White Castle Valentine's Day Dinner

Make your Valentine’s day STEAMY! Take your Valentine to White Castle on Wednesday, February 14 between 5 and 8 p.m. and enjoy hostess seating, candlelit dining and your own server. Reservations are required, so check the list below for participating Castles near you!

Special this year, you can also treat your honey to a romantic White Castle dinner in your home! Cupid’s Crave Kits include eight cheeseburgers, one sack of fries, two regular soft drinks, coupons and keepsake items to heat up your homespun romance. Now, ain’t that sweet?

For more information or to make a Cupid’s Crave Kit reservation, call the phone number listed for the your city of choice below.*

* Cupid’s Crave Kits are not available at all locations. Reservations are required.

Chicago 708-458-4450 Ext. 516	Minneapolis 651-646-1811 Ext. 12
Cincinnati 513-559-0575 Ext. 13	Nashville 615-333-2028
Columbus 614-294-3753 Ext. 12	Northeast Ohio 216-741-9780 Ext. 25
Detroit 248-477-1450 Ext. 10	New Jersey 732-381-4343
Indianapolis 317-269-4590 Ext. 142	New York 718-899-8404
Louisville 502-361-2317 Ext. 10	St. Louis 314-535-7430

One of the horrors of dining is dining on Valentine's Day. Restaurants usually depend on this day to get them through the rest of the winter season, but why do they perform so poorly on February 14th of every year?

Most restaurants usually offer an overpriced prix fixed menu only of they're best selling food. One would think this would make it easy for the restaurant to cope with the Valentine's day crowd. But this is not the case. The food is usually late in arriving, overcooked, and not one would call their best.

The service also suffers on an event that happens every year! The host will definitely make you wait 15 minutes or so at the bar even though you have made reservations. I suppose this is to make you spend some money for special Valentine day's cocktails. My ketel one on the rocks doesn't change with the date.

One will also be waiting for the waiters to take your order, even though there may only be 3 options instead of a full menu since it's a prix fixed dinner. And that will be the last time you see them until your dinner comes, they are too busy with other things - other than you. After dessert is served and you want your check, you must set up a light tower in order to get their attention. Unless you are taking up prime real estate and they will try and rush you out in order to the get the next sheep into the shopping block.

So here are some tips to enjoy Valentine's Day:

• Don't eat out on Valentine's Day, February the 14th.
• Reserve a table after 9pm so that the rush will be somewhat over.
• Take your date to White Castle, read above, to make your Valentine's Day steamy!
  

Jaguar XKR vs Aston Martin Vantage V8

2007 Jaguar XKR Specs:

• Supercharged 4.2L V8
• 420 hp
• 413 lb-ft torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.9 sec
• 3,671 lbs

2007 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Specs:

• 4.3L V8
• 380 hp
• 302 lb-ft torque
• 0-60 mph in 5.1 sec
• 3,461 lbs

For me it would have to be the Aston. Yes it has less power, less hp, and 2 less seats but it is more exclusive. It looks much better than the Jaguar and Aston even offers a race ready version, the N24


Thanks Top Gear!

Katamari Damacy vs Travelers Insurance

I only saw this commercial once and it automatically made me think of the Playstation 2 game Katamari Damacy. Check out how the Traveler's Insurance commercial and the Katamari commerical from Japan. It's a great concept. I'm glad no one was hurt during the Traveler's spot. :D

Girls + Mixed Martial Arts Video

If they were doing this inside a Ferrari, it'd be heaven.

MMA Girls Lesson #1

Add to My Profile | More Videos

MMA Girls Lesson #2

Add to My Profile | More Videos

MMA Girls Lesson #4

Add to My Profile | More Videos

MMA Girls Lesson #5

Add to My Profile | More Videos

The best way to learn is by doing it instead of watching, so I'm available if the PanicPulse girls, from MySpace, give home lessons.

Richard Hammond Crash Video from Top Gear

Watch as the Hamster's footage where he survived a crash from a 10,000 hp rocket powered car, the "Vampire". He cracks jokes before he starts and is quite prophetic.

He completes 2 runs, one at 220 mph and 314 mph, successfully. The official British land speed record is 301 mph.

The 3rd run, where he crashes, topped out at 288 mph. You can see at the 8:15 mark that the left front tire explodes and all hell breaks loose.

As you can see that Hammond had all the safety precautions helmet, neck brace, fire suit, etc and it was performed in a controlled environment.

Welcome back Hammond!

T-Mobile MyFaves Hacks

What is T-Mobile MyFaves?

• MyFaves allows a T-Mobile user to add 5 phone numbers as their free-call numbers. Any calls to or from the 5 phone numbers do not reduce the minutes in their call plan. You can read more here, What is MyFaves.

So how do we use this to our advantage?

• Using www.grandcentral.com for local calls (40 mins free).
1. Sign up for a free account.
2. Get your GC phone number.
3. Add your T-Mobile phone as the number GC will forward the calls to.
   
4. Add the GC phone number as one of you MyFaves.
5. Add contacts to your GC address book.
6. Use the Click2Call feature.
7. GC will dial your contact and you will receive a call from GC with your GC number.
8. The standard charge is 2.5 cents/min and a free account gets $1.00 credit. So you get 40 minutes free. And any extra minutes are much better than T-Mobiles 40 cents/min charge.
   

• Using voicestick.com for local (200 mins free) and international calls.
1. Sign up for a free account.
2. Get your VS phone number.
3. Add your VS number as a MyFaves.
4. Register your T-Mobile number with VS.
   
5. Set up i2bridge.
   1. Log into your My Account
   2. Click on "i2Bridge™" in the My Account Options menu
   3. If your status is Disabled, select Enabled and enter the mobile, business or home number you will be using to make calls from. Include your Country Code. For Example in USA: 1+Phone Number (15551239876)
   4. To Disable your i2Bridge™ , simply select Disable and click Submit
   5. To update your number. Make sure the status is Enabled and the enter a new phone number.
6. Dial your VS number on your T-Mobile phone and you will get a dial tone.
7. Dial the phone number you intended to call.
8. Calls within the 48 States are 2.4 cents/min. You can find the international rates here, voicestick.com international rates.

Natas Kaupas and 20 year of Etnies Skate Shoes

This was one of my boards back in the 80's. It's a Natas Kaupas pro model. I remember seeing Natas in a Santa Cruz video ollying over a garbage can, fire hydrant, and jumping over a Porsche 914.

I'm glad to see Natas has done well for himself. I guess it's time to get another pair of Etnies.

Lotus under VW Rule - The End

Volkswagen to take stake in Malaysia Proton's manufacturing unit
KUALA LUMPUR (XFN-ASIA) - Volkswagen AG has signed an agreement to buy a substantial stake in the manufacturing arm of Malaysia's Proton Holdings Bhd, sources familiar with the deal told XFN-Asia.
An announcement is expected to be made on Feb 8, one source said.
He said the German carmaker is likely to take a 51 pct stake in Proton's manufacturing division.
from Forbes.com

Proton parent of Lotus is about to be under the rule of Volkswagen, this cannot be good. In an ideal world Lotus would have access to the power of VW and the Elise, but it is not ideal. I can see a redesign of the Elise and Exige would phase out the Toyota 1.8L engine in favor of a VW 3.2L V6. Goodbye my friend. Hopefully this will make the Proton Elise/Exige more desirable.

Electrict Slide - Tesla Roadster on Ice

Tesla Roadster Specs:

• HP = 248
• Weight = 2500 lbs
• 0-60 mph = 4 sec
• Top Speed = 130 mph
• Range = 250 miles
• Charge Time = 3.5 hrs
  

Thanks Tesla and YouTube.

Get Invited to Google TV Beta - An Elaborat Prank

I've heard success stories after 80 or so logins, and some half an hour with no luck. I'm still trying to get the invite.

Hmmm I got taken.

ERG Concept 2 Rowing Videos

So we just purchased a Concept 2 Rowing Ergometer and have never rowed before. We've downloaded the Concept 2 Training Guide but we need more than just photos or illustrations. So who do we turn to? YouTube. Here are several videos, please let me know if they are good techniques to follow.

Strafer Mk4 Airgun 10,500 RPM In Action

Specifications:

• Construction ............................................. T6061 Aluminum, Nickel-Plated Brass
• Barrel Length ........................................... 17"
• Barrel Construction (.177/4.5mm) ............ Stainless Steel
  (6mm) ........................ Brass
• Length ...................................................... 22.5”
• Width ........................................................ 2.25”
• Height ....................................................... 9.5”
• Weight (Empty) ......................................... 7 lbs 9 ounces
• Caliber ...................................................... .177 (4.5mm) or 6mm
• Hopper Capacity (.177/4.5mm) .................. Approx. 9,600 Rounds
  (6mm) ............................. Approx 7,200 Rounds
• Ammunition Type (.177/4.5mm) ................. Metal .177/4.5mm BB’s
  (6mm) ............................ Airsoft Plastic 6mm BB’s or Steel 6mm BB’s
• Rate of fire ................................................ 150 - 175 Rounds Per Second (9,000 - 10,500 RPM)
• Range (Effective; Human Sized Target) ..... 75 Yards
  (Maximum) ...................................... 125 Yards
• Muzzle Velocity .......................................... 250-625 FPS (Depending on Ammunition)
• Operating System ...................................... Pneumatic (Patent Pending)
• Propellent .................................................. Compressed Air, Co2 or Dry N2 or Air Compressor
  (150 PSI, CFM 20-25 Recommended)
• Pricing ........................................................ $1,125

This gun looks crazy. Cardboard boxes beware a Strafer Mk4 Airgun is coming to a town near you!

more info here.

Rage Against the Machine Reunites!!!

Rage Against the Machine will reunite for Coachella

Rage Against the Machine, the seminal L.A. band that made heavy music into political manifesto, will reunite after a seven-year lull for one show as the headliners at the 2007 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Sources say Rage, which played the main stage at the first Coachella in 1999, will be joined by other familiar faces for the eighth edition of the festival, which covers three days this year and begins April 27: Red Hot Chili Peppers, which headlined in 2003, are back, as is Björk, who topped the bill in 2002.

Finally! Audioslave sounds like RATM on Paxil. I hope they come to the east coast so I can see them play.

1/12th Scale Gundam Kit - Human Sized!

Hyper Hybrid model 1/12 RX-78-2 Gundam by Bandai

Watch as the Maru family builds the kit. Click here. This kit is amazing and must be fun to put together when your the age the kids are. I wonder if it can do any cool things?


And I found 1 place to buy them - here. 350,000 Yen or $2888.89!

Best Financial Advice Ever

MSN Money recently published "The Best Financial Advice Ever." I found it informative and here's what it boils down to:

• No matter how much you make - save a little.
• Save hard during the 1st 10 years of marriage.
• Know what you need and want?
• Know the true cost of ownership.
• Buy quality.
• Live within your means - don't add extra expenses.
  
• Don't pay interest on anything that depreciates. (cars)
• Don't co-sign loans.
• If you need more money - get another job.
• Invest in your business.
• Own your business, including the building it's in.
• Don't gamble more than you can lose.
• Don't depend on luck to make you money.
  

Read the complete article here: "The Best Financial Advice Ever."

Prada LG KE850 - the better iPhone

Specs

Tri-band GSM/EDGE

Touch screen interface

2-megapixel camera

Music player

Video Player

Document viewer (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and PDF files)

microSD memory expansion

Bluetooth 2.0

USB 2.0

Measures: 3.9 by 2.1 by 0.5 inches

Jenna Jameson and Adicolor

Now I really need a pair of adicolors.

Back dimples: Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn from G4tv at the Beerfest premiere exemplifies the perfect set back dimples. She's obviously very fit and the dimples tell all. I wish I knew what jeans she's wearing. Ohh and the freckles are a plus. Go Munn go!

NBA Superstar Footwear

What to do? Hate the team but I like the shoe!

Here are 2 pairs from adidas' NBA Superstar Footwear. adidas designed 30 shoes 1 for each of the NBA teams using the classic shelltoe as the canvas. Here are the 2 best pairs since they have the snakeskin look. But I hate Philly and Golden State!!! What to do?

Of course for the team I like - they had to make an ugly, plain looking pair.

Maybe I'll rub off the 76ers logo. Help!

Gym Class Heroes = NYC Radio Hip Hop Is Dead

When I saw this on MTV I was amazed it was the first time I'm hearing about Gym Class Heroes. And then I got depressed since MTV is how I found out about the song and the group. NYC Radio will never play anything like this unless it's sold 1,000,000 copies. Progressive NYC is where mediocre radio lives. Unless you see it at Wal-mart you won't hear it from the hardcore hip-hop HOT97 or Power 105.1 - it's a disgrace. Hip hop is dead as Nas said and NYC radio stations prove it everyday. I miss the days of Stretch and Bobbito.

CD's from Amazon:

As Cruel as School Children - 2006

The Papercut Chronicles - 2005

Queen & I - 2006 cd single

More videos from YouTube.

BMW 1 Series - 3 door Variant Introduced

The biggest news about the tiny little 1 series is that BMW debuts several new technologies with it's introduction:

• Brake Energy Regeneration (iGR) - The system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC) and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy, in turn saving fuel. This is achieved as the IAC reduces drag on the engine by only engaging when required to charge the battery, whereas a traditional alternator is always pulling power from the engine. Additionally, the energy generated by the engine on over-run (under braking or descending a hill) was previously wasted. Now this lost energy is utilised by the IAC to charge the battery. iGR alone is responsible for a three per cent improvement in fuel economy.
• Automatic Start-Stop function to cut fuel consumption. Standard on all manual transmission models (except 130i), the system automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and the driver puts the car into neutral. To restart the driver only need engage the clutch again before pulling away in the normal manner. Should he not want to use the Automatic Start-Stop function it can be manually switched off.
• The use of Electric Power Steering results in a 90 per cent energy saving compared to a conventional mechanical hydraulic steering system. Power assistance is now provided by an electric motor that works only when required, such as turning a corner. Other fuel saving enhancements have been made courtesy of various ancillary devices, such as the air-conditioning power supply being disconnected from the drivetrain when not in use. Even flaps behind the kidney grille improve economy, closing up for improved aerodynamic efficiency should the engine require less airflow. The feature also improves cold starting times.

The specs:

• Gasoline
  
• 130i - 6 cylinders :: 265 hp :: 232.3 lb-ft torque :: 34.0 mpg :: 0-62mph in 6.0 sec.
• 120i - 4 cylinders :: 210 hp :: 154.9 lb-ft torque :: 44.1 mpg :: 0-62mph in 7.7 sec.
• 118i - 4 cylinders :: 190 hp :: 140.1 lb-ft torque :: 47.9 mpg :: 0-62mph in 8.7 sec.
• Diesel
  
• 120d - 4 cylinders :: 177 hp :: 258.1 lb-ft torque :: 57.6 mpg :: 0-62mph in 7.5 sec.
• 118d - 4 cylinders :: 143 hp :: 221.3 lb-ft torque :: 60.1 mpg :: 0-62mph in 8.9 sec.*

The 118d is BMW's most efficient automobile. Of course there is very little chance that BMWUSA would bring this car to America, and the reason? the mini. They would not want to introduce a car that would compete in the same arena as the beloved mini. I say bring it because guys would drive small cars also.

Beckham to L.A. for $250 Million

Is Hollywood ready for this? I'll bet that Victoria Beckham will end up on Desperate Housewives soon enough. Go Posh go!

BMW Z9?

No one seems to be sure what this car is. The concensus from the internet is it's a Z9. And the internet is never wrong. Well there are many things wrong with this car if it is a new BMW Z9 roadster.

• Cloth Convertible Top - if they want a Z9 to go up against the MB SL, it needs to have a retractable hardtop. The new 335i has one already and they would certainly not go back to cloth.
• Twin exhaust not quad - if it's a Z9, it must have the V10 engine from the M6 and M5. This could be easily modified though.
• Skinny rear tires - those tires don't look like it will be able to handle 200hp let alone the V10's 500+ hp.

Most likely it's a Z2 - an entry level roadster, hopefully better looking than the atrocity that is the Z4.

Reggie Bush Takes a Hard Hit

Reggie Bush takes a hard hit early but it doesn't stop him and New Orleans Saints in beating the Philadelphia Eagles. I really thought Reggie would be to small for the NFL but he's proven me wrong especially after recovering from this monstrous hit. Good luck to the Saints!

Peugeot 908 RC Concept

This concept car from Peugeot uses a V12 diesel engine which Peugeot plans to race in the 2007 24 hours of Le Mans. If the engine wins in Le Mans, it will immediately legitimize the 908 RC concept and hopefully for Peugeot to manufacture it.

2008 BMW M5 Touring (Wagon)

I may have made a mistake when I wrote the Meanest Wagon Around

Introducing the Meanester Wagon...



Ever had the feeling of getting groceries and scaring your neighbors all at once? Well this might be the best candidate. The all new BMW M5 Touring hides underneath it's homely shell a Formula One inspired V10. It produces 507hp at full tilt and can go 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Unfortunately only a 7 speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) is available. That means paddles and no clutch pedal - come on BMW! Without the 155 mph limiter, standard on most BMW's, it can get you and 4 friends to the magical 200mph mark.

The important stuff (specs):

• front engine
• rear wheel drive
• body style: wagon
• 5 liter, 10 cylinder engine, V configuration
• 507 hp
• 383.5 lb-ft torque
• 0-60 mph : 4.8 sec.
• top speed: 155 mph (limited)
• 7 speed sequential manual gearbox (paddles)
  

So how does it compare to the other German super-wagons?
Mercedes Benz E63 AMG wagon
Audi RS6 Avant

2009 Acura NSX - Can it live up to the legend?

The next Acura NSX concept has been revealed by Honda. Can it live up to the 1st generation NSX? Will it be called NSX?




The specs:

• Front engine, AWD
• V10 Engine, 500hp est
  
• Targeted Competitor: Aston Martin V8
• Production date: Late 2008

thanks Left Lane News.

Best Shiraz of 2006

I only buy Shiraz wine when I have to and it usually ends up to be Yellowtail! I'd like to expand my horizon so here are the top Shiraz as rated by several sites.

from WineSpectator

• #10 Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley - Bella's Garden 2004 $50
• #16 Langmeil Shiraz Barossa Valley - Valley Floor 2004 $23
  
• #43 Yangarra Estate Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvèdre MclarRen Vale Cadenzia 2004 $25
• #48 Pirramimma Shiraz Mclaren Vale 2003 $23
• #50 Alban Syrah Edna Valley Reva 2004 $74
• #64 Jacob’s Creek Shiraz South Aaustralia Reserve 2003 $13
• #68 Mollydooker Shiraz Mclaren Vale-Langhorne Creek-Padthaway The Boxer 2005 $20
• #70 Penfolds Shiraz Barossa Valley RWT 2003 $75
• #73 Branson Coach HousSe Shiraz - Barossa Valley Coach House Block Rare Single Vineyard 2004 $100
• #85 Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz - Viognier Victoria 2004 $19
• #90 De Trafford Shiraz Stellenbosch 2003 $65
• #99 Matetic Syrah San Aantonio EQ 2004 $25

from SFGate

• Rex Goliath, 2004 California Shiraz, $8.99
• Castoro Cellars, 2003 Paso Robles Reserve Syrah, $17.95
• Laetitia, 2003 Estate Syrah, $25.00
• Trois Voyelles, 2003 Alexander Valley Syrah, $25.00
• Annapolis Winery, 2004 Syrah $30.00
• Silkwood Wines, 2002 Stanislaus Silkwood Wines Petite Sirah, $36.00

from Wine Enthusiast

• #8 Château Ste. Michelle 2003 Ethos Syrah $29
• #20 Clarendon Hills 2004 Astralis Syrah $325
• #42 Viña Pérez Cruz 2004 Reserva Limited Edition Syrah $19
• #78 Cayuse 2003 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah$55

wikipedia says: Shiraz or Syrah is a variety of grape used in wine. The names are interchangeable. It is called Syrah in France and most often in the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Canada it is known as Shiraz. In Australia it used to be called Hermitage up to the late 1980s. It should not be confused with Petite Sirah, a synonym for Durif, which is a different type of grape. Its name stems from Shiraz--the city of flowers, wine and poetry in Persia/Iran--in the heart of an ancient winemaking region. The grape also has many other synonyms that are used in various parts of the world including Antourenein Noir, Balsamina, Candive, Entournerein, Hignin Noir, Marsanne Noir, Schiras, Sirac, Syra, Syrac, Serine, and Sereine.^[1]

Chevy Volt

Chevy Abandons the Internal Combustion Engine for Cars as We Know It.

The Chevy Bolt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, powered by an electric motor, using lithium ion battery cells. Chevrolet calls this the E flex drive-system. It's estimated range on a full charge is 40 miles. After 40 miles it would leave the batteries with a 30% charge and this is when the gas-powered generator is activated. The gas engine is not connected to the car's drive train, it's only available to recharge the Volt's batteries. This is what is know as a series hybrid, which differs from the hybrids on the road today like the Toyota Prius.

The specs:

• Top speed: 120 mph
• 0-60mph: 8.5 sec
• Range: 40 miles (battery power only) - 640 miles (combined with gas powered generator)
• Weight: 3200 lbs
• Recharge Time:
• 0.5 hrs (using gas-powered generator)
  
• 6.5 hrs (using 120 V household current)
  
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion
• Electric Motor: 120 kW (160 hp)
  
• Gas Powered Generator: 3 Cylinders, 53 kW
• Estimated MPG:
• 100 mpg (40 mi range)
• 50 mpg (while recharging)
• Estimated Annual Fuel Savings compared to a 30 mpg car:
• 500 gal. (15,000 mi/yr)
• Estimated production date: 2009

The only part that concerns me is the 3200 lb weight of the Volt. If Chevrolet can control the fat on this car they will have a lot of success. I think the E-flex system will succeed better when used with their compact car platform. A good start for the E-flex would be the Chevy Aveo which weighs 2343 lb, but the Chevy Volt is a bit more appealing to the eye.

source NY T imes.

James Brown Is Dead by L.A. Style

A classic techno tune which proclaimed the Godfather of Soul is dead and has been replaced by electronic music.



Long live James Brown!!!

Picco Z Hellicopter

I guess it's now called AirHogs Heli Havoc. I need this $30 helicopter now!

Here's a mod site. piccoztoolbox