Category Archives: Different

Not much to write home about this year, but I did manage to check out the new Nikon D300. To be succinct, It’s NICE and definitely on my wish list. It’s not too heavy and very comfortable in the hand. Also checked out some Manfrotto tripods too. I like my Sprint pro but I need a better ball head with a quick release plate.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
Make Me Over by Lifehouse from the “Who We Are” album.

Seems like another website isn’t just hotlinking, but stealing entire posts! While going thru my log, I found a site (I’m NOT posting a link but will say it uses words like “Wealth”, “Investment”, etc) that has stolen at least one entire post from my Blog. Other than to pad it against SPAM filters, I don’t see the point.

Turns out not just mine, but whole content from other sites. I’m dying to know WTF is the idea. I’ll email the site owner, but I bet he/she doesn’t reply.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
On Her Mind by Duncan Sheik from “Daylight“.

Problem: My car needed new tires. Solution: Go to Sears and buy new tires.

Simple right? Up until the tires come off and they discover the bearings, the shock absorbers and struts are all shot to hell.

And here I thought the odd feel/shimmy when driving was just due to the wheels needing alignment.
(sigh)

Since the car is only 5 1/2 years old, this is the first time I’ve had major work on it. Other than a new battery, oil changes and tune ups, nothing was required. I suppose I should count myself lucky as this car has been rear ended 3 times last year (All Within 6 months!) and has never suffered mechanical problems.

My wife had the best reaction: “Make sure you use the Card that accumulates Points.”

Also, I use Sears on Queens Boulevard because they have decent prices, good service and I’ve used them several times before for a couple of cars.

Oh, and Yes, I drive an SUV (Montero Sport), Do not have a “F___ You!” attitude while driving and I take it easy while driving. And yes, like all cars, it’s bad for the environment. If it helps, my other car is a Honda Accord with better gas mileage.

Music I’m listening to right Now:
The Taste by Five for Fighting from “The Battle for Everything“. Five for Fighting is John Ondrasik.

HOTEL with WHIRLPOOLS

Originally uploaded by S.D..

In my last post, I was so busy ranting on the poor state of affairs, that I failed to mention the funniest part of the weekend.

Since we were working all weekend, our employer arranged for us to get Hotel rooms nearby. The Plan was:

1. Come in on Saturday, do the 1st part of the work by 5:00pm.
2. Have dinner, and stay at the hotel.
3. Come back to work at 4:00am Sunday to finish the 2nd half of the job.
4. By 1:00pm Go back to hotel and optionally take a nap before going home. Our employer was to arrange late check out.

Great plan, right? Problem is, #4 wasn't told to the hotel. 1:30pm comes around, I'm in dire need of sleep and I go up to my room. I get there and a maid's Cart is right outside my door with the door being slightly ajar. 

Which ultimately leads me to "How to freak out Tourists".

The hotel removed my belongings and rented the room out to someone else. I opened the door, saw two people unpacking (causing one to jump!), Double checked the room number, apologized for disturbing them and went to the front desk.

When I got to the front desk, I inquired about the mix up and asked where my belongings were. Turns out the new occupants of the room did not realize the door was ajar and thought I used my Key to get in. This led to a very worried phone call to the front desk demanding how someone could use a pass key to get into their room. 

After explaining my side of it, the man at the front desk called them back:

"No, sir, a maid's cart was outside your door, your door was ajar, and the previous guest just pushed it open."

"Sir, I understand your upset, but really, He's right here and that's what he says happened!"

"Yes sir, He just returned the door key…"

 I'd be upset too, but then I always bolt my door when I'm in a hotel. 

Image from another hotel I passed on a walk. 

Music I'm listening to right Now:
Misirlou – Dick Dale & His Del-Tones from "Pulp Fiction: Music From The Motion Picture"  

Sudden Rain

Originally uploaded by S.D..

Today we had flash Flooding here in Queens. I
Had to work from home today as we could NOT get into Manhattan. On the Plus side, I can telecommute to work, so I'm good, but my wife had to take a personal day. It's not too often that rain comes down that fast, but when it does, it's quite a problem.

The Subways and Even the highway was all over flowed with water. On the plus side, I don't need to water the Garden today… 

That's a photo on the right from a Good Rainy Day. 

Music I'm listening to right Now:
Never Again by Kelly Clarkson from the "My December" Album.