least feel an unvocalized sense of this notion "mine, mine, mine." Every time a passerby's dog does his business on my yard, I think this and if they don't pick up the dog's handiwork you better believe I'll go make sure they get "theirs, theirs, theirs" off "mine, mine, mine." Hey, it's my yard. I have every right to make this demand. I paid good money for this piece of real estate. I own it and only my dog gets to muck it up!

Seems fair enough, in my world view anyway, but this week's Torah Portion, Mishpatim found in the book of Exodus, forces us to grapple with Blue Bears, real estate and possessions in general. In this week's Parsha we encounter the laws of "owning" a slave.

Right from the beginning the Torah portion challenges this idea of "slavery." This situation is quickly turned into indentured servitude. The Torah allowed for such a relationship as a weaning process from the cruel slavery of the time (and slavery in this
country only a few hundred years ago, lest we judge to quickly). The rule, in a nutshell, is you may employee a servant (with numerous laws protecting their well-being) but after six years of service, you must set them free in the seventh year.

What is the reason for this law? Though it is complicated, when all is said and done, this is a profound teaching on the nature of possessions. The Torah was trying to elevate the consciousness of the time by conveying that we certainly cannot own another person. We may employ them for a period of time but we can never possess them. We can't possess another person and can't possess any material thing for that matter – not really.

Actually, the Torah and Jewish tradition are rather liberal when it comes to our material possessions. Judaism allows for possessions, understands they are real and necessary in living a full and complete life. However, material possessions come with a price, a shadow side. Whether we're talking about food, clothing, Blue Bears or houses, all of these items can slip from the realm of things into possessions and into stuff that we don't merely use or enjoy but come to define us, or worse yet, possess us!

Though this seems obvious, it is one of the hardest things human beings face. We all buy into the illusion of possessions in some way or another. Some of us define ourselves by our Blue Bears, others by our cars, our stock portfolios or even our looks. My son can barely imagine life without his bear but most of us can barely imagine life without x, y or z. Each of us has things in our lives, stuff, albeit important, valuable, meaningful stuff, that tends to define us and in the end, even owns us. This week's Torah portion warns us to realize we are not our stuff, not defined by material stuff and in the end we don't own a thing – at least no material thing.

Often when having this conversation someone will invariably argue that, at the very least, we own our bodies! Certainly, if anyone possesses our own body it would be us. No one has a right to lay claim to our bodies for sure, but that is very different than saying we own our bodies. After all, are we really our bodies? If I were to cut off my arm am I any less "me" than I was before? What about both arms? What about both legs? At what organ do you draw the line? Are we our brain? What part of our brain? Exactly where are "we" located in this heap of flesh I call my "self"? And what if I sustained serious burns which distorted my face? I might be physically unrecognizable to all who know me but wouldn't I still be "me" behind that façade?

The Jewish tradition holds that we didn't create our bodies, our parents didn't create our bodies; rather we were created by the Source of All Life. She created this body and it is Hers and Hers alone to reclaim whenever She so chooses. We are in this body, of this body, caretakers of this body but we are not the body and we are indeed more than just a body. We are using it, much like a tenant uses an apartment. Just as we do not have the right to make major alterations while paying rent in another's dwelling place, we do not have the right to make major alterations on our body. This is why tattoos are forbidden under Jewish law. It is why Jewish law prohibits cremation. It is why Judaism abhors suicide. It is not our apartment to demolish. We return it in the manner it was given. And I won't even touch apartment redecoration: lifts, tucks, augmentation and alterations (another topic for another time).

Ever since my father's death I've been thinking a lot about our roles as tenants occupying our little bungalows here on Earth. Death, in general, is just one of those moments when you remember this truth that we all know and yet so easily forget. But when the Landlord comes knocking, or in the case of my father, the tenant tears down the apartment, it is impossible not to realize that the body is truly not our own.

For a short period of time after a tragedy or a serious illness most of us see through the illusion of things. Still, time marches on and it is so easy to slip back into oblivion, right back into the illusion of owning our stuff. Blue Bears grow into bicycles, into cars, into homes and before you know it you are some uptight, raving control freak yelling at dog walkers to get their do-do off your yard. Certainly there is a place for ownership in the world we live. We need those Blue Bears to get us through parts of our lives and we
need our homes to be protected and stay warm. The issue is not whether or not we have possessions or even love our possessions, the question, actually more of an ongoing struggle, becomes, do you possess them or do they possess you?

So maybe it takes a death to wake us from our sleepwalking materialistic illusions. Maybe we can't have the proper perspective on what we really own until it is taken from us or falls apart. But even then, the clarity doesn't last, and frankly, who wants to live in such a somber, reactive manner. The goal of an authentic Jewish spiritual practice is therefore to challenge ourselves everyday, even the good days, especially the good days, to use the stuff, to engage the stuff and to somehow find a way not to become obsessed with and possessed by the possessions, the stuff in our lives.

Shabbat Shalom

Baruch HaLevi"

World Cup Cricket Tourney - Antigua Display Install

2007-03-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

Not to brag too much but I just got home from two weeks on the Caribbean island Antigua in the West Indies (pronounced Antigah). It was a business trip for Multimedia LED, the company I am currently consulting. My purpose on the trip was to provide project management and IT support for our front end computer control system. Overall it was a fantastic trip and I learned a lot more about the digital sign business, the Caribbean islands and myself as a project manager.

The physical install went very well when we finally received our LED display modules. Due to our freight forwarding company "JSI" dropping the ball three times getting our modules to Antigua the installation took four days longer than planned. What is infuriating to me about JSI is that they have yet to acknowledge full responsibility for the delay when they let our modules sit in Miami for three days missing two flights into Antigua. To top off the issue, they failed to secure priority shipment on a flight the following week. Hopefully they will take responsibility for their service failure or it might be difficult for us to trust them on another time sensitive project.

The entire project took just over two months from bid to completion and proved that Multimedia can run with the best of them. We had numerous critics saying it couldn't be done in such a short amount of time and to our benefit, they were promptly proven wrong.

The actual display is a 20 x 33 foot 17mm pixel pitch E4 (4-diode pixel pattern) full-color RGB LED display. It has a professional Kramer video switch/scaler with Multimedia's eClips control software. We can display anything from full-motion high-definition video feeds to avi, mpg, mov and wmv video files to bmp, jpg and gif images. The final product is impressive with a 700:1 contrast ratio and brightness enough to light up the entire Sir Vivian Richard stadium at midnight.

Hopefully the display will be the proper visual accessory to the 2007 ICC World Cricket Tournament at the end of this month. It was a great experience and one I will not soon forget.

As for my time spent enjoying the beaches of Antigua while waiting for our modules to arrive I got as much sun as a German red haired guy can. We visited the many beautiful beaches and bays of Antigua and ate Mahi Mahi and Coconut Shrimp every night. The island is a fantastic vacation destination with a safe environment and friendly locals. We stayed at the Antigua Village Resort, a rental beach-front condo community. The accommodations were very good with comfortable beds, a nice pool and a great location in Dickenson Bay. As one can imagine on any Caribbean island, the water was crystal clear with coral reefs and plenty of sea life. I will post more pictures on my personal website and you can click the title at the top to be sent there.

I am quite impressed with Multimedia and their abilities, especially with some very significant, yet uncontrollable setbacks. I feel fortunate to be a part of the process and hope that my contribution will be a lasting one.

Oh, and I decided I really like geckos.

- Mitch G

Turbocharing vs Supercharging

2007-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

This posting of mine was taken from my response on a www.bimmerforums.com 7-series thread regarding the differences between a turbocharger and supercharger in relation to a V12 engine. I am posting it here because the general concept applies to all engines regardless of size and cylinder count. Hopefully this information will shed some light on the true differences between the two forced air induction methods used to create more power in combustion engines.

"The main difference between a turbocharger and supercharger is the form in which the turbine is spun. A turbocharger uses redirected exhaust gases from the engine to spin its fan while a supercharger uses a pulley and belt attached to the existing pulley/belt system on the car.

For this reason it (usually) takes a turbocharger longer to produce "boost" because it needs to wait for the flow of exhaust gases to spin the turbine fan. By basic reasoning this takes longer because exhaust is the byproduct at the end of the entire combustion process. The supercharger has almost no "lag" because its turbine spins the moment the engine RPMs rise because it is, in a sense, directly attached to the crank.

The general rule of thumb, and I stress general, is this: if you have a small displacement motor that produces little torque it is generally better to turbocharge because you don't directly drain the engines low-end power having an extra pulley and accessory attached that is always running. There is more wear and tear on the engine when running at lower speeds. If you have a high displacement engine with more available low-end torque you can supercharge because the amount of energy the supercharger demands at low engine speeds doesn't hinder the available power of the engine. At high RPMs the effects are the same for both systems.

Once both systems 'spool' up to their configured boost pressure you essentailly get the same result. This is all assuming you're running a turbine style supercharger (resembles a standard turbo). If you decide to run a top-mount twin (or single) screw supercharger, like those found in the 2003+ Mustang Cobra (among other cars), the use of low RPM engine power is the same but the boost delivery is more direct. It is a more direct boost injection because the supercharger is bolted directly to the intake manifold, rather than running boost through an intake tube to a remote location. If you want that "supercharger whine" you would opt for the twin-screw and if you want the "turbo hiss" you would go with the turbo-turbine supercharger, or just a standard turbo.

The reason many manufacturers have been twin-turbocharging their large displacement V12s is a result of space restrictions on the top of the engine and wear and tear during normal driving. With the development of new bi-turbo technology all but eliminating turbo "lag," the space saving and power saving benefits of running a twin-turbo setup are enticing.

Proper bi-turbo setups run two turbochargers. If the engine only has one intake for both banks of cylinders the turbo's are configured to provide the same boost pressure at different RPMs so they compliment eachother and nearly eliminate the dreaded boost "lag." If an engine has two separate intakes, such as the BMW V12, one turbo is used for each bank and configured to boost at at the same time with the same pressure.

When separating the turbos it makes it impossible to have them compliment eachother thus giving in to boost "lag." The partial solution to this problem comes from the displacement of the engine. Because the V12 engines push such a massive volume of exhaust per bank (6-cylinders worth) the turbos can be configured to maximize boost at low RPMs and maintain that throughout the rev range; again, nearly eliminating turbo "lag."

The latest amazing turbo development was made by Porsche and is implemented in their 2007 997 Turbo. It is called VTG (Variable Turbine Geometry) and basically adjusts the pitch of the turbine blades inside the turbocharger in real-time to account for changes in engine speed and exhaust volume. This allows the turbos to produce their maximum boost pressure at almost all engine speeds without compromise. You can be assured this technology will soon be applied to nearly all new turbo systems, eliminating turbo "lag" forever, both in single and twin-turbo configurations.

Wow, that was long. Hopefully you guys read it and become experts on turbos and superchargers."

- Mitch G

Cedar Grove - Issaquah Home For Sale

2007-02-06T22:33:00.000-08:00

I am finally ready to put my house on the market! It has been a long time coming and I am very pleased with the result. A short list of the features includes new stainless appliances, flooring, millwork, countertops, bathrooms, light fixtures, interior paint and hardware. There is free community water, a mountain view and propane heating.

The address is 23415 SE 160th Place, Issaquah, WA 98027.

For more information on my home and its features you can click on the title above to take you to the official MLS listing or this link here to view the zillow.com home information. My real estate agent, Jin Lee of Skyline Properties (425) 591-1042, produced this short video tour of the house to make the previewing process easier:

- Mitch G

Mainstage Comedy Club Review

2007-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

It was a fantastic late night show on Saturday at the Main Stage Comedy & Music Club in Seattle. Patricia Allen (co-owner) outdid herself with a sensational venue, top-notch performers and a true-to-Seattle theme. The drinks were well made, the full menu (so I heard) was prepared with care and the performances reflected the best comedians Seattle has to offer. Each portion of the experience was light on the wallet and for complete Saturday night entertainment in the "Emerald City" that is saying something. It was equally impressive that a handful of walk-in comedians showed up when they heard the club had opened; their extra talent lit up the stage and provided an evening of true ab-crunching laughter.

There are a few items left to be addressed regarding the venue itself such as proper dining tables, exterior lighting and signage along with other smaller miscellaneous items. I spoke with each of the three owner/managers of the club and each expressed their undying commitment to build the best entertainment venue on the Greater Eastside. I feel they have a fantastic start.

I will be going back for my birthday celebration on Saturday the 18th of February, we shall see how things are after two full weeks of operation. If anyone is interested the official "Grand Opening" is this coming weekend Thursday-Saturday with live stand-up all night long.

Again, best of luck to Main Stage Comedy & Music Club in Seattle; a much needed and welcomed addition to the Seattle entertainment scene.

- Mitch G

Main Stage Comedy & Music Club, Seattle

2007-02-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

My good friend's mother is opening a new comedy and music club in downtown Seattle. The club is called "Main Stage Comedy" and is located across the street just west of the Key Arena's main entrance. For now the club will only be open on the weekends but promises to provide a classy, contemporary entertainment venue for all of the Seattle area's residents as well as professional-level national performers.

I will review the venue after I visit this coming weekend for the two-night opening event. I will be there Saturday the 3rd for the 10pm stand-up show. Main Stage's myspace page is here and has a plethora of extra information for show-goers and performers alike. You can also purchase tickets for shows online through Ticket Master.

Best of luck to Main Stage and let the show begin!

- Mitch G

But The Accountant Too?!

2007-01-30T13:20:00.000-08:00

Let me just make this disclaimer first: it might be that the man I speak of next is paying the extra expense out of his own pocket, but I highly doubt it. Ok... on with the rant...

It hasn't been revealed openly yet, but I am in Sacramento, California working as a business consultant for a friend's recently purchased company. The financial director from my friend's corporate offices in Orange County is here helping with an internal audit. The only thing I can't figure out is why this financial guy comes here and rents a $150/day luxury car when his commute is only five minutes from the office to the hotel.

This goes against all known business practices of my friend and his companies. His motto has always been to use only what you need, splurge only when necessary or when deserved and reinvest all excess back in the business. Apparently his financial director does not understand or respect this proven way of doing business.

So I ask: even if you oversee the financials at your work, is it ever ok to treat yourself when it reflects poorly on the company?

- Mitch G

Smokin' Aces

2007-01-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a blood-spattering, flesh-shredding, bullet-charged adrenaline rush? If so, look no further than "Smokin' Aces." Thanks to this original screen play by Joe Carnahan, what happens to a human body when it is riddled by a full clip of 50-caliber ammunition is no longer left up to the imagination. It might be safe to say there is more blood here than in all three "Saw" movies combined. Ok, well maybe not, but it might certainly be close.

To be frankly honest I was (as many others were as well) hoping to see more Jeremy Piven in this flick than what I was shown. Not to say it was bad because of that, I just had to change my expectations halfway through--and I don't like to do that.

The cast was decent, and by decent I mean on the better side of good. The short-list includes: Ryan Reynolds, Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia and even a cameo by Wayne Newton. The shocker for me was all of the Ryan Reynolds' screen time. I'll admit I really only like him in bright and humorous comedies such as "Van Wilder" but he did an alright job here as well with FBI Agent Messner. Ben Affleck had a small role as a bounty hunter but (semi-spoiler here, skip if you don't want to read it) was killed off fairly early in the movie. Andy Garcia did a fine job but his character seemed almost exactly like that of Terry Benedict in the "Ocean's" movie series. Either way, I wanted more fast-talking Jeremy Piven, but didn't get the fix I was looking for.

The cinematography was that of your standard issue action flick; all of the glitz, a short snippet of a speeding car, pretty people (and then those not-so-much), guns, explosions, swearing and a little emotional crying with a heroic ending of sorts. It is as if they pulled out the "how to make an action movie" handbook and followed the bullet points. It was entertainment nonetheless.

In summary, I can't say I loved this movie... I can't say I hated it... I was just neutral. The true plot was a bit bizarre in relation to the film and you leave with a "what happened there" type feeling, of which I am not so fond. For that I give "Smokin' Aces" 2.5 Mitch Heads. It wasn't great, it wasn't terrible, see it if you are bored, there are other things out there to spend your $6-9 on.

- Mitch G

The New Lexus IS-F Concept

2007-01-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Finally a car company has the right idea--stay true to your advertised motto. It's as if Lexus truly believes in "pursuing perfection," since they keep rolling out more tantalizing cars with even greater performance and style. What I'm referring to is the up and coming 2008 or 9 Lexus IS-F, the BMW-Audi-Mercedes thrasher.

The IS-F has its cross hairs aimed directly at the current Audi RS4, the next generation V8 powered BMW M3 and the current V8 Mercedes C55 AMG. The Germans run anywhere between 362-420hp (as advertised) and the Lexus is touting 400+ for its new 5.0L V8--the most powerful engine is Lexus history. As if 400+ horsepower wasn't enough, the Lexus will come packing with more than 350 ft lbs of pavement shredding torque matted to an industry first 8-speed sequential-shift transmission with paddle-shift capability. The extra gears and sequential-shift feature mean power gets to the ground faster; the increased gear range maximizes take off while maintaining decent fuel economy at cruise. Unfortunately for the Germans they only manage up to 6 forward gears, just 5 for the Merc with no sequential feature, and roughly the same amount of engine torque. The specs Lexus released gives the IS-F and advertised 0-60 sprint of less than 5 seconds, that would beat or match that of all of its rivals.

A new signature feature for most "high performance" model cars from numerous manufacturers is some sort of quad exhaust setup. The Lexus has this but stacks the pipes vertically on either side of the rear apron to distinguish it from its German counterparts. Among other engineering items, the IS-F has massive race-derived front and rear brakes that should halt the car at highway speeds with neck-snapping urgency. It also sports aggressive body work on all four sides and sits on low-profile 19" rubber.

As for the interior, it is all Lexus and will look very similar to its standard IS250/350 siblings. The main differences will be in available colors, trim appliques, and seat bolstering. As Lexus mentioned, expect improved sport seats with greater lateral support and more aluminum trim. It is also reasonable to expect some sort of revised instrument cluster specifically designed for the IS-F.

I look forward to test driving the IS-F once it hits showrooms to report my first hand experience and impressions. It is about time Lexus played a hand in the performance sport sedan market, let's see how well they know the game.

- Mitch G

Borat Wins a Golden Globe!

2007-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

The results are in, the show is over, and Sacha Baron Cohen went home with a Golden Globe for best performance in a motion picture comedy last night at the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards.

View his acceptance speech courtesy of YouTube.

Based on my liking of the movie, I didn't think there was much competition in the category except from Aaron Ekhart of "Thank You For Smoking." Either way, much congratulations to Sacha Cohen for his achievements, the movie deserved a Globe for so many reasons and I'm glad that was realized by the film critic community.

Let's hope his next movie is just as good.

- Mitch G

President Barack Obama?

2007-01-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since we've seen a (possible) presidential candidate with such intriguing momentum as Barack Obama. Now, I have not fully read his entire history but his brief biography is impressive and his ability to speak and be heard stands out from the crowd.

View the CNN article announcing Obama's exploratory committee and possible presidential run.

Obama will have a large list of competitors for the Democratic nomination but in my opinion, and that of nearly all his supporters, stands the best chance of winning the vote. It would really be something if we had a heads-up competition between Obama and Senator Hilary Clinton--which is the initial projection if Hilary announces her intention to run.

There are a lot of obstacles facing Obama if he does officially submit his ballot, but I am optimistic that America is ready for a change, and ready for a REAL change. We have done enough damage to our country with ill-conceived plans and misguided ideals; real change is our one true savior.

I will cross my fingers for good options this time around, I hope we can find a great leader for our country. I'm certain I will have more to say about the 2008 campaign for presidency once more information becomes available and the official nominees are nailed down.

For more information on Barack Obama you can visit his personal presidential exploratory website here, and for information about Obama as US Senator of Illinois please click here for his official senate website.

- Mitch G

Blood Diamond

2007-01-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

Go see this movie. If you have an ounce of sympathy, adrenaline or cultural awareness anywhere in your body you will enjoy and appreciate "Blood Diamond." *WARNING* - this is a violent and vivid film with a true-to-its-core "R" rating and is not intended or suggested for young audiences.

Leonardo DiCaprio (as Danny Archer) has done it again. He seems to be able to land fantastically epic roles representing fictional characters wrapped up in true, historic events. There are many resemblances to "Titanic" here but I will leave them for you to discover.

I used to think of Leonardo (Titanic, The Aviator, Catch Me If You Can) as a young actor with uncertain talent and a lack of grit; in "Blood Diamond" however, there is no question my previous scrutiny has been washed aside. In this movie alone he brings to life multiple characters with ease, conviction and grace while never losing his impeccable screen presence. I also love his hair.

Both supporting actors: Djimon Hounsou (Solomon Vandy) and Jennifer Connolly (Maddy Bowen), gave exactly what was necessary for this film to toy your conscience and beliefs. Hounsou (Laura Croft: Tomb Raider, Eragon) had the toughest role of the movie and definitely took the bull by the horns to bring a memorable character to life. I look forward to seeing him in future films with even bigger roles. As for Jennifer Conolly (Labrinth), it has been a while since I've seen her in any major film and I can say with my own conviction that I am glad she landed this one. She is an excellent actress and was a great counter-part to Leonardo in the movie. She has plenty of talent, excellent screen presence and fit the reporter-adventurer role perfectly.

As for the cinematography and directing, I just can't begin to say enough. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. Producer/Director Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai, I Am Sam, Traffic) did a fantastic job of bringing you close to the characters, while never letting you forget the gravity of the entire situation. There was no of my dreaded "sensory-overload" and enough unexpected twists to keep anyone interested for the two and a half hour run time.

The story itself is very heavy and represents a significant truth. There is no dramatic love scene to mar the message and pace while it does have a few sentimental moments for general audience satisfaction. "Blood Diamond" is meant to be taken seriously and undoubtedly can be done so.

In my very humble opinion, this is a must see movie for those over the age of 17 and who give a damn. The movie as a whole was excellent and for that I give "Blood Diamond" 4.5 "Mitch Heads." If it weren't for a couple slightly cheesy and cliche moments it might get a full 5.

- Mitch G

Night At The Museum

2007-01-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

When you see a Ben Stiller flick you know what type of movie you can expect. It will be something filled with slapstick humor, witty jokes and playful banter with a bit of entertaining, yet childish whining thrown in for good measure. This movie possessed all of those delightful 'Stiller' features and was thus quite entertaining.

It seems there are never enough movies to satisfy my desire for fantasy and wonder. This movie has plenty of fantasy and without a doubt makes you wonder. I enjoy leaving a theater and thinking to myself, "is that really possible" or "could that really happen someday?" It is even better when those feelings and thoughts are doused in a light and happy syrup.

As far as acting is concerned, you just can't argue with a star studded cast including not only Ben Stiller (Zoolander, Starsky & Hutch, Meet the Parents) but Owen Wilson (Zoolander, Starsky & Hutch), Robin Willams (Birdcage, Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting), Dick Van Dyke ("The Dick Van Dyke Show"), and Mickey Rooney among others. There was so much going on in the movie, with a handful of actors on screen at any given moment it was hard to become truly attached to one (albeit Ben Stiller), but worked well for the film. I particularly enjoyed Mickey Rooney's character "Gus" and his quick-witted name calling. In all, you will laugh, jump and awe at the magic brought to life by this talented cast.

I saw this movie oh a whim when there was nothing else at the right time. I can't say I was pining to see it but I'm definitely glad that I did. It is a great movie for all ages and tastes. The Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and supporting cast compilation has done a great entertainer again. I give "Night At The Museum" 3.5 "Mitch Heads" for a fun movie good to see at any time.

Let's look forward to more entertaining movies and movies that make me 'wonder' in 2007.

- Mitch G

"It's Not What You Know, But Who You Know"

2006-12-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning, my beginning, my parents have, in their distinct and unobtrusive ways, emphasized that important aspect to great success in life. I was thinking about it today and realized just how effective and essential the networking side of life is to one's opportunities.

As social beings we are expected to interact with one another, to impress, please and challenge; for someone to take this truth and run with it is the best thing they can do to secure their ultimate success in life. If you know the right individuals it isn't important what your knowledge base is, but what your personality type is. The benefit is that personality is broad and knowledge is specific, so you'll have more opportunities if your acceptance/inclusion is based on your personality and character rather than your learned knowledge.

Now don't get me wrong, knowledge is important in many ways and is always a benefit, but on average who you know in life will propel you farther and do it faster than any form of knowledge.

Take for instance, Paris Hilton. She is the heir to a hotel empire, and while successful in advertising herself and her name as a brand, isn't the smartest or most knowledgeable person to grace our planet. She, through her father, his connections and wealth was able to build her own mini empire. Now to be fair, it wasn't Paris Hilton with the marking ideas and know-how, it was a team of marketing and advertising geniuses, but you get my point. Our president George W Bush is another great example, but for the safety of myself I will not go into details.

What I want to get across here is that it is important to take the time and energy to network and build your social web; because no matter how much you learn at school or on the job, it will always be limited by what and how many personal connections you have.

That is my final thought. Now take care of yourself, and each other.

- Mitch G

Pimp My Nutcracker

2006-12-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

This is just a funny and entertaining flash site I came across. Nothing important to report here except let's see how pimp you can make your Nutcracker!

Pimp My Nutcracker

<--- My Pimpin' Nutcracker

Super Sexy Exotic Eco-Roadster

2006-12-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

The secret child of famed exotic car manufacturer Lotus has released it's first automotive creation -- a 100% electric, open-top, 911 Turbo-fast, sports car dubbed the "Tesla Roadster."

For images and information the link above to Tesla's website is the best resource to get a true feel for the car. I have to give Tesla a lot of credit, their website is the easiest and most effective automotive website I've ever seen and used. You get all the information you need, nothing you don't, and almost instantly want to pay the $92,000 sticker price (without options).

Now without having the luxury of a test drive, this review is limited, so please bear with me. The performance figured from the car are astounding, and the first of their kind to show up in the all-electric automotive market. Tesla claims a 0-60 sprint of 4 second, and from a couple other online auto reviews it seems to be quite accurate. The electric engine pumps out 248hp, weighs only 70 pounds and is 95% efficient during cruising. All of the electric energy is transferred to the ground via a 2-speed electronic gearbox.

The Tesla Roadster won Time Magazine's 2006 invention of the year for the transportation industry, and as well it should. Now you can finally have super-car performance with zero emissions, extremely low maintenance costs and almost 100% efficiency. Tesla claims a maximum range of 250 miles per charge with a 3.5 hour full re-charge cycle. Overall, every detail is impressive. The only thing that worries me is the lack of engine "noise." A major portion of driving pleasure is derived from the accompanying sound of the engine playing with your senses. This experience as explained by a writer for the LA Times states that it is a bit lack-luster without the engine pop and growl. I imagine it would be like sitting in the very front of a 747 jet airplane during take-off; all you experience are the g-forces pinning you to your seat, but you hear and generally feel nothing.

With only the raspy engine noise lacking, all of the usual luxury features you would expect from an exotic parented by Lotus are available including Bluetooth Phone Connectivity, DVD-Voice Navigation, a 7-Speaker Hi-Fi Stereo, Heated Leather Seats, and LED brake-lights. On a car that weights in at just around 2,500 pounds there isn't much space for anything else.

This is a great start in a new direction, I can't wait to see what comes down the line next in Tesla's garage and that of every other car manufacturer.

- Mitch G

Deja Vu

2006-12-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

I realize this review is a bit late to the masses, but better late than never. Here goes.

The premise of this movie plays on one of man's greatest fascinations in documented history, being able to travel through time. It is the focus of countless other films, books, tv shows and stories. Many believe that some day we will be able to do it while many others shrug it off as impossible. Either way your views swing, Deja Vu impresses.

First off, Denzel Washington is one of my favorite actors. As the first African American to win an Oscar for best actor in Training Day, he is deserving of my praises because he almost always puts on an extraordinary performance. With expert direction by Tony Scott (Domino, Man on Fire) and production by Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean, CSI TV Series), the movie keeps you intrigued until the very end.

The cinematograhy is much like that of Man on Fire (another Denzel movie), with a lot of emphasis on the actors screen presence itself and not a lot on gimmicks and "fluff" imagery.

The entire focus of the movie is on Denzel, even with Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton) playing delightful eye-candy for the viewers as supporting actress. You almost completely forget that Val Kilmer is in the movie, mainly because he now looks like a pumpkin and hasn't done a notable movie in some years. Hell, I will go as far as saying I haven't liked anything he has been in since Heat back in 1995 (one of my all-time favorite movies).

Overall, Deja Vu is worth the money in theater or renting when it's on DVD. I will probably end up buying it because I want my Denzel collection to be complete. It isn't a shocker however. Again, the premise of the movie has been used before, but with a few extra twists, turns and a slightly new purpose there is enough freshness to be entertaining. The more I think about it the more this movie reminds me of the TV series "Seven Days" but the movie is definitely better; maybe it's just because Jerry Bruckheimer has more money.

I give Deja Vu 3.5 "Mitch Heads" for a fun ride but relatively old and abused theme.

- Mitch G

Casino Royale

2006-11-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

"The name's Bond, James Bond."

Daniel Craig, as the sixth Bond in the 21st movie, you get my full approval. I will admit I, as many others, had quite a few reservations about this movie solely based on the fact that Daniel Craig was the first "blonde bond" to hit the silver screen as the famous "00" agent. He was chastised for his physical appearance by myself and others when what we should have been doing is readying ourselves for a gritty two and a half hour thrill seeking ride.

With director Martin Campbell at the helm (Vertical Limit & Zorro) there was no doubt this would be a swash buckling... er, martini drinking spy fest. There was just enough action and just enough girls to make the somewhat lengthy bond film a hit in my book. Daniel Craig and his lady love affair Eva Green were a fantastic couple on screen, bringing the Bond character we all know and love to life.

With my skepticism about the new Bond all but washed away in the very first scene, I was able to enjoy the movie from start to climactic finish. I wont give away any details about the movie in this review as many people are waiting until the holidays to see it, but I will say you wont be disappointed.

With the latest "first" Bond of a new Bond era there are, as many other have pointed out, a loss of gadgetry and car chases. This is because Casino Royale is based on Ian Flemming's first novel. Note: Ian Flemming was Bond's creator, he died in 1964 after writing 13 Bond novels. The book, and now the movie, establishes James Bond. You see him make "00" status, obtain his license to kill and begin his reign as king of super spies. We are supposed to think of Casino Royale as the first James Bond movie we've ever seen. It is darker and grittier than past movies because it is the beginning of Bond. You see him make mistakes, get hurt and generally let his ego make his decisions rather than his mind.

I thought I would be upset not seeing Bond's toymaster "Q" dishing out witty lines and creative crime fighting gadgets, but with the incredible performance, and pleasing screen presence of Daniel Craig, I barely noticed.

With the next two movies, as Bond's character develops into what we know of him today, rest assured the gadgets and fast cars will reappear. Daniel Craig has signed on for the next two movies, for a total of three. Hopefully, for our sake and the franchise, he will continue to develop the character as well as he did in Casino Royale. A fantastic interview with Daniel Craig about the movie, his performance and the impact of Bond can be found here. It is posted on a dedicated James Bond website for all things Bond. The interview shows just how important it is for Craig to do well with the character and make Bond even more attractive to everyone's imagination and fantasies.

As per my new 1-5 rating system: 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest, I give this movie a full 5 "Mitch Heads." For showing us something new, revitalizing the franchise and proving that what you think the outcome may be is nearly never the case, Casino Royale deserves of the full 5. Nice work Bond.

- Mitch G

UW Wins 99th Apple Cup!

2006-11-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

After many years of depressing results the Huskies (my alma mater), have won the Apple Cup to beat our cross-state rivals the WSU Cougars! 35-32 was the final score of the game with a plethora of incredible plays and enough lead reversals to make anyones stomache churn. With a 77-yard touchdown the Huskies in the 4th we put up an amazing fight. In the last two minutes of the game there was enough tension and anticipation you could slice it with a blunt knife.

I'm not a major football fan, especially on the college level, but I do have to say that the Huskies new coach, Tyrone Willingham, is doing a fantastic job bringing the program back from the dark depths where it sat for the few years. I look forward to more improving seasons and am sad I am not still at UW attending the games as a student.

Congratulations Huskies. It is a a long time coming and well deserved win!

- Mitch G

Frat Boys Sue Borat

2006-11-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well it looks as if the Associated Press is reporting that the frat boys in the movie "Borat: Cultural Learnings for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" are suing the studio claiming they were "duped." Let me just say first, I hope they lose.

CNN.com - (Associated Press) Article

The students said they wouldn't have normally said the racist and sexist things they did in the movie, had they known it was as spoof.

I can't believe this. It is so very typical of most people, when caught in a bind and realizing embarrassment to try and backstep. Our society as a whole is highly based on finding a scapegoat (a person or group made to bear the blame for others and suffer in their place), that individuals do it far too often. I believe the students claim has no merit and I certainly hope they are denied in court. They should not be allowed monetary compensation for their actions, they knew full well what they were saying and that they were being taped for a movie. It was up to them to decide what they felt and if they were going to express it. This is a cheap ploy to backstep and financially gain from it.

I am sickened by how often individuals sue one another in this country. People should be responsible for their actions; there is no question that it is the foundation for a respectable and admirable existence.

- Mitch G

Borat: Cultural Learnings

2006-11-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Jagshemash!

Well it looks as if Sacha Baron Cohen has done it again, taking his character from "Da Ali G Show" on HBO, "Borat," to the big screen. Cohen writes and co-produces"Borat: Cultural Learnings for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakstan," giving it all of the edgy flair it needed to be a major box office opening hit. Out of the four new movies of the weekend, Borat was number one by a 25% margin or about $6.4 million dollars for a total of $26.4 million. Considering most would classify this move as a documentary/indy that is a very pleasing number for FOX studios. It even beat out the Tim Allen flick, "The Santa Clause 3," sharing the same opening weekend. The most impressive thing is that Borat was only showing in 850 theaters while Santa Clause 3 opened in 3,000. Talk about a big statement!

For anyone who has seen "Da Ali G Show" or the commercials for "Borat" they know what they were going to expect: a totally off-colored, racially charged and gut-bustingly fantastic movie experience. The movie abuses racial stereotypes beyond any silver screen film I've yet seen, but does it not to be racist, only to make current racial issues and problems public. Borat makes his way across the United States meeting with different individuals of high and low society, trying to gain knowledge for his home country of Kazakhstan on what makes the US so successful. What most movie-goers need to keep in mind is that Sacha Cohen is Jewish himself and was born and raised in Britain. He made his way up the entertainment chains as a stand-up comic and eventually landed his own TV show on HBO.

Cohen is a very gifted writer (graduating from Cambridge University); knowing how to illuminate individuals true racist views and prejudice while not agreeing with any of them himself. His character establishes a safe zone for those interviewed and in doing so makes it easy for them to divulge their deepest secrets on film. He then compiles the interviews to expose the individuals for their racist and immoral realities. Once you see the movie, his show or even the pre-views you will begin to understand the true genius of Sacha Cohen's character, his writing and improv capabilities.

Directed by Larry Charles (Seinfeld, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm), this movie gets a fresh "hit and run" approach to cinematography. Rotten.com gives this movie a 95% fresh rating, one of the highest for any major motion picture of the last 5 years. Charles did a fantastic job with the movie, as he has done with all of the sitcoms he has produced over the years. I look forward to more from him in the future, and more from his HBO shows Entourage and CYE, both my favorites on TV.

All of the interviews in the movie are real, none are staged and the ending will have you rolling in the aisles. There is a small plot that keeps the movie moving in a single direction but the focus is on trip, not the destination.

I give an A+ and I believe Sacha Cohen is deserving of an Oscar for his performance. Some of the things he did took much devotion, character, guts and research. I highly recommend this movie however you prefer to watch it. It is not child-friendly but does bring up some very important social mores that are in need of serious attention in our country.

Good job Sacha; I'm waiting for number two.

*More detailed movie information can be found on IMDB's Website or at www.boratmovie.com.

Chenquieh,
- Mitch G

Catch A Fire

2006-11-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

This is an incredible movie. For a one sentence review, that is what it comes down to. I saw this movie last night with a good friend of mine, and we both had a hard time speaking anything of intelligence for a good twenty minutes after the show. This is not an action/suspense entertainer it is an action/suspense/drama firecracker. This is a very heavy movie, so for anyone with a faint heart when it comes to apartheid and oppression I suggest you stay away, or prepare yourself. Catch a Fire is closely based on a true story that took place during the late 70s and 80s oppression stricken South Africa.

Derek Luke, representing the real life Patrick Chamusso, gives an Oscar worthy performance. The issues and factual accounts in this move are eye-opening to say the least. Tim Robbins, playing anti-terrorist investigator Nic Vos, satisfies his role with near flawless success as the protagonist-looking antagonist. Both actors are incredible on screen and work very well together. With the thoughtful direction of Phillip Noyce (Bone Collector, Patriot Games) the story comes to life on the big screen and you feel as if you are apart of the struggle.

We as 20th century Americans do not know the first thing about the type of oppression represented in the movie. Even the minority citizens in this country have never had to bear the wrath of a tyrant government looking for complete control and submission. After the movie was over I had to admit that I was all but oblivious to the brutal abuse and extreme prejudice-conflict in South Africa. In school I learned the basics about conflicts in the county and constant battles with segregation, but nothing to the extent that this story reveals.

I highly suggest this move as a must-see, either on the big screen or at home when it arrives on DVD. It is an educational and informative piece that keeps your stomach tight with anticipation the entire hour and 48 minutes. My hat is off to all involved in the production and to those real life individuals the movie and actors represent. Catch A Fire definitely gets an A.

- Mitch G

Ridiculous Car Buyers

2006-11-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I have my 2001 BMW 740i Sport up for sale on Craigslist (listing here). Anyhow, this past Sunday morning I am awaken by a phone call by someone who had seen my listing a few weeks back, informing me they were driving an hour and a half to come see the car. There was no heads up on any level, and I was caught completely off guard, but said that would be fine.

The married couple arrived and took the car for a test drive. The husband had a $25,000 OBD tool as he was a mechanic and ran his own shop. They loved the car and the husband noted it didn't have any issues except for the light wear and tear on the outside as mentioned in my listing. He then went on to tell me that the rear tires were the wrong size on the car, of which I didn't think was true but wasn't able to counter on the spot. They offered me $17,500 which I politely declined as too low. We then parted ways without any problems.

Later that afternoon I received a call from them saying that they really wanted the car and asked if I had been able to think about their offer. I told them there was someone else interested in the car for more money and would have to wait to hear from the other buyer first. I told them I would call when I hear something.

I never heard from the other buyer regarding the car but before I got the chance to call the couple back they called me the very next morning and said they "just want the car and would pay my asking price." At this point I told them that was very gracious but I had loyalty to the other buyer who saw the car first and would have to wait to hear from him. The couple said that was alright and would wait for me. They didn't decide to wait, I got a call or email every 4-6 hours asking what the updates were.

Two days had gone by and I didn't hear from the other individual so I said to the couple I was good to go and asked when they would like to meet. The husband said it couldn't be tomorrow (this past Wednesday) but had to Thursday. Then he proceeded to say that he couldn't come over so he would have to send his wife which has no knowledge of car buying or selling. He then asked how we would go about transferring title as there is a loan on my car. I said he would have to pay me and I would pay off the bank and he would get the title. Or, he could come to the bank with me and pay off the loan, give me the balance and get a affidavit of title on the spot. He began to get irritated saying that the only way he would buy a car is if he gets the actual paper title on the spot.

I said this was not possible if the car has a loan on it, either he waits 4-6 weeks for the state to mail the title to him or he can take an affidavit of title from the bank. He then insisted that I was not making sense and that he "knew how to buy and sell cars" saying that he always walks away with the actual title. Apparently he didn't know that ANY car with a loan or lien on it would work this way. He kept freaking out and finally said he was done and didn't want to make the deal. He hung up with me right there.

This guy was an absolute moron. I later emailed him trying to explain how the bank purchasing process works in a numbered list as well as explaining that I had contacted the dealership and local shops, and the tire size was actually correct. He returned my email telling me I was a liar and then telling me there was items wrong with my car that were not wrong and work perfectly. This man was married and around 30 years old. Immature, ignorant and insulting could not even begin to describe this person.

In an unrelated incident, my step-father was selling his 2005 Acura RSX a couple of weeks ago and ran into the same problem with a younger man in his early 20s. He also thought that he should always get the actual paper title as soon as he pays for a car, even if there is a loan on the vehicle. This is just not the case with any lending institution. I am amazed how many people do not understand the basic concepts of car buying. Talk about a complete pain in my back and a waste of my time. I only hope that someone who respects the car and the deal comes along and admires my well kept BMW.

- Mitch G

Weird Al Yankovic's New Video - White & Nerdy

2006-09-26T01:31:00.001-07:00

Well after reading my friend Jin Lee's recent blog post about the possibility of a Michael Jackson comeback I was emailed "Weird Al" Yankovic's newest music video and song "White & Nerdy."

First thing I have to say is that it certainly brought back memories from my childhood listening to Weird Al with my mother. She used to have his album and would listen to his songs often enough in the car and around the home that I never forgot him. Honestly, who couldn't forget the classic "Amish Paradise" from his 1996 Bad Hair Day album?

It looks like it was posted up on YouTube just over a week ago so I am a little behind but I have to say this has to be one unexpected comeback. Might it turn into a Mariah Carey type thing? I certainly hope so.

Either way, the online reviews read that others such as myself are enjoying his play on stereotypes, words and beats as much as I am and as much as they ever have. Hopefully this video is one of more to come--poking fun at modern pop-culture.

- Mitch G

Engine Power in Relation to Size

2006-09-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

This came up today on the www.bimmerforums.com "7 series" forum I am a member of. The question asked: "why can some 6-cylinder engines make the same or more power as 8-cylinder engines or 12-cylinder engines?" I was getting fed up with half-asses answers or answers that just confused the question more so I wrote my own and felt this should be shares abroad because in today's world of high output 4-cylinders and comparatively low output 8-cylinders others might be curious as well.

It looks as if we are straying a bit from the original question. The bottom line is that the number of cylinders has NO universal effect on horsepower or torque. What DOES have an effect is the size of the pistons and bore of the combustion chamber along with the length of the stroke of the engine, all other things being equal.

An example is the old Jaguar XJC's (1985 or so) with the 12-cylinder 5.3L engines. To get 12 cylinders into their 5.3L package the pistons had to be very small with little individual displacement. Make those bigger and you have more torque, make the stroke shorter and you gain more horsepower in proportion to torque.

Same idea for a 4-cylinder engine. If you have massive pistons and a short stroke you will have torque and horsepower and depending on size and stroke can easily equal that of a 6, 8, 12-cylinder engine and vise versa.

Again all things being equal, the more pistons you have the smoother and quieter the engine will be. Hence why supreme luxury cars use mainly 8-cylinder or 12-cylinder V configurations for their cars because they are smooth and quiet. BMW could certainly have opted for a short stroke big bore 4-cylinder but you would clank down the road and barely be able to keep your espresso in your hand.

Another 'for instance' is my 1982 SeaRay 192 shore-runner boat with the old MerCruiser 470 sterndrive. The engine is basically just half of a Ford 360 big block and produces 180 horsepower and 260 ft lbs of torque from a 1982 4-cylinder engine! The pistons are enormous with a relatively moderate stroke but the thing is loud and rattles your bones.

Here is my last example of the role of size and layout to power: In regards to the high horsepower small distribution INDY cars they are like an oversized superbike motorcycle engine. They have a short stroke allowing high RPMs thus allowing for high horsepower and small pistons that allow the car to get to those high RPMs but in turn give it little torque. That is ok because torque isn't as important in those cars because they rarely drop to low speeds and weigh nearly nothing when racing so high amounts of torque is not necessary.

Basically just remember cylinder count has little to nothing to do with horsepower or torque it just affects how smooth that power is delivered.

- Mitch G

Crank

2006-09-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

*WARNING: This is NOT a date movie, do NOT take a date to this movie.*

When it comes out on DVD it looks as if this movie will go straight on the shelf as another "WTF" DVD, if it even makes it to my house. I can't say I truly hated the movie as it kept me there the entire time and I never looked at my watch but I do remember constantly thinking to myself, "when will it be over?"

Jason Statham is a fun and appealing action/martial arts actor and I went to see the movie just for him, as many movie goers probably will. He did his best with the screenplay that was given but unfortunately it seems as if he is desperate for a gig because the writing in this movie was quite horrific. I do not know what the fancy is with directors these days and the first person, hand-held filming style and unbalanced cinematography but the realism they are trying to achieve is lost on me and flat makes me sick to the stomach.

Lionsgate Films who produced the movie tried to do what they could with very little however I am not sure why they picked up the script in the first place. The purpose of the movie as I understood it was for an hour and a half of sheer "adrenaline" and constant action which is exactly what I got and like I said, kept me there for the entire length and successfully gobbled up my $9.50.

The best part of the movie was Statham tearing new a**holes and the brief skimpy scenes with Amy Smart. Again, the entire purpose and draw of this movie.

My suggestion: If you have money to burn, have already seen everything else and have nothing better to do on a Wednesday night, check out this movie. If any of those terms do not apply then please save your money, wait for it to come out on DVD and pick it up as your free second rewards film Monday-Wednesday at Blockbuster Video. I give this movie a D+ because it filled time when there was nothing better to do and didn't leave me completely bored, albeit close.

- Mitch G

Miami Vice

2006-07-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well I was very excited to see this movie after being a fan of the TV show for years but about an hour and a half into the movie, realizing that it wasn't about to end anytime soon I started to get bored and here is why:

There was some action and gunfire scenes which made up all that I would say is positive about the movie. Director Michael Mann used a lot of the same gunfight techniques as he did in "Heat" which was loud, realistic and kept you on your seat but the rest of the cinematography was in a word, bizarre. There was too much raw footage and after the first hour you were so sick of the "first person" camera view and the fact that they never seemed to use a floating camera balance that I felt queasy and eventually irritated. I realize that the idea behind this view and the directing was to give you a "real" first-person point of view but that is not why I go to movies. I go to movies to be thrilled, gripped, emotional and most of all, interested--this movie did hardly any of those things for me. The dialogue was for the most part incomprehensible and added to the irritation I felt while in the movie. The directing was terrible, with little focus on script development, character development or regard for moviegoers' time.

The acting was surprisingly terrible as well. Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx were terrible and didn't display any character in the movie. Their talents far exceeded their performances and that in itself is tragic for the success of a movie with a hit cast and a great foundation. There were a few parts that reminded me of the TV show but the movie as a whole was so lackluster that I almost wouldn't want to watch the show again.

In any case, I wouldn't recommend paying full price to see this movie in the theaters. It might be worth a matinee price if you were really interested and just love the cast but there was hardly no theme and the screen play was just flat terrible. The movie as a whole was dull and slow.

I would wait for it to come out on DVD to watch it if one was at all interested. Either way this movie was terrible and as 'www.rotten.com' rated it (49% rotten) they were being extremely generous.

Oh yeah, and what's up with no car chases? In Miami Vice that is essential and at 2.5 hours long there should have been at least one. This was a unique movie that had a very interesting "style" but bummer. Miami Vice's movie grade is a C+. It was exciting in some parts, but not nearly groundbreaking enough for me to ever see it twice.

- Mitch

Record High Temperatures Hit The NW

2006-07-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Well there is not too much to say except that is is HOT outside. I hope everyone is staying cool and keeping themselves hydrated, both essential in heat such as we are experiencing right now. I was just in Issaquah, inland from the water and two temperature gauges (my car and a bank) said 108 degrees while closer to the water in Bellevue again with my car and auto dealer sign as a reference it said 104 degrees.

This is the hottest I've ever seen it around here and as our local King5 as well as the CDC and National Weather Service are reporting it is the highest and most smog ridden in Pacific Northwest history!

I wonder if it will be any hotter tomorrow, we shall find out but beating the heat is the rule of the game at this point. Too bad the only car I had to pull my boat and put it in the water is not available or one can bet I would be out soaking in the lake.

Enjoy the sun,

- Mitch

eBay Buyers At Their Worst

2006-07-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

Over the last 5 years and 4 months I have been an eBay buyer and seller. I have been though almost all of the major changes ebay has seen and the most prominent I've noticed is the increase in members who have no common courtesy, morals or literary skills what-so-ever.

It seems as if no one who bids on items anymore reads the entire auction/listing page, they just see the item, look at the pictures and bid like wild monkeys to win. Take for instance this Bluetooth control box I sold a couple weeks back on eBay. The item worked fine when I sold it, the buyer bought it with "buy it now" and didn't pay insurance to have it shipped. Two weeks goes by and no problems at all until I get an email two days ago saying in broken English-text that the item is broken and does not work and they want a refund. The problem for them is that on my auction page my sellers policy and terms clearly states they have 7 days to return defective items for a refund and no refund is given without insurance on shipping. This buyer violated both terms and still wanted a refund!

I knew this next part was coming when I read that first email and gave them my kindly worded "no" and explanation as a response. The next day they filed a claim with paypal saying the item was "not as described" and they wanted their money back. Paypal then puts a hold on my money while they investigate. To make along story shorter I know I will win the investigation because the buyer didn't read the entire listing before bidding and didn't follow procedure accordingly but now my money is tied up for a good 30 days while I sit and twiddle my thumbs.

When did our world become so distrustful and irresponsible for our own mistakes and actions? This has happened repeatedly with eBay not just to me but to many of my friends who also use the service as a tool for interstate trade and commerce. Something should be done to weed out the individuals who clutter our economic and social system with their stupidity and ignorance. Wow, eBay can really make you heated it is sad that I hardly use it anymore and dead using it when I have to.

- Mitch

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

2006-07-08T04:00:00.001-07:00

I saw this movie last night at the 12:01am showing in downtown Seattle. It was a lot of fun with each showing room playing the movie and all 12 rooms sold out. I went with my sister and her friends who were all dressed up as pirates (not myself) which added to the enjoyment.

As for the movie, this was a great sequel to the first except for one thing... they made too many references to the first movie and too many references to the ride. It seems as if Disney is still trying to assert that the movie is related to their themed ride in their parks while the first movie did more than enough of that. The biggest problem I saw is that they tried to make references but put just enough twist on them so that you found it out of place, if they would have left well enough alone it would have been alright. I wont give any of them away but for anyone who sees the movie you should know what I am talking about.

The cast was once again fantastic, there are plenty of twists and truckloads of humor in the sequel that made the first movie so enjoyable. Jonny Depp is still a fantastic actor and really brings the leading role of Captain Jack Sparrow to life. Kiera Knightly is absolutely gorgeous and appears to get even more-so with age.

The plot is in a way predictably unpredictable and follows the same theme as the first movie while tossing in more twists and turns. For anyone who doesn't understand the ending of the movie, there WILL be a third (slated for release in 2007) and I feel it will be just as entertaining as the first and second if Disney is able to retain the same actors and director. Speaking of director, Gore Verbinski has once again out done himself.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, I would give it two thumbs up and say it is well worth the overpriced cost of a theater movie ticket to see on the big screen. Overall grade for Pirates 2 is going to have to be a B. It's a decent sequel to the first but needs some work to move into the A category, and could have used some more fresh ideas.

- Mitch

First Post, First We-blog

2006-07-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well I am told it is high time I started my own web log so that I too could have a creative outlet for my rants, raves and otherwise personal opinions. This seems like it might be a decent tool for all three things while avoiding the socialite catastrophe that surrounds Myspace and other internet "profile" sites.

Speaking of Myspace, it is just me or does the whole idea of the current Myspace community make one nauseous? I will admit I do have an account under my name Mitchell Greenblatt (Nickname: Mitch G) but I rarely, if ever use it. The one thing I try to do with Myspace is keep my "friends" list a list of true friends: people that I actually know, have met or have something in common with and would enjoy meeting. I was thrown off the bandwagon when I first signed up and started acquiring "friends" and this random lady from Spokane, Washington wrote me telling me I should drive over from Seattle to stay with her. All would have been grand except that she was never married, had a 4 year old child, was 30 years old herself and claimed to be a comedian by profession. That day I deleted any person I did not know and rarely logged on again. Who knows, maybe I will open up once more in the future.

Alright, that seems like enough for the first post. What what I will think to say (write) next...

- Mitch