Sunday, May 29, 2011

My new computer is a car

After seven good years my Mini Cooper is gone, replaced by a 2012 Ford Focus.


Good things about the Mini: fun to drive, easy to find parking.
Less than good things about the Mini: premium gas, 21 actual MPG city, run-flat tires (stiff harsh ride and expensive to replace), no spare tire, rear seating a suggestion more than a reality.

Good things about the Focus: regular gas, 28 actual MPG city, computer on wheels, nice ride, more space, parks itself, american made, very competitive pricing.
Less good things about the Focus: sync interface by Microsoft.

When my wife got her Prius in 2004 I was amazed at how easily she could walk up to a locked door, open it, get in and push-button start the car without taking a key out of her pocket. Not only that but her bluetooth phone automagically paired and worked with the handsfree system. At the time there were novel features. Now I can finally do the same and much more. Go Detroit!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Recipe for pain

Start by overeating. Blend in two glasses of wine. Elevate to 6200 feet above sea level. Put on an elliptical machine for 30 minutes or until done, whichever comes first.

I now have an inkling of what Jon Krakauer was talking about in Into Thin Air.

Back to sea level tomorrow.