Toy Recall Affecting Charities

The issues around the recent surge in toy recalls are trickling down to those in need. In a recent article on MSNBC.com, it’s stated that some charities are not accepting toys for the holidays due to “the burden of screening donations for recalled toys, overwhelming their small volunteer staffs.”

When I was kid, I loved toys and still do! It is with all the best intentions that people donate toys for the holidays, and it is difficult even as a consumer to know what toys are going to be recalled. Obviously a recall means it’s too late.

Thinking about the issue of sorting through all the toys, how about using a bar-code reader? They have portable units and is it possible they could be set-up so just the recalled items appear when scanned? The recalled toys could then be returned to the manufacturer for refunds/replacements to offset the cost of the scanners and to more importantly, brighten the holidays for the less fortunate.

String Theory vs E8

Scientists are working on combining physics of the very large and the physics of the very small. These are the theories whose goal is to combine/unify the physics behind gravitational, electromagnetic, weak nuclear and strong nuclear forces.

Up to this point, String Theory was the leading contender. You may have heard of the theory in the show “The Elegant Universe” or unknowingly in movies such as “Deja Vu”. But, I recently read an article describing a new theory called E8 by Garrett Lisi.

Read the articles and decide for yourself.

Bros before Hoes

I can’t remember the last time I have heard anyone say, “bros before hoes.” I think it was on tv. But, today I heard it and began wondering, who says that?

I may be generalizing but those that say it are – single. Also what about the hoes? Can’t forget about them. I’m sure they are thinking, “Oh no he didn’t!” And, if the man were a man, who would put up with someone calling their girl a hoe unless the guy was a pimp? Wait a second. I forget all guys want to be pimps. Damn! There goes that idea. Anyways the next time that comes up, I wonder if all the “bros” are going to be willing to do what all the “hoes” do.

I know you know what I mean.

How do you spell” hoes” anyway? Hos? Hoes? Hose?

PDA in the Workplace

I am not sure what it would be called because it’s not really “public.” What would you call it - how about inappropriate? I dont’ recommend work-place relationships but don’t judge people that have them, it just might get a little complicated if things don’t work out. Then there are those that don’t work together, well at least anymore, and when they are together – anywhere – they are locked together. What makes it inappropriate is that this also occurs in the workplace.

Most people have this thing called common courtesy/sense. Please take note of the word “most.” Unless I am at a club or bar that I would expect to see that, I don’t want to. Especially when I’m working. I know what you are going to suggest, “Just look away.” I wish it were that easy but think about being in a room that is about 20′x20′ and there they are at directly to the left. If they were behind me or let’s say in the bathroom, there wouldn’t be an issue, but they are in my periferral! Every time this happens I have to get the toilet bowl brush and scrub my short-term memory.

So please, if you work and your significant other(s) are around – just use common sense and common courtesy. Thanks!

Kaizo Photo

kaizo.jpgKeith over at Kaizo Photo has posted some photos of my Poop Mobile that he shot at the Touge Factory Drift Day at USA International Raceway in Shawano, WI on October 7, 2007.

What makes this a memorable week-end was the fact I was able to drive the car about 360 miles round trip and got a ticket from the local cop for a ‘loud’ exhaust.

I was also recently pulled over right next to the warehouse and the officers stated they pulled me over for a loud exhaust as well. But, after talking with them for awhile and showing them my car, they admitted that they just wanted a reason to look at it. Now, I wonder if that cop in wisconsin was just doing the same thing. Hmmmmm.

 Anyways, go visit Kaizo Photo, buy some of his prints, buy my car and live happily ever after.

Modified Photoshoot

shoot2.jpgYesterday was the Modified photo shoot of the RX7. Waking up at 4:30 a.m. for anything is not that fun and yesterday it was cold, overcast and would have been perfect for sleeping in.

Arrived at the meeting location at 6 a.m. and at about 7 a.m. we were shooting at the first location. After that we hit about six other spots and from what I saw, Tracy new his stuff. He prides himself in “being good at sucking.” The reason he says that is his style of photography is uncommon in the world of automotive magazines since he is more self-taught.

shoot1.jpgAt about 11 a.m. we hit the last location. Thanks to Eric for coming out and assisting with the actions shots. Doing circles around Tracy for any period of time can make you a bit dizzy.

When doing those circles, the car felt great and even though it hasn’t been fully tuned, it had enough torque to still start smoking the tires. Interesting…

 I hope the photos turn out since the conditions were a little less than ideal but the previews I saw  made it seem like everything was good. I’ll post more when I know when the issue is going to be published.