Two years ago, today, I went down to the DeLorean Motor Company in Garden Grove, California to check out a DeLorean. About a month later, I bought that car. So, today is a good day in my book. It is also my father's birthday.
Since then, I have done a few modifications to it. Most of which is documented in this blog. I will have more news about DeLoreans posted soon.
This is a popular series. I occasionally will check the stats and people seem to love what I have to say about these terrorists. I know you do not come here just to read my shitty blog. Obviously, my posts are showing up on search engines when people try to look up unknown numbers. I hope you enjoy my rants, I know you are as frustrated as I am on this subject.
I have been filing complaints at donotcall.gov with every call I get. Pretty obvious that registering and filing complaints on there does not do a damn thing. Anyway, we start out the month right were the last one left off...a call from Washington (state). It would be kinda sweet if I actually got a call from Washington DC, and it was a senator or even the president wanting to talk to me about ending terrorism telemarketing.
For those interested, the Do Not Call Registry made a little change to their site. No that it means they are doing anything about the calls, because I am still getting these fucking calls, it just means they updated their site.
1 December 2010 360-529-6175 WA, USA Two calls yesterday...so far, one call today. One can only guess at how many calls I will get from this number today.
360-529-6175 WA, USA Second call today. That is four total from this number, for those keeping track. I think I need some sort of hall of fame for these numbers.
360-529-6175 WA, USA Three calls in one day, making the total five calls. I think they are pushing for the record. I fucking hate Washington.
2 December 2011
360-529-6181 WA, USA Do you really think that changing the last two numbers will fool me? How long do you think I have been doing this? First of all, I do not know anyone from Washington. Every call from Washington is considered a National threat...let that sink in a little. So, fuck you.
5 December 2011 360-529-6181 WA, USA It is safe to assume that the terrorists have relocated and acquired a new number. They were getting so close the record, too.
360-529-6181 WA, USA So, it takes about four hours to cycle through their victims. I am noticing that there is about 3-4 hours between multiple calls. I expect a call just before 'quitting time' in about three hours. In the meantime, Washington can go fuck itself.
360-529-6181 WA, USA Ha! What did I fucking tell you? Right before quitting time, I get a call. And, right about the time I predicted...about two and a half hours after previous call. This is just for today. Fuck you 24/7!
360-529-6181 - Go fuck yourself!
Oh and just so you know that I am not making this shit up. Here is a photo of the last few calls I have on my phone. I have 'protected' the legit calls, only showing the calls from terrorists. There are a few calls on there from the November 2011 Edition of this series. You get the idea.
Hey Washington, go fuck yourself
Note: I have to mention again that with this series, I usually post around the fifteenth - about half way through the month. But, I am posting early in the month so you can see how many fucking calls I get from these terrorists. Until tomorrow...unless the terrorist are working overtime.
6 December 2011
360-529-6181 WA, USA So, are we going to do this every day at the same time? I guess my first time slot is around 10:15 AM. Surely you have better things to do...like fucking yourself.
325-320-3745 Abilene, TX This one is via text...and where the fuck is Abilene, TX. I guess I can Google that.
You have been selected to receive $500 GROUPON gift card click here to receive http://500dollargroupon.info/ reply STOP to quit
I know replying with STOP will do jack shit, but if I reply with FUCK OFF, will you?
7 December 2011
971-373-0141 OR, USA Oregon? Terrorists are heading south, the west coast of the United States is being attacked...on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
8 December 2011
917-793-5694 NY, USA New York? Wait, John Lennon was killed in New York 31 years ago, today. This has to be a conspiracy. Also, this is a return caller. Fourth call from Cunty...I mean, Cathy from Financial Freedom. Yeah, 'freedom'...more like fucking terrorists.
360-529-6181 WA, USA I was just thinking to myself, "where did Washington fuck off to?" Oh there you are. Welcome back. Now, fuck off!
12 December 2011
503-902-2859 Salem, OR Wait, I am actually on vacation. I have my phone occasionally turn on to check my email from work. You you how some things go to shit when you do not check your email? So, I kinda need to make sure things go smoothly. I bet the terrorists do the same thing. They call from everywhere, including Salem Oregon. They some how snuck in a call while I was checking my email. What the fuck, they never rest.
Anyways, there might not be as many called for the next few days, not because they are not calling...but because my phone will be mostly turned off. But, in the event of a terrorist attack telemarketer call, I will try to update. This depends on my ability to access the internet. In the meantime, go fuck yourself.
19 December 2011 702-521-6904 Las Vegas, NV Yeah, I am still on my vacation...so, fuck you. Oh, and this was a text message, another twenty cents, so a double fuck you. I need to find a way to make money from telemarketers. There needs to be an app for that.
22 December 2011 503-468-5227 Astoria, OR So, I am back from my little vacation. First call of the day is from Oregon. Oregon is the new hub. Fuck you, Oregon! Although, I applaud the effort of changing their caller ID number every time they have called. I guess they think it makes one think, "oh, and unknown caller...maybe it is someone I know." Yeah, like I have said many times before. If you are not in my system, you do not have a name...therefore I will not answer the phone. If you are someone I know, leave a fucking message. Fuck you!
503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Second call of the day. I take it back, they are not changing their numbers. I think it is obvious that they were calling me while I had my phone turned off for a few days. Who knows, they could have been calling me 2-3 times a day for that last two weeks. Theory will be proven tomorrow. stay tuned.
26 December 2011 503-468-5227 Astoria, OR It seems that terrorists did not call me on Friday. I guess they got a three day weekend. I wonder what the holidays are like at a telemarketer household. I hope someone interrupts their evening with annoying phone calls. Better yet, I hope someone called the police on them. Fucking assholes!
503-468-5227 Astoria, OR Oh, making up for Friday, I see. Second call today, and a late one. This one came in just after five o'clock. Must be putting in some overtime...you know, get some more money to pay those holiday shopping bills. How about this? Get a real job! This is the fourth call from this number.
27 December 2011 315-825-8529 NY, USA Mother fuckers! Another fucking text message. This one from "GetHolidaysLoans.com"...not get holiday loans, it is get holidays loan. I guess the correct one was already taken by some other terrorists. Fuck you , fuck you, fuck you.
28 December 2011
773-449-5042 IL, USA And...a fuck you, too. This call came in at around 8PM...that makes it 10PM in Illinois. Who the fuck is still manning the phones at that time? Terrorists, that is who.
29 December 2011 310-909-7530 Los Angeles, CA What can I possibly say about Los Angeles that has not been said by every other comedian in the last 30 years? I kinda wonder if the person on the other end was some struggling actor that could not even make it as a waiter. What a fucking loser, get a real job.
Believe it or not, that concludes the year in terrorist attacks telemarketer calls. Notice that they took the 30th off...just like they took off the 23rd. Telemarketers get three day weekends, too. I wonder if that call from Illinois got overtime pay.
Anyways, I am certain that 2012 will be a banner year for telemarketers. So until then...fuck off, stop calling me.
Ah, this brings back memories. This would have been the alternative to going around the goaltender and running into the net. Instead, I have an awesome piece of titanium screwed into my wrist. Looking back at it, having not injuring another player was a better choice for me...and I have a titanium in me.
Next time you watch Star Wars*, pay close attention to the part when Ben Kenobi is turning off the power on the tractor beam in the Death Star. Two things. It was raised an eyebrow, even as a kid, that the labels are in English. Yeah, it actually, says "POWER" and "TRACTOR BEAM" on one of the level indicators.
English is truly universal
In searching for pictures, I have discovered that in the original version, the labels are in English. In newer releases, the labels have been digitally replaced with some alien writing. See, even as a kid, I knew something was whacky about that. I guess they needed to communicate to the audience that "this is the POWER to the TRACTOR BEAM, that Obi Wan is turning off".
Second thing. When he see that there are a pair of Stormtroppers at the end of the hall, he throws something to distract them. Well, some might think that he throw a small pebble. Most believe that he used the force to 'throw' a sound over yonder. Me? I like to think that Obi Wan picked his nose and flicked a crusty booger across the hall. Something to think about.
I always wanted this playset
Back in 1978, Kenner released a Death Star playset. It was an awesome set. It even had an area for your Obi Wan Kenobi figure to futz with the tractor beam power. You can see it in the top right in photo above. The set even had area for Luke and Leia to swing across, even a trash compactor. Kenner really knew how to make a great toy.
*Star Wars as in Star Wars (1977). That was what it was originally called, that is what it should be forever known as. Do yourself a favour and watch the original version from 1977.
Starting out the month with a text. I really hate texts, they cost me time and money. Twenty cents is not a lot of money, but I am cheap. Again, all calls are to my mobile phone...which I have been told is ILLEGAL. Five calls and a bonus text in one day. That is not a record, but it still bugs the shit out of me. Fuck these people.
3 November 2011
323-337-4657 Los Angeles, CA On occasio, I get these "hey, do ya need some money?" kinda texts. Here is an idea. You save me the money by not texting me...and save yourself the time by not texting me. Two birds with one stone. Win/win...and you can go fuck yourself.
4 November 2011 425-390-8126 Renton, WA Clearly, Washington state is the new hub for telemarketers. The wet climate is a drastic change from the Middle East desert for these terrorist.
8 November 2011 877-243-5604 Unknown Oh, and unknown number. I googled the number and it came up as possible telemarketer. Better be safe, protect our country from terrorists and report to Do Not Call Registry. We must keep up the fight.
10 November 2011
425-390-8126 Renton, WA Second call from this number.
425-390-8101 Renton, WA Well what do we have here? Eightteen minutes after the first call from a Renton number, I get this one. What the fuck? Both number will be reported...and nothing will happen, except more calls from Renton.
425-390-8126 Renton, WA Another call from Renton. Should be getting another one in a few hours.
253-246-8515 Kent, WA I have had six previous calls from Kent, WA (253-246-8553). This is frist time from this number. According to Google Maps, Kent is about 7.5 miles south of Renton. One nuke should take care of that.
253-246-8515 Kent, WA Well...hello, again...and fuck you.
252-733-0084 Norfolk, NC This one comes via text. Again, that is twenty cents someone owes me. Feel free to nuke North Carolina, too.
11 November 2011
253-246-8515 Kent, WA Really? On Veteran's Day? Have you no respect for the men and women who served your country? Oh, I forgot...you people are fucking terrorists. The day they end all telemarketing calls will be a National Holiday.
19 November 2011 Unknown Not only is it an unknown number, the call was made at 2:24AM. Who calls people at two thirty in the morning? Terrorists, that is who.
21 November 2011 253-246-8515 Kent, WA Fourth call from this number. If you are in or near Kent, Washington, go ahead and hunt these guys down. I am sure Homeland Security will reward you for your efforts in bringing down terrorism.
253-246-8515 Kent, WA Second call today. Someone near Kent, Washington needs to layeth the the smackdown on these terrorists.
626-384-0835 Gardena, CA Another one via text...so, someone owes me twenty cents. Ah, but I am in luck. According to the text, I can get cash from these guys.
Youre approved to get $1500 to pay your bills today! Its easy and quick, goto http://www.cashfastsafe.com/ to getcash now, approved# 0.7469447
Think I can get my twenty cents back? Notice the use of contractions and lack of apostrophes, and no space between some words. Fail.
22 November 2011
253-246-8515 Kent, WA Call coming in at 8AM. Good morning, and FUCK OFF!
23 November 2011 253-246-8515 Kent, WA Seven calls from these fuckers. FUCK YOU!
24 November 2011 410-000-001 Unknown Ah, incomplete number. It can only mean one thing, a text message. According to Google, the 410 area code is from Easter Maryland.
FRM: Jules.Q.Cooper@iphone5testnkeep.com
MSG: Congrats! You were picked to Test & Keep the iPhone5-Beta, Confirm http://www.iphone5testnkeep.com
Feel free to to email Jules with goatse photos, gonna take a wild guess that their sight is filled with more viruses than a New Orleans hooker during Mardi Gras.
25 November 2011 425-390-8134 Renton, WA New number from Renton. Same group of assholes, just different extension. I wonder it is the same person that is assigned to my number and he/she works in both Kent and Renton.
28 November 2011 253-246-8599 Kent, WA Another new number from Kent, WA. Notice the same area code and prefix...just different extension. If pattern repeats, and it will, I will get about 5-7 calls from this number in the next two weeks. Then, a new number will be issued to harrass me. FUCK YOU!
30 November 2011 253-246-8515 Kent, WA Had to sneak in another on before the end of the month. This is call number eight from this number. I forget what the record was, I think it was ten. Nice to see this number coming back. I thought for sure it had been retired since I got another call from Kent. I wonder if they actually retire numbers...do they hang them up in the rafters in Kent? Go fuck yourselves.
360-529-6175 WA, USA Oh, just a generic Washington number? Guess what...the area code also covers Renton and Kent, Washington. There needs to be a few more Starbucks opened in Renton and Kent so people can have respectable jobs. No one, and I mean NO ONE respects a fucking telemarkter. Telemarketers bring nothing to the table, society is better off without them.
360-529-6175 WA, USA What a bunch of fucking assholes. Second call from this number.
The video I shot during my ride in the Electirc DeLorean has been seen a few times by people around the world. DMC somehow found it and posted a link on their Facebook page. I never really did any promotion for it, except for showing some people at work. Now, Autoblog found it and has used it in their article.
This is what they wrote:
The electric DeLorean DMC-12 is coming 2013, so says Humble, Texas' reborn DeLorean Motor Company. That was the shocking announcement made by DeLorean in mid-October at the DMC Texas Open House. But what else occurred on that mid-October day? Well, apparently a handful of DeLorean enthusiasts got to test drive DMC's electric prototype. Now, we can't say for certain whether this clip shows DMC's own electric version of the DMC-12 or the work of some shadetree mechanic, but we can say with confidence that DMC's Cameron Wynne (son of Stephen Wynne, owner of DeLorean) is the one who is driving the electric vehicle around the track.
Dubbed the DMCEV-12, DeLorean claims this electric time machine hits 60 miles per hour in a quick 4.9 seconds and warps to a top speed of 125 mph, though we'll have to wait to hear more about total range. Reports suggest the limited production DMCEV-12 will retail for approximately $100,000.
Hit the jump to check out some shaky in-car video of the electric DeLorean lapping the 3/8-mile track at Houston Motorsports Park
Oh wait, there is more. My video is also featured on engadget.
It's already clear that you're selling everything you own in an effort to purchase a 2013 DeLorean DMC-12 EV (and in turn, apply for a home tax deduction when you begin to live out of it), but what hasn't been clear is exactly how it'd perform on the wide open road. Truthfully, we still aren't entirely certain of that, but thanks to a raucous new video of a prototype on the track, we do know that it looks like the most (PG) fun you can have while sitting atop four wheels. We aren't going to hold you here any longer -- hop on past the break and mash play. 60mph in 4.9. 88mph in however long you want.
Last week we brought you news of DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) working on an electric car. We now have a video showing the new in new Electric DeLorean prototype hitting up the track at Houston Motorsports Park.
In 2013, you will be able to purchase the Electric DeLorean for somewhere around $90-$100 grand. Funny thing is, we’ve always imagine the Back to the Future DeLorean always being a fully electric car.
Next thing on DeLorean’s list? Making the car fly and time travel.
Finally, a video showing what it's like to drive the upcoming 2013
all-electric DeLorean has been released. It features "a mysterious box
labeled 'Flux' on it and aside from the iPhone dock, 125 mile per hour
speed and 260 horsepower, built-in GPS navigation system, DMC is
remaining mum on the vehicle's specs." Video after the break.
Some of readers will remember the new electricDeLorean
that was announced recently, the car which was originally made famous by the
Back To the Future movies will go on sale in 2013 powered by an electric engine. Now we get to see our first video of the DeLorean EV in action, although the
video is shot from the inside of the car, so we don’t get a good look at the
outside, but we all know what that looks like.
The DeLorean EV is expected to reach speeds of up to 125MPH and will
reportedly come with over 200 Bhp when it goes into production in 2013.
I figured if they use my video, I can use their words. Here is my video, in case you do not want to read through that long post below. Although, this is getting long as I am find more blogs out there using my video.
This post will have lots of pictures. Easy for you to read...more important, easy for me to write.
From 14-16 October 2011, DeLorean Motor Company held an Open House at their facilities in Humble, Texas. I was invited earlier in the year by DMC Vice President James Espey to attend. It was decision that I would not regret. Houston in the middle of October is still crazy hot, temperatures were in the 90's.
Day 1 - 14 October 2011 - Opening Night at DMC
First thing we did when we got into Houston was to check into the hotel.
Waiting for us there were some folks from DMC with our registration
packets and goodie bags. We also had to sign a release form for video
and photography. We checked out the hotel before the events started.
When it was time, we all took the shuttle to DeLorean Motor Company.
The obligatory shot with my scar
I did not take that many pictures, but the I always take a photo of me jumping in the air. Pretty much every vacation spot in the past decade or so, I have taking the jumpman photo. Since my awesome wrist injury, I have added the scar photo as my mush have photo opportunity shots.
The happiest place on earth
Meeting up with Cameron, once again
The event was a great occasion for me to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. I met Cameron last year at the DMC-California Open House. I failed to get a photo last time, but quickly hunted him down for this great photo in front of DMC. One of the many people finally got to meet was Stephen Wynne, Cameron's dad and President/CEO of DMC. Ha, we almost have the same hair style.
Me with the Stephen Wynne, the President of DMC
There were many surprises that DMC had for us. The first thing that everyone saw was the new underbody made from the original molds. I was told that this got there that week, they did not have time to drill the holes and add the hardware. So, it was fresh...mmm, smells good. Construction is some sort of fibreglass honeycomb structure with injected resin. The new underbody is almost half the weight at 250 pounds, versus the 30 year old original tubs at about 450 pounds. Estimated cost is around $5000.
New underbody, four times stronger at almost half the weight
Unveiling of the DMCev (Electric DeLorean), I was there!
The big surprise was the unveiling of the Electric DeLorean, DMCev. Like other all electric cars, the prototype wooshed through the parking lot in stealth mode, absolute silence. All you heard was wheels rolling and the crowd in awe.
There are lots of batteries in this thing, some in the engine compartment, some in the luggage compartment. The car itself weight about 200 pounds more than a standard DeLorean. I guess when they come around to actually building these, they will use the new, lighter undebodies.
According to the spec sheet, it will have a range of about 100 miles, standard for most electric cars. Top speed of 125 mph and 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. Compare that to the 10.5 seconds in the standard gas guzzling cousin.
DMCev cockpit
Other than the whole battery and electric engine, one of the things that stand out is the cockpit. I just like saying cockpit. They went with a custom steering wheel by Momo, giving it a modern look. Actually, if I ever need a steering wheel replacement, I might go for one of these. Gone is the standard shifter and replaced by a metal hockey puck. A dial that lets you select R-N-D, just turn the key and click it to D and you are ready to go.
There is also an economy mode, that is activated by pressing the button below the dial. Below that, you can see three seashells buttons that release the doors. Left, both, or right doors can be opened with a press of a button. I guess you can go old school and use the door pull. If you look in the ash tray, you can see a series of lights. That is the charge indicator. There are plans to make the existing fuel gauge a battery life indicator. Of course, there is an iPod dock for all your awesome tunes.
Some dork standing next to the DMCev
Catering for the night's event was provided by a food truck. I forgot the name of it, but it was damn good stuff. I had their shrimp burrito and went back for a shrimp taco. Little long on the wait because of the large crowd they had to serve, but it was well worth every bite.
Day 2 - 15 October 2011 - Tech Sessions, Guest Speaker, Dinner
This day was packed full of events. While the guys were geeking out during the tech sessions, some of the ladies went to the spa for a massage, manicure, and pedicure. They even went on an unplanned trip to downtown Houston for an afternoon of shopping. I got to meet all the dealers from the six DMC locations.
I even met Tamir Ardon of entermyworld.com, probably the best DeLorean site out there. It is loaded with information and where I acquired much of my information on the DeLorean. Part of my research in making the Hot Wheel DeLorean was spent on Tamir's site.
Ed Uding of DMC-Europe demonstrating new roof supports
First stop in the tech sessions was with Ed Uding of DMC-Europe. He showed his new roof structure, developed to replace rusted out roof supports that cause the roof to sad and doors to be misaligned. This is the part where the door would attach to the underbody, under the T-panel.
Dave Swingle of DMC-Midwest and Toby Peterson of DMC-Northwest, showed how to install door seals. Seals will crack due to old age and exposure to UV, the correct technique and placement will help ensure a proper seal of the doors.
Dave Swingle of DMC-Midwest and Toby Peterson of DMC-Northwest
Danny Botkin of DMC-California
Don Steger and Danny Botkin of DMC-California gave a demo of how to rebuild front brake calipers with the available repair kit. Kinda neat to see a gutted set of calipers. We were also educated on rotor safety specs and recommended upgrades to stainless steel brake lines. I might do that upgrade some time in the near future.
The guest speaker was William Haddad, former executive at the original DeLorean Motor Company. He also wrote the book Hard Driving: My Years with John DeLorean. He had some interesting stories about John and the company, as well as John's time at General Motors.
Guest speaker William Haddad
Tony Ierardi of DMC-Florida demonstrating re-graining techniques
For me, the most interesting part of the tech sessions was finishing the stainless steel. All the other sessions did not seem to be as doable for do-it-yourselfers. This one seemed doable for me. Tony Ierardi of DMC-Florida showed us how to remove dents and regrain the stainless steel panels. Basically, a lot of filing and sanding. I might try this one day.
You can see DMC employee Bill in the background using a file to even out the surface on a beat up left front fender . Tony is using an original tool they used in Dunmurry over thirty years ago. Also used were 60 grit sandpaper and blending pads. It took about 30-40 minutes, at the end, Tony was able to remove a dent about the size of a dime and put a beautiful finish on the area he was working on.
DMC Vice President James Espey giving the warehouse tour
Doors, lot of doors
The world famous warehouse tour was guided by James Espey. This was so awesome, I did it twice. Walking up and down the isles of the warehouse, you could not only thousand of parts, but also some of the original shipping containers those parts came in. Although they do not have all the parts, as some have just ran out, but when they have parts, they have lots of parts...like doors. There are lots of doors. They even had original bins that were made for the original DeLorean Factory in North Ireland.
My Hot Wheels on an NOS transmission
I took various photos of the many parts with my Hot Wheels car in frame as I walked up and down the aisles.
This concluded the daytime activities of the Open House. We all went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner at H&H Ranch. Again, we had a shuttle provided by DMC, via the hotel, to and from the ranch.
Elaine Wynne on the mechanical bull
In true Texas fashion, there was a mechanical bull set up for everyone to ride. Most of the DMC crew jumped on and got thrown off. I elected not to fly off the bull. Although, I kinda wanted to see if I can still do some pommel horse tricks.
Don Steger of DMC-California on the bull
Dinner was a Texas barbeque, one of the staff was nice enough to make me a custom veggie burger. After the dinner was some presentations and the raffle. Proceeds from the raffle went to a fellow DeLorean owner who suffered an injury and lost his wife while performing stunts at an air show. When I heard about the charity raffle, I hunted down some Hot Wheels stuff for the event. I was able to get a 2011 Hot Wheels poster signed by the entire design team, 2011 San Diego Comic Con Back to the Future Time Machine Exclusive signed by the designer...which happens to be me, and a pre-production sample of the Back to the Future Time Machine also signed by me.
I gave a short presentation on the things I brought for the raffle
James introduced me as the Hot Wheels Designer for the DeLorean, and had
me talk about the items I brought for the raffle. I am not a good
speaker, but I appreciated the opportunity to promote Hot Wheels to a
different crowd. Kinda funny that at work and the Hot Wheels community,
I am the DeLorean "expert"...while in the DeLorean community, I am the
Hot Wheels "expert". Little do they know that I know nothing about either.
Winner of the signed 2011 Hot Wheels Poster
I tried to get a picture with all the winners, but I failed to get one with the SDCC BTTF Time Machine. They were all very excited to win those items. The winner of the poster wanted a picture with me. A few people came up to me to thank me for what I have done for the DeLorean community and were very happy with my Hot Wheel DeLorean. Good to know that my work is appreciated, and if these guys liked it, I know it passed the test.
Josh Haldeman, winner of Back to the Future Time Machine pre-production sample
The winner of the pre-production sample was Josh Haldeman. I kinda knew him through Facebook when he somehow found me about a year ago. He had no idea who I was, just knew I was a DeLorean enthusiast. Josh is also the Vice President of the DeLorean Owners Association, so I am glad that the item went to him.
Me wtih Tamir Ardon
I had to get a photo with Tamir. He is somewhat of a celebrity in the DeLorean universe. I have gone through his website many times in the last ten years, and continue to drop by his forum at DMCTalk.org, the largest online community of DeLorean enthusiasts.
That concluded a long day of events at the DMC Open House. Time to shuttle back to the hotel and get some sleep. Day 3 - 16 October 2011 - Track Day at Houston Motorsports Park
We did not have plans to go to track day. For one we did not have a car to drive on the track. Two, our flight left at 3:40PM and figured we would check out of the hotel at the standard noon check out time.
Cameron was nice enough to invite us to the track. He had the van was going to pick up the dealers anyway and saved two spots for us to tag along. Talk about going the extra mile for us. This really capped off the series of events. So, off to the track we go.
Day at the track
There was about eighteen DeLoreans there, pretty impressive to see them all on the track at once. They took a few laps for some photos and lined up to take the open door 'tunnel' shot. In addition to the owners and their cars, DMC brought the Electric DeLorean and the Supercharged Stage III DeLorean to the track.
Electric DeLorean
Funny to see the Electric DeLorean take laps. I say "see" because, you really could no hear it as it zoomed passed you. You could tell it had a little more kick than your standard DeLorean...or I just drive slow.
DMCev and me
Timing is everything since it was a short track. Did not have to wait long for these photo opportunities, but had to be quick on the trigger. It was a hot summer fall day in mid-October that day in Texas.
My other car at the track, next to DMCev
There was no way I could have driven my car to the event. One guy from the Los Angels area did, but he is retired and probably has as much money as he does time. Also, I do not think my car could make that journey as it may require many many trips to the gas station. Much more economical for us to fly. Since I could not bring my real car, I brought my Hot Wheels DeLorean along for the event.
About to ride in the Electric DeLorean
Cameron gave me and Patchan a ride in the DMCev. It is a really smooth ride, quiet, and had quite a punch. Here is a video I took of my ride with my iPod Touch. It is a little shaky, that is my amateur camera work, not from the car.
Patchan about to ride in the Electric DeLorean with Cameron behind the wheel
Here a better look at the controls of the car. From left to right in picture below: You have the all important iPod dock, as all modern cars now have. Shift dial, instead of shift stick. Eco button. Three buttons for the doors.
Better look at the controls
Also has a GPS device and Momo steering wheel. That is pretty much the only difference from a standard DeLorean interior.
DMCev interior
The DMCev was definitely the star of the event.
Thumbs up
I guess the co-star of the event was the Supercharged Stage III DeLorean. I asked Ed Uding of DMC-Europe to take me around a laps. It was a ride of a life time. Ed was (or maybe still is ) a race and/or rally driver in Europe, so he knows how to handle a car. He also developed the lower control arm bracket for the DeLorean for better handling and stability. I have a set that is installed in my car.
Me and Ed Uding after the ride of a lifetime
Sitting in the passenger seat with an experienced driver is quite the experience. Ed was going really fast around the turns and even faster on the straightaways. I felt my body being pushed towards the outside of the car from the centrifugal force. It also felt like blood was rushing from my head. Must have pulled at least 2G's...now I kinda know how fighter pilots feel.
Ed drifting the Supercharged Stage III DeLorean with me in the passenger seat
Ed also drifted the DeLorean for the photographer there. Luckily, I was in the car when he did it. That was more fun than any roller coaster ride I have been on. Above is the picture of Ed drifting and eventually doing a 360 on the track, with me in the passenger seat hanging on for dear life...and having the time of my life.
There were a few more runs on the track and photos taken. Stephen even offered to let me dirve the Stage III car, too bad I do not know how to drive a manual. Damn it! Way back in the day, I told myself that if I ever got a DeLorean, I would learn how to drive a manual...but since they may an automatic version, I never really learned. Oh well, I am really happy with my car. That third pedal thing is confusing anyway.
Pretty soon it was time for us to go back to the hotel and check out, then head to the airport. Elaine gave us a private ride back to the hotel. I cannot express how nice the Wynne's were to us.
Thanks to everyone at DeLorean Motor Company for putting together a great event. It was great to meet all the dealers from DMC-NW, DMC-MW, DMC-FL,DMC-EU. Great seeing the guys from DMC-CA, and finally getting to meet the folks as DMC-H.
Also, thanks to everyone who attended the event. I met some great people and made some new friends, including Tamir and local DeLorean owner Bryan. Thanks, hopefully I can make it to Orlando for DCS 2012.
L to R: Cameron, Stephen, Patchan, Me, Elaine
Probably my favourite picture of the event. My wife and I with the Wynne Family.
Starting off the month with a call on a Monday morning. There was a three week gap, bu tit picked up really fast.
3 October 2011
253-246-8553 Kent, WA New player from Washington. Wonder how many times these fucknuts will call.
25 October 2011 360-529-6100 WA, USA Another call from Washington, three weeks later. I like the peaceful three week gap. Still, I am reporting this number.
27 October 2011 253-246-8553 Kent, WA Well, hello. Apparently Washington is the new terroist hub. Second call from Kent.
253-246-8553 Kent, WA Really, twice in less than a hour? Fuck you!
253-246-8553 Kent, WA Oh you motherfuckers. Three times in one day, total of four. Yeah, go a head and fuck yourself.
28 October 2011 50222571565 Unknown What the fuck kinda number is that? A call at 6:30 in the morning? Fuck you! Where is Kent, WA?
253-246-8553 Kent, WA Ah, there you are. For those keeping track, that is call number five.
253-246-8553 Kent, WA Twice in one day, total of six calls from this number.
Last weekend I was in Houston, Texas for the DMC Open House. More on the event in another post. I stayed at the SpringHill Suites Houston International Airport, it was a really nice hotel. Nice enough for me to write a post about it...or I just need to fill space on here.
The hotel is located just south of Houston International Airport (IAH). First off, IAH is huge! It has five terminals and over 100 gates, Houston International is also known as George Bush International Airport. There is a nice bronze statue of President Bush in Terminal C. The hotel provides free transportation via shuttle to and from the airport. The shuttle leaves the hotel every half hour, 24 hours a day. A simple call to the hotel/driver and you will be picked up from your Terminal within 10-20 minutes.
DMC also arranged for transportation to and from the hotel and DMC, which was about four miles east of hotel. DMC also got guests an even rate for the hotel for $98 a night, about half the regular rate.
Upon arrival to the hotel, there was already a few DeLoreans in the parking lot. The hotel even blocked of a section, facing the main street of course, for DeLoreans to park. I recognized one of the DeLoreans from California. Yeah, someone drove from Los Angeles area to Houston for the event, a 1900+ mile one way journey. Pretty sure my car would not have made that trek so easily.
The lobby was really clean and bright, almost like a movie set. A nice open area for guests to mingle. The hotel offers free breakfast every morning for guests. One of the things that caught my eye was a TV screen in the lobby area with flight information. They also provide computers for guest to check in to their fights and print out boarding passes. On top of that, free internet access to all guests. You know how I like free stuff.
Even has a private mini office area
The room had a really nice layout. There was a mini bar with fridge, lounge area, mini office. Separate toilet/sink and shower/sink areas with sliding doors to save space. Nice modern design all around.
Probably the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in
We had a king size bed, since everything in Texas is big. You can see from the photos that there was a lot of open space, even in the room. I think it might have been bigger than my old apartment.
Although I had little contact with the staff, they were very nice and happy to help. At times, they were a little overwhelmed by the number of guests that were there for the event. Overall, this was a great place to stay. I have stayed in many hotels, my mom works for a major hotel change so I grew up hanging around hotels. I have a pretty good understanding of hotels and their operations. SpringHill Suites Marriott is one of the top hotels I have stayed in. I am sure there will be future Open House events held at DMC, it would be great if they can arrange to have this hotel as their official hotel, again.
One year later. Look at all the cool cars I designed.
One year ago today I broke, fractured, and disloated my wrist. I have to say that it was the worst...and best experience in my life. I like having a piece of titanium permenently screwed into my bone.
I documented the experiece here in this blog. You can follow the multipart story HERE. You can also view the pictures I have taken of my wrist throughout the year. I took at least one picture a week with various backgrounds, view them HERE.
Edit: I realized that I should list the cars in the picture. Thanks to mikeH in the comments , which by the way is the 100th comment I have received. Not sure if there is a prize for that. So, from bottom to top:
So, there is contest at BladeOps, write a review of a knife and one could win a Spyderco Ladybug. Yeah, I know it is a tiny knife. Note the size of key for comparison...or that is a set of some huge keys.
Spyderco Ladybug
There are five knives to give away. Not that I really want that little knife, but I am not going to turn away a free knife...or a free anything. Yeah, it seems weird that I am writing about a $300 knife, just to win a knife worth $30. Anyway, here is my review of the Microtech Daytona.
Microtech Daytona
The compact design and affordable price point makes the Daytona is a great entry knife to the Microtech line. This knife is a work of art, precision made, down to the screws that hold it together. Top notch materials are used include a S30-V blade, 6061T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum with Carbon Fiber inlay. It has been said that "Microtechs are the Swiss watches of automatic knives".
Microtech knives come in a generic box with instructions and includes a nylon sheath. The sheath is very nice and has a hook and loop closure on the belt loop, and adjustable buckle closure for the knife. While this is obviously a quality product like their knives, I find that it is too large for the knife. It could well be that Microtech just has one size of sheaths, hence the adjustable buckle, but the knife kinda rattles around in there. The Daytona is one of Microtech's smaller knives. No matter, not like I am going to carry it in the sheath...actually, I am not suppose to carry it at all.
The Daytona feels great in the hand. I have average sized hands and it seems my hands were designed to hold the Daytona...or the other way around. The handle is about four inches and weighs in at just under three ounces. Pretty average size for an average guy. I know, it sound like I am talking about something other than a knife. Just stick with me.
The handle is inlaid with carbon fiber on both sides. I have seen a lot of carbon fiber from hockey sticks, to bike parts, to car parts. On occasion, one might see air bubbles in the resin or gaps in the weave. Not the case here. Sure, it maybe a relative small piece, but the carbon fiber inlays are perfect. No gaps or air bubbles. I am not sure if it serves any structural function for the knife, but it looks damn cool.
One negative element I find in this knife, the screws. The custom made
screws stick out a bit from the handle, meaning that they are not flush
with the body. The screws are cone shaped so they come to a shallow
point. I understand that the designers were trying to match the look of
the glass breaker. I think it would have been better to counter sink
the screws or have the head be more dome shaped. Again, this is a minor issue.
The pocket clip is strong. The Microtech logo is engraved, possibly laser etched, on the clip, as well as "Daytona", serial number and date of manufacture. I like that feature, you know they are not just pumping out knives left and right. It shows that they take the time when they number and date their fine works of art and adds to the value. The clip is secured to the handle by the glass breaker. It looks like the clip may be reversible. The glass breaker is sharp, so be careful with that...do not drop it on your foot. Although I have yet to test the glass breaker, or skull cracker, I am pretty confident that it can do some serious damage.
There are other blade styles and finishes, I elected to go with the drop point, single edge blade. At a little over three inches, the S30-V blade is just beautiful. Perfectly centered grinds to shape the blade, with a really sharp factory grind. I love the detail of the 'blood grove' and the little holes that are drilled through the blade. The blade moves smoothly when being fired and retracted. You can just feel how tight the tolerances are on this knife. There is a little play in the blade, but that is expected in a blade that is not fixed.
Speaking of firing and retracting the blade, the button takes a little getting used to. It is quite stiff and takes a strong thumb to activate. It took a while to 'break in ' the mechanism...or perhaps it took time to strengthen my weak little hands. I see guys in videos just fire and retract the blade like a jack hammer, part of the fun of owning an out the front automatic. It took me a while to unlock that achievement. This is not really a problem as it is a safety feature. You have to want to fire the blade, accidental discharges are not a problem. Also, you will want to play with the firing mechanism. This will help break in the knife and strengthen weak hands, like mine.
If you are looking for an entry level out the front knife, the Microtech Daytona might be right for you. It may be a little pricey, but the quality is top notch. You will not be disappointed.
EDIT: I guess I talk/write too much. The review is limited to 1000 words, my review is 4343 words. I need to edit down, perhaps just rewrite it for BladeOps, and keep this one here. Heck, I spent a lot of time writing this. Ugh, it took me like a half an hour to knock it down to less than 1000 words. I had to get rid of my witty comments, just a straight review. And, I should add another picture, since there is a lot to read through.
I jacked this info from highsnobiety, because I want a place where I can reference the information for myself. All info, pictures, charts, and graphs were stolen from highsnobiety.
2011 Nike Air MAG
Break down of sizes and average price per day and changes
Break down by size with average price
Total amount raised per day:
Day 1 = $911,927.34
Day 2 = $647,539.91
Day 3 = $554,120.31
Day 4 = $508,077.50
Day 5 = $511,112.10
Day 6 = $492,481.97
Day 7 = $488,076.90
Day 8 = $499,851.16
Day 9 = $511,479.82
Day 10 = $570,523.52
Total = $5,695,190.53
Highest and Lowest each size sold for and the day it happened:
Size 7 – High – $5,331.88 on Day 1, Low – $2,300.00 on Day 6
Size 8 – High – $6,100.00 on Day 1, Low – $2,500.00 on Day 4
Size 9 – High – $6,300.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,050.00 on Day 5, 6 & 9
Size 10 – High – $9,959.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,200.00 on Day 6
Size 11 – High – $7,600.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,350.00 on Day 8
Size 12 – High – $8,100.00 on Day 1, Low – $3,100.00 on Day 7
Size 13 – High – $7,875.00 on Day 1, Low – $2,750.00 on Day 7
Price versus day, by size.
Okay, back to the non-stolen stuff...me again.
That is pretty impressive. I admit, I do not know much about Parkinsons...as I am sure most do/did not..outside of knowing that Michael J. Fox has the disease. Thanks to Nike and eBay for making an awesome product and using their powers for good. Thanks to all who participated in the events. If you donated to the cause, you not only have some very good karma coming your way, you also have an awesome pair of shoes.
