tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108855082024-03-19T02:32:08.872-07:00Jimmy the GunJames Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.comBlogger1095125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-53128216371934249592023-03-22T10:03:00.000-07:002023-03-22T10:03:27.922-07:00Electronic Music, Mitch Murder, and Apple Music Embedding Code<p> I'm into "electronic" music. I've been a Depeche Mode fan forever. I've loved stuff from Erasure and Pet Shop Boys. Sometimes, Tears for Fears was confused with Depeche Mode. So, as a test of Apple Music's embedding code, here's an electronic band remaking the biggest hit of Tears for Fears:</p><p><iframe allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write" frameborder="0" height="175" sandbox="allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" src="https://embed.music.apple.com/us/album/shout-the-forgotten-remix/1615112703?i=1615112704" style="background: transparent; max-width: 660px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></iframe></p><p>In 2016, I was introduced to Mitch Murder, who wrote the soundtrack for a ridiculous movie called Kung Fury. It's free on YouTube. And here's the soundtrack via YouTube:</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=OLAK5uy_kAL7zkfhzjudAjUOBPcPCClo0toIfOIZw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>Mitch Murder is amazing. He's dynamic and retro, but so talented on sounds and how to make it not sound too redundant, which many electronic bands struggle with (me included).</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't recorded any new music in a while, but I have some ideas I want to work on and complete. Anyway, this was just a quick break at work and a change to see if the Apple Music embedding code works. Now sure it really does. </div>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-87686266443082903542022-10-29T13:19:00.002-07:002022-10-29T13:21:48.730-07:00Balboa Cactus<p> This one is fun, to me anyway. I wrote this with GarageBand for iOS using my cell phone. We were on vacation on Balboa Island in July 2022. The "cactus" portion of the name came from the shape of the GarageBand instrument sections...kinda looked like a cactus to me.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a91CPNgxb9o" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-22439813027466895442022-02-06T15:55:00.008-08:002022-10-29T13:19:45.046-07:00It’ll Come To Me <p> Another GarageBand for iOS creation. Not great but I really like the jazzy organ. I need to either get good software and equipment or realize I’ve settled for mediocrity and stop saying something about it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="444" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/soGlC8XJkcE" width="535" youtube-src-id="soGlC8XJkcE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com025 Atlantic St, Roseville, CA 95678, USA38.7480805 -121.286367338.317947321487992 -121.83568370625 39.178213678512009 -120.73705089375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-34643038875316323192020-03-25T16:31:00.001-07:002020-03-25T16:31:29.629-07:00Strings AttachedAnother quarantine song. It’s fun to work on these, even though GarageBand of iOS is limited.<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VJGV3Ko7rSQ" width="560"></iframe>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-28306195045726698232020-03-22T16:28:00.000-07:002020-03-22T16:28:16.943-07:00New Music Made with GarageBand for iOSHere's a few songs I've recently done with GarageBand for iOS. While one of my musical friends keeps telling me I'm limited by what the software/hardware can do/allows, it's a fun pastime.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aDeL-BzdiNE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffhcB6YkPmY" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sW1Xr28HOxs" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WrDrSrig0EQ" width="560"></iframe>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-68525362751909803612019-05-06T22:46:00.000-07:002019-05-06T22:48:06.618-07:00Jail Mail Poem<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e8996b17-7fff-b3d3-fdb1-8a0713b9f865" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">by James Guhn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Written on November 27, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I scan inmate mail, reading men’s rhyme attempts,</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And think to myself, “these poor girls: getting gypped.”</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They drone on and still more about lovin’ and missin’,</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">With every cliché about huggin’ and kissin’.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From her neck to her nethers, saying things not polite,</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">These men of the jail think their ladies delight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">But all I can hope is these women turn ill,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">As my stomach contents, my mouth they do fill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please stop writing nonsense ‘bout your lady’s looks.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When all you are asking is for money on your books.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And if she’s too foolish to see through your con,</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Remember she’s sleeping with others while you’re gone.</span></span></div>
James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-53596553112180631382017-09-05T10:00:00.000-07:002017-09-05T10:00:01.314-07:00DerailedAnother GarageBand for iOS creation.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jJeLk50OPYM" width="560"></iframe>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-70061969373978310832017-04-26T21:48:00.001-07:002017-10-25T07:05:33.887-07:00If I Were CEO...Ford Motor Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ooqJ2tA2HuT-_E5pMnrlcO-ZJIrZcVN8maCkmbpDE_wQSskENI8qxXHkChSz9eaJq9VhmuqBvmbq3C73mTgcczxijBJkTJaeQRAPo0KFvQ-VDIjl2PnnGLyfRUAideDwUSs/s1600/CEO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ooqJ2tA2HuT-_E5pMnrlcO-ZJIrZcVN8maCkmbpDE_wQSskENI8qxXHkChSz9eaJq9VhmuqBvmbq3C73mTgcczxijBJkTJaeQRAPo0KFvQ-VDIjl2PnnGLyfRUAideDwUSs/s200/CEO.JPG" width="200"></a></div>
I love that <a href="http://corporate.ford.com/" target="_blank">Ford Motor Company</a> did not become another "Government Motors" company back in 2009, with all the bailouts that happened <span style="font-family: sans-serif;">(GM and GMAC $51 + $17.2 billion and Chrysler $12.5 billion).</span> And, while there was $5.9 billion given as a loan, Ford was required to move toward more green (and electrified) options AND pay the loan back by 2022. Plus, Ford didn't want there to be an unfair advantage for the other two companies, with the huge amounts of bailout funds being thrown at them, so they took the loan. <div><br></div><div>Ford did what should be the norm, by looking at ways to save money, they became more responsible and well-run; in lean times Ford cut costs. A re-evaluation of what you're doing and how you're spending money seems logical during tighter financial times. And now, with better times returning, it's time to start making bold moves and creating more exciting products for the consumers.<br>
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Before I get to my "If I Were CEO of Ford" initiatives, here are a couple reasons for my list and why I decided to write this post:</div><div><br>
1. In 2015, my wife and I were in the market for an SUV. The Ford Expedition was our goal, but ultimately its cheap materials, tired model, and boring feature list caused us to move to the most popular SUV on the market, the Chevy Tahoe. <br>
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2. With the recent announcement of a "pursuit rated hybrid" based on the tiny Fusion, and all the subsequent comments bashing the car on Ford's Facebook announcement, the joke that is that car was obvious to me (and many) and led me to want <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmythegun/status/851412281900400640" target="_blank">tweet</a> about it. So many people agree that the Fusion-based hybrid is not what real cops want. <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUTGHq9T25KlZG-nlqDV5PAObntilWZrg2dSyXRMYC8FV2wWSvvsXu55ZgWgnaxJFWLQSKQtDHO1GIl6PdZlbsXMIEs1GUrLfg5-7BBBqZYidJ1xbTZSCJ8gMC9CtGbTY7TI/s1600/2018+Lincoln+Navigator.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUTGHq9T25KlZG-nlqDV5PAObntilWZrg2dSyXRMYC8FV2wWSvvsXu55ZgWgnaxJFWLQSKQtDHO1GIl6PdZlbsXMIEs1GUrLfg5-7BBBqZYidJ1xbTZSCJ8gMC9CtGbTY7TI/s400/2018+Lincoln+Navigator.png" width="400"></a></div>
3. On a positive note, the new <a href="http://www.lincoln.com/luxury-suvs/navigator/2018/" target="_blank">2018 Lincoln Navigator</a>, shown at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2017/04/12/lincoln-reveals-posh-powerful-2018-navigator-new-york-nyias/?hcid=hp-review-tile-3" target="_blank">New York Auto Show</a>, looks great. This vehicle is bold, beautiful, and hopefully as feature rich as it looked from the show. <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqILxl4Q6MtUGnpeZDo_d3-UYNhKsJBQg5lz5IauGnuQSopNgTd-L4iql40pUu1eH4hMClhcB0Ya0xQsYqt4-IKoHokzZbluatvVNyeStHFSjlVozBAUwIp-onjyLIStyeC4s/s1600/Ford+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqILxl4Q6MtUGnpeZDo_d3-UYNhKsJBQg5lz5IauGnuQSopNgTd-L4iql40pUu1eH4hMClhcB0Ya0xQsYqt4-IKoHokzZbluatvVNyeStHFSjlVozBAUwIp-onjyLIStyeC4s/s640/Ford+Logo.png" width="640"></a></div>
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<strong>If I WERE CEO of Ford Motor Company </strong>my initiatives would be focused on <u>Product and Materials Quality</u>, <u>Model Refresh Rates</u>, <u>Bolder Designs and Advanced Technologies</u>, <u>Electrification</u>, and, because of what I do now, the <u>Police Interceptor</u>. </div>
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<b>Product and Materials Quality</b></div>
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The first thing my wife and I noticed when checking out the 2015 Ford Expedition was the plastics, fabrics, and carpet used on the inside; it all felt cheap. We moved over to a 2015 Lincoln Navigator, hoping to at least find higher quality materials, with no luck. The dashboard material used in my old 1999 VW Golf was some of the best I've ever felt in an inexpensive car. They used a soft touch material that didn't fade over time and held its quality feel. My 2008 Nissan Altima has a similar feel. Ford's product was very rigid and felt cheap. The carpets, especially on the fold down rear seats, looked bad after just a few items were placed in the back and rub across the caroet (in the case of the new vehicle, just the new floor mats). The carpet looked frayed and worn. The cloth seats seemed to create static and the leather version already showed wear creases. Ultimately, the Chevy Tahoe offered the quality we were looking for in the LT model, and it became the default option.<br>
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If I were CEO, I would move to softer touch plastics/rubbers, higher quality fabrics and leathers, more durable carpets, and tighter finishes on seams and stitches. I'd install dark flooring carpets, to better hide dirt and spill stains, while using stain resistant materials with a tighter weave for durability. I would shift away from too many options and use color palettes that allow for better matches to the paint schemes across all lines and model options, likely offering a couple cloth and a couple leather options for all models. Wood grains options would be similar to what is found in today's models but would be more generously used in the luxury models. I'd also give more options for brushed metals in the trim pieces.</div>
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I would continue to find and use materials that are strong but light, while being reusable. I would continue to use aluminum, as Ford has done in the F-Series and the future Expedition/Navigator; I think it's a great move. I hope that eventually, the production and recycling process for aluminum and other materials helps with resource preservation. Reusable materials would also mean fewer junkyards full of rusting toxic piles of waste. I'd work to model product production with the use of renewable resources, similar to what Apple, Inc. is doing, including the marketing aspect of "being green".<br>
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<b>Model Refresh Rate</b></div>
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I would move the timeline for refreshed models to every 3 years, with completely reworked versions being closer to every 6 years. As mechanical technology advances, like the horsepower and torque figures coming from V6 versus V8 engines or steel versus aluminum bodies, refreshes and full redesigns may be able to occur more often. I would not let a model or design become stale, like the 2007-2017 Expedition. This third generation's tired look can only be losing Ford sales numbers to GM and other SUV manufacturers.<br>
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With each model year refresh, minor changes and options would be offered. From fabric and exterior colors options to technology advances and convenience options, ongoing improvements would be implemented. Learning from what dealers see and hear from customers, along with reviewing customers', enthusiasts', and journalists' feedback, would direct changes and improvements with each updated version. We would learn from feedback and move forward, each change benefiting the overall quality of the product.<br>
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<b>Bold Designs and Advanced Technologies</b></div>
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Product design would be heavily built around feedback from concept models, which would be built and shown at auto shows around the world. Allowing creativity and ideas to be shown and shared, would offer the company room to produce bolder and more exciting models for the consumers. A streamlined approval process would be developed to move concepts surrounded with excitement into production versions. While design teams would still come up with unique ideas for the direction of the brands' major product lines, teams working on fun, creative, and nostalgic ideas would also be part of the direction for future models or company-wide design themes and cues. Concepts that show a lot of public excitement would be given more focus and potentially moved into production.</div>
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An example of a missed opportunity is the 2004 Bronco concept. If I were CEO, vehicles like this Bronco would have moved to production and retained the retro styling that makes it an exciting hope for many enthusiasts, while still being build to suit a wide group. I often think about what the VW Beetle redesign did for Volkswagen. While making sure form and function work together, careful consideration would be made to the parts of a vehicle that draw in consumers and keeps them coming back. the 2004 Bronco design (shown below) still looks really fresh and bold. Along with the recent enthusiast design (also shown below), the 2020 Bronco has a lot of potential to be great. But Ford could also mess-up big if they don't take note of what excites the consumers. IF they play it safe and present somthing that follows their current designs, the 2020 Bronco will miss.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">2004 Bronco Concept</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ6Y_TNM5aLNoeHox4yQS3koPM-E-Z4pyu7eVbrq7lVIh3Sy0XesX-0JX7NpoGYdgVk2KrESnmAVSLgkQznWBCW9WqHvoK3vvpRn5CPac0TBcIhfLyD62CBpSpppCjh5R7F0/s1600/most+searched+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ6Y_TNM5aLNoeHox4yQS3koPM-E-Z4pyu7eVbrq7lVIh3Sy0XesX-0JX7NpoGYdgVk2KrESnmAVSLgkQznWBCW9WqHvoK3vvpRn5CPac0TBcIhfLyD62CBpSpppCjh5R7F0/s400/most+searched+image.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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versus</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">2020 Enthusiast's Bronco Concept</span></div>
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I think of vehicles like the Dodge Challenger and Charger. These vehicles are exciting to see and have a lot of visual appeal for consumers, while also being very capable and usable vehicles. The California Highway Patrol <a href="http://www.government-fleet.com/channel/law-enforcement/news/story/2016/05/chp-adds-dodge-chargers-for-highway-enforcement.aspx" target="_blank">added 159 Chargers</a> to its fleet of police vehicles, for example.</div>
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No more with the boring designs; boldness needs to be brought back to automotive designs. No longer can you tell a Honda from a Toyota from a Chevy from a Ford. They all look the same. No one is designing beautiful, exciting, bold, risk-taking vehicles. At the 2007 NAIAS, Ford showed a concept for a new Interceptor, which I hoped was the future for the Crown Victoria. It was something that could have been classified as bold and exciting, like what Dodge is doing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e5a4HN51hYP3PI8r1G24Mw17uMMD7JdIn_MjYN9GICsQeoekvahMQOxQWWZ06_aSC_gDVEjRCIrYNe1C4_yoM-G4OuQmo2g62t_FqgA4abn_ac0mprRaSoqJC_KqkGpsSfw/s1600/ford_interceptor_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e5a4HN51hYP3PI8r1G24Mw17uMMD7JdIn_MjYN9GICsQeoekvahMQOxQWWZ06_aSC_gDVEjRCIrYNe1C4_yoM-G4OuQmo2g62t_FqgA4abn_ac0mprRaSoqJC_KqkGpsSfw/s400/ford_interceptor_500.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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But this design never happened. Instead, a Ford Taurus reappeared. And, while I liked it initially (see <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2010/08/dear-ford-pick-jimmy-gun.html" target="_blank">this</a> article), it's now tired too. The Interceptor design, with some tweaks, would have sold to the enthusiast and to law enforcement alike. Combine this with a powerful engine (think <a href="https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-M50A" target="_blank">Coyote</a>) and driving technologies like all-wheel drive or traction controls and assisted driving features, and Ford would have knocked one out of the park.<br>
<br></div>
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In-vehicle systems need to work so much better. I would throw in an iPad type/sized device, with its touch capability and computing power, to advance infotainment to the next level. I would work directly with Apple and Google to offer a device that runs iOS and Android right in your dash. It would be so simple to limit the functionality when a car is put into drive, as both already have limited versions of their operating systems, with CarPlay and AndroidAuto. Add the addition of access through mobile connectivity, either wirelessly through a tethered device or from in-car connections through any carrier, and mobility apps and mapping software power become limitless. Tesla is already using a HUGE screen to make this a reality, and the functionality is second to none.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN0hZRsXrlBw3_XaO3sCbR8ff_vdzGWsdUm_AHsQ9GnX9vj05cF52FdRan_a_Rf93jwg76fHZ-kapqj57D-61mXJPFw8k28FJiFOgvDZV2vLqkK5HVmxGErDQefUWqSGjV54/s1600/Tesla+Screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN0hZRsXrlBw3_XaO3sCbR8ff_vdzGWsdUm_AHsQ9GnX9vj05cF52FdRan_a_Rf93jwg76fHZ-kapqj57D-61mXJPFw8k28FJiFOgvDZV2vLqkK5HVmxGErDQefUWqSGjV54/s400/Tesla+Screen.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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<b>Electrification</b></div>
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Speaking of Tesla...why hasn't any other automaker been able to produce the battery life and power that Tesla is producing? A tiny and resource-limited company, in comparison to Ford, Tesla is doing what all the big automakers <i><b>refuse</b></i> to do. They are making battery powered vehicles with realistic usability a reality. And, although the details are a little fuzzy for me, Tesla offered anyone the opportunity to copy many of its patents to further the green electrified vehicle production. This means, we could have more options for battery powered vehicles, designed by many more people, and potentially more discoveries could be made to help increase range, power, and efficiency.</div>
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I would focus more energy on useful hybrids and all-electric vehicles. I would break the relationship with big oil that, I'm assuming, drives the decision not to move strongly toward electrification. If the car has both a battery-powered motor and a fuel-powered engine, I'd work harder at using the engine to charge higher performing batteries, rather than being needed to propel the vehicle. I would work to find ways to reduce the time needed to recharge batteries, and I would work to increase the traveling distances on a single charge. I would work on solving and crossing into the 500-mile range first. I believe a Tesla's Model S is already close to a practical every-day vehicle, and it's done without any fuel-based engine.<br>
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<b>Police Interceptor </b>(because I'm in Law Enforcement)</div>
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Where did the Crown Victoria go? Why did it have to die? Real cops don't want a smaller vehicle. Many agency moved to the Chevy Tahoe for power, strength, and size. Real cops want room for equipment, comfort for themselves, and driving capabilities from their vehicle.<br>
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First, the Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor did a lot of things right or almost right. It was a bigger vehicle, with an established look and stance. There was room for taller driver, with an okay amount of room for an arrestee in the back. It had a great trunk, with a deep well for equipment, bags, paperwork/forms, etc., a shelf area for computer equipment, and still room for a full-sized spare tire. It was rear-wheel drive, which allowed capable/skilled drivers to use drifting and other techniques to maneuver the big vehicle.<br>
<br></div>
<div>The CV/PI was lacking in a few areas. The engine was weak and not very efficient, although it lasted through the abuse it took 24 hours a day. And, although big, the interior could have offered a bit more room for both driver and passenger, especially after all the equipment and cage were installed. While recognizable, the exterior design was very stale and didn't draw sales from non-law enforcement or taxi consumers.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWkhxdSsSHr4kMmHtahFxsetw9hAOq5R0RagWzBZpI29MfLR0HuT9X17LmskJRZniDnGCkSLqwMm08aro82CaZzurS4db5YUa6RiiaVPP2AU4sQZ-OE1kvwosk7aYnn1fKC4/s1600/1970+Ford+Torino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWkhxdSsSHr4kMmHtahFxsetw9hAOq5R0RagWzBZpI29MfLR0HuT9X17LmskJRZniDnGCkSLqwMm08aro82CaZzurS4db5YUa6RiiaVPP2AU4sQZ-OE1kvwosk7aYnn1fKC4/s400/1970+Ford+Torino.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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IF I WERE CEO of Ford, I would introduce the Ford Interceptor/Gran Torino. This would ignite enthusiasts over the use of the 1970s name and applications (see <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5491997/5-0-in-a-50-a-history-of-ford-police-vehicles/" target="_blank">this</a> article). I would base the design off the previously shown Interceptor concept from 2007, which still looks fresh and bold today. For Law Enforcement applications, I would offer all the extra Police Interceptor features typically added today, but supply manufacturer-installed options, to help keep costs down. Options would include:</div>
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<br>
<ul>
<li>Integrated light bars and lighting systems, built into the vehicle's design to be visible when on but hidden when off</li>
<li>Powertrain and suspension options to facilitate pursuit-ratings and equipment hauling</li>
<li>Driving safety technologies like all-wheel and traction controls</li>
<li>Integrated computers, radios, and other communications systems</li>
</ul>
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Interior area would be focused on accommodating larger/taller body types and equipment needs, typically found in law enforcement. Additional attention would be placed on making sure decent room is available, even when optionally installed cages and computers are present for LEO and taxis applications.</div>
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For consumer applications, the powertrain options and room requirements would afford luxury style room and power. Along with the nostalgia and enthusiasts' love that would come from the Gran Torino name and the car's bold looks, this could be marketed as a luxury (flagship) or large muscle car (similar to Dodge's Charger/Challenger cars). From base models, with aftermarket modifications in mind, to top of the line options, with luxury as the focus, the applications for this design are endless and would allow for more consumers to get excited about the return of this dual application vehicle.</div>
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<b>Final Thoughts</b></div>
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IF I WERE CEO of Ford, I would continue to build on why many people respect the company. After making moves to reduce costs and strengthen the company without TARP money, I would lead Ford toward products that were built with higher quality and reusable materials, with bold and fresh designs, filled with power, efficiency, and the latest technology, and return to the days when enthusiasts filled with nostalgia got excited to see the next thing to come from Ford Motor Company.</div>
</div>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-63957978045099589012017-04-21T06:01:00.001-07:002017-04-21T06:01:42.299-07:00Taboo Suspense Music (extended version)<div>
I love the FX show Taboo and this theme. I couldn't find it anywhere in the internets, so I made this with GarageBand for iOS. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dzTVkwS-XGw" width="640"></iframe></div>
James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-66525591293582752452017-03-10T20:45:00.002-08:002017-03-10T20:45:48.100-08:00It Still Takes a VillageIt’s interesting how humans act and react to each other and situations. We can be so fickle. We can get our feeling hurt over seemingly little things. One minute we can be friends with someone, and the next we can be angry at something said to us or about us.<br />
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In my line of work, the Type-A personality is most common; and it’s needed. I deal with bad people and have to be an authority figure, strong and decisive, almost all the time. There are opportunities that present themselves to show empathy for a situation my “customers” get themselves into. (Just the other night, for example, one of them came and explained the death of his son to me. With tears in his eyes, this guy told me about how he felt responsible for a car accident that injured and ultimately took the life of his 13 year old boy.) But most of the time, I have to direct and order these “customers” to do particular things to keep the facility running smoothly and on schedule.<br />
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And the rest of the people I work with have to lead in the same way, causing the potential for more conflicts among ourselves. All these strong willed, opinionated, Type-A people, working in close quarters for 12+ hours at a time, will and does cause drama. One minute everyone is getting along, and in seconds all hell can break loose. One person may perceive another is not working or is not doing a particular task well. Other times, someone thinks something is being done completely wrong or in an inefficient way. Or someone says something about one person that is then spread to others, and then feelings are hurt and defense mechanisms come up. <br />
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Now, being in my forties and having managed upwards of 75 employees, I can take a step back and use the conflicts as learning experiences. I also try and point coworkers to the same mindset. Don’t get me wrong, I can be overly sensitive and worried about what another person says about me or to me. But, I don’t want to be that way. I want to feel secure in who I am and what I do, and to be able to learn from people and situations that typically make me insecure.<br />
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It’s about making the best of a situation. Whether it’s a bad situation to learn from or a misunderstanding to straighten out, it’s important for all involved to stay sane and to take the opportunity to grow and learn and change when needed. If we get to full of ourselves, we lose. If we get too judgmental of others, we lose. If we aren’t honest with others and ourselves, we lose. It’s important to remember, we are all imperfect creatures. We all have something to learn from each other. Just because we are no longer children, it doesn’t mean it no longer "takes a village."James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-52631153713126625092017-01-05T04:47:00.000-08:002017-01-07T03:40:52.000-08:00It Was A Rough Night In The County JailIt was a normal night, working in the county jail. We had a full staff, allowing me to work as a rovering officer for the evening, free to move about the facility to assist in any fashion I deemed needed. I was productive, while not finding the work too strenuous. <br />
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As the half way point of my shift approached, with all the inmates off to bed, dreaming of freedom while snoring and relieving bodily pressures, I knew the opportunity had arrived to take advantage of the facility’s gym equipment. Leg day seemed the best course, as its place in the rotation of my routine had arrived months ago. First up, sumo squats. One set, then leg lifts. A second and third set, with leg lifts following each. I moved on to lunges. First set down.<br />
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Then it happened. It got hot but I couldn't sweat. I got nauseous. I put my cold water bottle on the back of my neck. It didn't result in the desired outcome. Hotter and hotter; I could feel myself getting overheated. I moved into the locker room to splash cold water on my neck and face. I finally began to sweat; only it wasn't a good sweat. I began to shake. Hotter and still hotter, my core temperature was reaching the all to critical boiling point. Beads of sweat began to pour down my face. Shaking and sweating and nauseous, I moved to the trash can.<br />
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I felt my stomach and chest heave as the contents therein began to fill the trash can. The sound of my heaving filled the locker room and moved out into the weight room. My partner, concerned for my well-being, rushed to my rescue only to find me in a state of distress he was not equipped to assist in. Wanting to help, he asked questions to determine a course of action he could take. But I was unable to answer, as still more evacuation of my innards were spilled into the restroom's receptacle.<br />
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Minutes went by as my body began to relax back into a state of control. As I slowly recovered, I began to tell him I'd be alright, all the while realizing my pride would not be so quick to relinquish the shame I felt. Okay, yeah. I puked at work. #embarrassing #fatty<br />
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James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-8306418955344694472016-12-23T02:27:00.000-08:002016-12-23T02:27:18.147-08:00Tanner Foust Does Gymkhana Better, Quantum Leap StillI loved the show Quantum Leap. I loved the American version of Top Gear. I love cars and driving skills on display. I think Tanner Foust is talented and funny.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7JqzniVlhgc" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
In case you don't know what Quantum Leap was, here's the intro I found:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DjK9GJMBpt0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-36835980420658892562016-10-21T04:31:00.000-07:002016-11-30T07:44:05.536-08:00iPhone 7 Plus vs. Google’s Pixel PhoneWith the announcement of Google's Pixel phone, I really debated going back to an Android device. And while this would be my third attempt, this time I think Google has the hardware and software dialed in to truly take on the iPhone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NMc8-35qH8n_Kc0HMBHCErNYXtHdjYhkoKSvmGZ_Zr3tBANodZeYholKdzm3rqiy_LJ7zVC_d7tdpkKKnLE7UgJGlOQrJ8zGKMh6u9D53HuZaoZb4dhhvwMO4cUhIuV4v10/s1600/iPhone+7.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NMc8-35qH8n_Kc0HMBHCErNYXtHdjYhkoKSvmGZ_Zr3tBANodZeYholKdzm3rqiy_LJ7zVC_d7tdpkKKnLE7UgJGlOQrJ8zGKMh6u9D53HuZaoZb4dhhvwMO4cUhIuV4v10/s200/iPhone+7.PNG" /></a>vs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIIn4DzZineO7gzpOKPNzPEA9avEt9xhr1AlOmt6VW-igsHHRwTSEuEMyiiEQb6L3JB_yd8n6knGqal9FLVrscupbmgw-a2aEy2-oi9ulcPPpGBINR-hOoMJzkGO7zrYEPy8/s1600/Pixel.PNG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIIn4DzZineO7gzpOKPNzPEA9avEt9xhr1AlOmt6VW-igsHHRwTSEuEMyiiEQb6L3JB_yd8n6knGqal9FLVrscupbmgw-a2aEy2-oi9ulcPPpGBINR-hOoMJzkGO7zrYEPy8/s200/Pixel.PNG" /></a>I </div>
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Let me first start with a review of my iPhone 7 Plus (and the fact I can review “my” iPhone 7 Plus tells you which phone I went with). Of course, the decision to go with the iPhone was made easier because I’m stuck in the Apple Upgrade Program, and I can't just get out of that contract without waiting two years or paying a bunch of money at once. Also, Google announced the Pixel would be coming out exclusively on the Verizon network, which is not my carrier and cannot become my carrier due to coverage issues. I have; however, read some reviews that the unlocked version of the Pixel can be ported to any carrier, but I have not been able to confirm that through Google’s Pixel phone website. But here's my review of the iPhone 7 Plus:<br />
<br />
I went with the jet black iPhone 7 Plus, which is beautiful. I love the look, I love the color, and I love the feel in my hand without a case. As a pianist, I love that it matches my grand piano and the black keys. I'm actually going caseless, because the Apple Upgrade Program comes with Apple Care Plus. Apple Care Plus now has a screen replacement cost of only $29, which is reasonable and cheaper than most cases you can buy. I've also noticed the longer battery life; although, I'm coming from a 6S, not a Plus (smaller phone, smaller battery). I love the new cameras, with its wide angle lens and a 2x optical zoom lens, although I think it should be more like 4x optical zoom. The phone is fast, responsive, and it is a great device.<br />
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But, it has its issues. I don't like the new home button. It's not a button anymore. It just a force touch area that works with the tactile feedback mechanism, vibrating to let you know you've pushed hard enough. The button doesn’t actually move, but the tactile feedback it gives is supposed to make it feel like it moved. In my opinion, it doesn't give enough feedback. Another issue I've found involves pulling on my facial hair when I put the phone up to my ear and on my cheek. To me, this makes it seem like the phone may struggle to be as water resistant as Apple claims. If my facial hair can get caught between the frame and glass, water will be able to seep in. And, another issue…I'm bored with iOS. The software is good, but it’s the same as always. Often, I actually think of this as a good thing because it means they've done a lot to make the phone functional and feature rich, the way we want. But I'm bored with it. One other flaw I see is on the back of the device. There is a camera bump. Why? Because of <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2016/08/why-so-thin-anorexic-iphone-problems.html">The Anorexic iPhone Problem</a>. I wish Apple and other phone manufacturers would stop trying to make their devices thinner and thinner.<br />
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The thing Google did right with the Pixel phones is to offer the two different models, a 5 inch model and a 5.5 inch model, with the same performance specs. Both have the same processors. Both have the same cameras. Google offers two sizes, but equal performance. The only limitation is battery size, based on overall phone real estate. With Google’s Pixel, you don't have to get the bigger phone just to get all a better feature; unlike Apple, who put the better camera system only in the bigger phone. I went with the iPhone 7 Plus because I wanted the better camera, not because I wanted the bigger screen. In fact, I hate the size of the Plus. I don’t want the bigger phone. After using it for a week, I’m not even sure the camera zoom feature is worth it.<br />
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So, here's my wrap-up and recap: The iPhone 7 Plus is a great phone, but for me it’s too big. The 2x zoom doesn’t offset the size for me. The Pixel is Google’s strongest move toward a device that will battle the iPhone’s success. I wish I was able to get out of the Apple Upgrade Program or have the patience to wait it out with a device for two years, so I could move over to the new Google flagship.James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-69079950422867638812016-10-14T04:00:00.001-07:002016-10-14T04:18:17.334-07:0010 Things I'm Thinking About, and I Want to Return to Blogging<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>10 things I'm thinking about:</b></div>
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01. The election: making a case
for the lesser of two bad options<o:p></o:p></div>
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02. Mid-life crisis: what I want
vs. what I need<o:p></o:p></div>
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03. Religion vs. Faith: actions vs.
belief<o:p></o:p></div>
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04. Technology: where it is vs.
where it should be<o:p></o:p></div>
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05. Career choices: enjoyment
vs. compensation<o:p></o:p></div>
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06. Parenting: almost 10 years
in<o:p></o:p></div>
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07. The USA: end times or just a
rough patch<o:p></o:p></div>
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08. Work ethic: is it dead<o:p></o:p></div>
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09. Morality: is it dying<o:p></o:p></div>
10. Truth: perception vs.
reality<br />
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<b>I want to return to blogging:</b></div>
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I really miss writing my blog. And, while it's really just for me (because I don't have an established purpose, or audience, or skills in writing), it's good practice for what I do at work. Writing is a big part of my duties again, and writing a good report about a given incident is crucial. The reader needs to understand the who, what, when, where, and why, and they need to understand all the resulting actions taken. I need to "paint the picture" of events that occurred.</div>
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The items listed above are some of the things I've been thinking about as topics for the blog. It's interesting to me that these are not the typical topics I originally wrote about when I used to blog. Most posts from the decade+ of writing I've done are on the topics of <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/search/label/Automotive" target="_blank">automotive</a>, <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/search/label/Food%20and%20Beverage" target="_blank">beverages</a>, <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/search/label/Technology" target="_blank">technology</a>, the <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/search/label/Religion" target="_blank">Bible</a>, or random rants about this or that.</div>
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Above are some of my ideas for where I may focus in the future, along with my previous post titled: <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2016/09/20-things-currently-annoying-me.html" target="_blank">20 Things Currently Annoying Me</a>. The latter would be the typical negatively themed topics <a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank">James Guhn</a> writes about. I mean, if you look back at my <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmythegun" target="_blank">Twitter</a> feed, it's a pretty negative place. There's some good stuff too, but there is a lot of complaining about how things should be or how they "could be better if..."</div>
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Currently with the shift work I do, there is a lot more time I could spend writing about all sorts of things. I now work 4 days one week and 3 days the next, giving me 3 and 4 days off each week to sit around being lazy. Instead, I could be using my time to improve my writing style, while giving my opinions with more details and depth that my 140 character tweets allow. </div>
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Previous posts that still excite me are my "<a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/search/label/If%20I%20Were%20CEO" target="_blank">If I Were CEO</a>" and "<a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/search/label/My%20Bright%20Idea" target="_blank">My Bright Ideas</a>" post. These posts, as examples, give me things to look at years later for implementation in reality. I get to see how companies take these ideas (probably not from me, but their own research) and implement them. Microsoft is an example of a company that seems to have read my blogs on what I'd do if I were their CEO (<a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2013/09/if-i-were-ceomicrosoft-updated.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</div>
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But I digress. I want to write more. I'll say, "I'm going to write more." I just hope I use my time to do this more often. Stay tuned (he said to himself).</div>
James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-66187257414637425932016-09-29T03:22:00.001-07:002016-09-29T03:22:28.140-07:0020 Things Currently Annoying Me<b>20 things that are currently annoying me:</b><br />
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01. My iCloud being full (Apple should offer more free space, like 16GB)<br />
02. Trying to decide Android or iPhone (AGAIN!)<br />
03. Heartburn<br />
04. Computer virus (Windows machine)<br />
05. New computer decisions, Mac or Windows? (pricey or virusy)<br />
06. People who don't like Law Enforcement<br />
07. People who keep racism alive (media)<br />
08. Low pay to love my job vs. good pay to not love my job<br />
09. Law Enforcement Officers being poorly paid<br />
10. Trump being the best option<br />
11. Getting old<br />
12. Still young, but not really feeling it (everything hurts all the time)<br />
13. Mid-life crisis without the $$ for my sports car (or truck, if I'm more practical)<br />
14. Time for blogging, but not the motivation<br />
15. Time to write music, but not inspired to write good words<br />
16. Missing workouts because I'm lazy<br />
17. Loving Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO shows that make me lazy<br />
18. Loving food, but not wanting to be fat<br />
19. Being hot (temperature, not looks)<br />
20. Not being able to think of a clever 20th item for the list, to end it rightJames Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-72255865395317048092016-08-20T22:37:00.000-07:002016-08-20T22:37:14.184-07:00Why So Thin? The Anorexic iPhone Problems.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJzBqGf6zjRn2rhEtpsifYoUU3_QjEdoZyHy4LcLwiG9mbS890VgFFphuoftf4PXPG8ce-Ux1nsSKlZxTiryezr1oZ9aebR5rKuMEfnwNTy8rYA4TZCKEql3_xuCJ0mMI7gI/s1600/thin+iphone+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJzBqGf6zjRn2rhEtpsifYoUU3_QjEdoZyHy4LcLwiG9mbS890VgFFphuoftf4PXPG8ce-Ux1nsSKlZxTiryezr1oZ9aebR5rKuMEfnwNTy8rYA4TZCKEql3_xuCJ0mMI7gI/s320/thin+iphone+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Why do cell phones have to continue to get thinner? Why do manufacturers think this is still the consumers' desired design element? These days, my iPhone with its Apple designed leather case, is not so simple to pick up from a flat surface. Why? Maybe it's because I have fat fingers. Or maybe, it's because the iPhone is too thin. And why did this pique my interest? Because jimmythegun.com is the catalyst for the work Microsoft is doing to correct itself; maybe Apple will read this and make some corrections. Also, I'm full of bright ideas. Just look at my old posts. You'll see.<br />
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I read <a href="http://bgr.com/2016/08/19/poor-iphone-battery-life-solidenergy/" target="_blank">this</a> article tonight and it made me realize, Apple has now compromised design and function for thinness. The camera lens is thicker than the rest of the phone, causing the design flaw. And the battery on the 6S is not good. It suffers from size and capacity. Oh yeah, and bear-paw handed people can't pick up the iPhone easily. I want the feel of the old iPhone 3G back. It's nice curved back sat nicely in my hand.<br />
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Rant over.<br />
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<br />James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-40961683410003440192016-01-17T15:18:00.000-08:002016-01-17T19:01:07.825-08:002016 Detroit Auto Show HighlightsI still love the automotive world, although I haven't had time to write about it much in the past few years. With the 2016 Detroit Auto Show (also known as the North American International Auto Show) that's going on, I find myself wanting to highlight some of the standout vehicles from the show. In no particular order, here are some of the most interesting and exciting vehicles I read about from the show:<div>
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<b>Nissan Titan Warrior Concept</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXr1ucRC0C7QKGiCEfs2tvEmQzepN22QpvYFEyMTwZtmeLfFUMDYfZ7mlx6Jk4E-lLGXFRYXUqJ68wOMZQLrx0YmPJitPOaPJivH831ebTwcdfZYrFpeIxC5ZMI_yUEhf5uo/s1600/Nissan+Titan+Warrior+Concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXr1ucRC0C7QKGiCEfs2tvEmQzepN22QpvYFEyMTwZtmeLfFUMDYfZ7mlx6Jk4E-lLGXFRYXUqJ68wOMZQLrx0YmPJitPOaPJivH831ebTwcdfZYrFpeIxC5ZMI_yUEhf5uo/s400/Nissan+Titan+Warrior+Concept.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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I am hopeful for this. It's a striking design modification of Nissan's announced Titan XD truck. Although, I'm not a 4-wheel-drive guy, this look is awesome. And, with all the love I have for the service department guys at Future Nissan, in Roseville, CA, I'd love to buy another Nissan vehicle.</div>
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<b>Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eruE14UhUeitXxN-kymoF6K9mR-EpaTlIntFqcI72LdoSB_5jBKWbTdeOVnAvYOqKyEgye6nt1a2N_VCaGIQCt1utGpd6HZXukf5BueXO4akfbt7kY-BMI6KgvtqKlQLseQ/s1600/Ford+F-150+Raptor+SuperCrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eruE14UhUeitXxN-kymoF6K9mR-EpaTlIntFqcI72LdoSB_5jBKWbTdeOVnAvYOqKyEgye6nt1a2N_VCaGIQCt1utGpd6HZXukf5BueXO4akfbt7kY-BMI6KgvtqKlQLseQ/s400/Ford+F-150+Raptor+SuperCrew.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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After going to Ford and looking over the F-150 re-design, I haven't been a huge fan of it. I was a little disappointed with some of the plastics and design issues. This truck, like the Nissan concept above, is build and designed for some big-time 4-wheel-driving. I love the exterior looks.</div>
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<b>The Hyundai Santa Cruze and the Jeep Wrangler Truck</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe9RbhYqPelFVcoChPLFIdE1aIl5GrZu5obQxmGLZl5aKUXvUlAfKgZe-SVqiOVPiAYETd7LusS7-6cECRdLj_wRGOJXs_Gfl2ARrVIYDeMagXBEqRG-9nw62ovEIfJm1bLo/s1600/Hyundai+Santa+Cruze+Pickup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe9RbhYqPelFVcoChPLFIdE1aIl5GrZu5obQxmGLZl5aKUXvUlAfKgZe-SVqiOVPiAYETd7LusS7-6cECRdLj_wRGOJXs_Gfl2ARrVIYDeMagXBEqRG-9nw62ovEIfJm1bLo/s200/Hyundai+Santa+Cruze+Pickup.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4S_bvs72t6LnLHpyERgAz5J7b3k_ZzEwI_8s3jjiwmM2NBvs96prRgmjzhDoVnkRrSTQjS0EDnGo_SAojRfk8N_u7apVZOxywXNv7xc0Tfu6iYuiPG3rs-GeRLAiGlhsQvLE/s1600/Jeep+Pickup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4S_bvs72t6LnLHpyERgAz5J7b3k_ZzEwI_8s3jjiwmM2NBvs96prRgmjzhDoVnkRrSTQjS0EDnGo_SAojRfk8N_u7apVZOxywXNv7xc0Tfu6iYuiPG3rs-GeRLAiGlhsQvLE/s200/Jeep+Pickup.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
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These two "trucks" are interesting. I remember twenty years ago, I made all sorts of jokes about Hyundai. Now, along with Kia, Hyundai is making really nice looking cars. I'm not sure the life of their vehicles and the quality level, but initially the Sorento I drove and the Kias and Hyundais I see look like great vehicles. And Jeep? Well, they've been around for quite a while, are known for their 4x4 capabilities, and this truck idea has been kicked around for a while. I don't think I'd move to either of these two, but they are fun designs.</div>
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<b>2017 GMC Acadia</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttXb6C7fIseK-VZ0WEILd5w14vQ66C9CA-m9D2FdhYLzkUoUGbKdv7uhadeLDpa9otA3Fe5B7KPWy7h4Y6GDH5PxG4enWMJB9Az6xwfQbywTZ3GrCNVditocyfO9yoj6p3c8/s1600/2017+GMC+Acadia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttXb6C7fIseK-VZ0WEILd5w14vQ66C9CA-m9D2FdhYLzkUoUGbKdv7uhadeLDpa9otA3Fe5B7KPWy7h4Y6GDH5PxG4enWMJB9Az6xwfQbywTZ3GrCNVditocyfO9yoj6p3c8/s400/2017+GMC+Acadia.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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Aside from the price difference, in 2011 we looked closely at the Acadia and GMs other variants of this platform. This is a strong looking crossover, with a tall stance that helps it look more like a truck than a car. It's been a favorite of mine in the CUV class. This refresh looks good.</div>
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<b>Coming Sedans, 2017 Lincoln Continental and Volvo S60</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2Hrqdr_4X7t1qcvkIxMWwOSmLisNPNLnMOmzWskPO13oJBDowwLTklqZWYGsDRc4rrtNwYEAUGv7MIo5zZ5ASbjyPHN9gRElPV1Z42WG8qzxezC4M1EsV2_WhCbWCnnrrl4/s1600/2017+Lincoln+Continental.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2Hrqdr_4X7t1qcvkIxMWwOSmLisNPNLnMOmzWskPO13oJBDowwLTklqZWYGsDRc4rrtNwYEAUGv7MIo5zZ5ASbjyPHN9gRElPV1Z42WG8qzxezC4M1EsV2_WhCbWCnnrrl4/s200/2017+Lincoln+Continental.jpeg" width="200"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8BbhDBgLyaW2323xP2xWJ340ZTYWoikFSfow7ss1kr-chocS3O3dB1N005VsP7aOK5VMidwpfIg9EEmvy0mSUDFOVZh-2-X_lZHBX7xRwUlOkpsO3Gw-PjoMcX9wt48yLoI/s1600/Volvo+S90.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8BbhDBgLyaW2323xP2xWJ340ZTYWoikFSfow7ss1kr-chocS3O3dB1N005VsP7aOK5VMidwpfIg9EEmvy0mSUDFOVZh-2-X_lZHBX7xRwUlOkpsO3Gw-PjoMcX9wt48yLoI/s200/Volvo+S90.jpeg" width="200"></a></div>
These two cars are both working to reinvigorate their brands. Lincoln, with the return of the Continental nameplate, hopes to revive a tired brand. I am hopeful, again, for them. I used to love the Lincoln Continental. The Volvo has something special, to me. I love the long oval grill and the sleek lenses of the headlights. I love this car company's history. <br>
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<b>Other Concepts, Acura Precision and Buick Avista</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20wVLjvv-UqWjOHEtKEeajJjfbdgursWhQ-SHzRwk7yDsiZo5sUr1paSOv4A8c1h1pYk0LVnwgtiq3voDV0CVprOJjE-geEUcFLFCZSAVZ_9DoPNuDs4DxRoTbtQYM1YmE0g/s1600/Acura+Precision+Concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20wVLjvv-UqWjOHEtKEeajJjfbdgursWhQ-SHzRwk7yDsiZo5sUr1paSOv4A8c1h1pYk0LVnwgtiq3voDV0CVprOJjE-geEUcFLFCZSAVZ_9DoPNuDs4DxRoTbtQYM1YmE0g/s200/Acura+Precision+Concept.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksI2Fn1zaLzd9yZfmQYZwI-rnhlOxCQ9lVKb0c0zp-zjM3MVAiaDu7qbeFtWMYiYNeoRGJLPfHOKXnkazeOxMZCnkexUx1-22YjM8Qvj8zKGcB-p7iyjPu7jd04w_niaVhaQ/s1600/Buick+Avista+Concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksI2Fn1zaLzd9yZfmQYZwI-rnhlOxCQ9lVKb0c0zp-zjM3MVAiaDu7qbeFtWMYiYNeoRGJLPfHOKXnkazeOxMZCnkexUx1-22YjM8Qvj8zKGcB-p7iyjPu7jd04w_niaVhaQ/s200/Buick+Avista+Concept.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
These are two beautiful concepts, both from companies with very tired vehicles. Acura has not designed anything I'd buy in 20 years. I miss the named models (Legend, Vigor, Integra). Although, I don't see the Precision coming to production, at least as seen at the show, it's a good move in design ideas. The Buick Avista is amazing and could make Buick relavent again. Currently, they are just rebadged GM cars and an ugly van thing built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia.<br>
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<b>2016 BMW M2</b><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXP6-sIeF2nT0aoTRguX3IFGhrjXX7U_UoTLCP0MRYa1ZSSI25pt-jPAZfD4AWyyW1hC0Jsm6qjc6c0gJbVmbsHDN2D_lCoUIIa7YhsL6xy1_BWXs2SMcfx_lQO1K9n9ohOI/s1600/2016+BMW+M2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXP6-sIeF2nT0aoTRguX3IFGhrjXX7U_UoTLCP0MRYa1ZSSI25pt-jPAZfD4AWyyW1hC0Jsm6qjc6c0gJbVmbsHDN2D_lCoUIIa7YhsL6xy1_BWXs2SMcfx_lQO1K9n9ohOI/s400/2016+BMW+M2.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
My favorite thing to read about was this M2 from BMW. It's a return to the small car that is a driver's car. It's beautiful and powerful. This is my best in show.<br>
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There were lots of other vehicles I read about on Autoblog and The Verge, but now I'm falling asleep. And since I make no money writing this blog, I'm going to take a nap, without proof reading or reviewing for mistakes.James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-66331957214372457762015-12-19T16:02:00.000-08:002015-12-20T20:30:48.901-08:00Hondugly. Honda's Ugly Vehicles.Honda is a company synonymous with quality. In the automotive world, their vehicles are known to last and last. But, is their focus on quality mechanics all they have these days? Judging by their vehicles' curb appeal, I'd say yes.<br>
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They sure are building ugly cars these days. The CR-V has always been an ugly vehicle.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Nbx-wSAx_y3eOAN2bl0-tn5N0dEo0xCtaqTBKyWzFgOGUGZYxkTR4Aam391NdlAgx6hw-mV63_vXu58bf8qza6E6_cW1fURSvVWGd2IWU-RI8ZJB43dZNkmXFDGcCRRzEM/s1600/Honda_CR-V+Gen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Nbx-wSAx_y3eOAN2bl0-tn5N0dEo0xCtaqTBKyWzFgOGUGZYxkTR4Aam391NdlAgx6hw-mV63_vXu58bf8qza6E6_cW1fURSvVWGd2IWU-RI8ZJB43dZNkmXFDGcCRRzEM/s200/Honda_CR-V+Gen2.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPLu9uJE-z4NorXcfQZsGQdxr94ZYhsXrVWxqpk21MqEKUlQYbR3420_-TZxT7gJsQCPSShHVjinLjaZkoIbMhRrG8E7HuL-KCHL9GfZAeHOObq2-ytzmIssxyD20NU2Wf8Y/s1600/Honda_CR-V+Gen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPLu9uJE-z4NorXcfQZsGQdxr94ZYhsXrVWxqpk21MqEKUlQYbR3420_-TZxT7gJsQCPSShHVjinLjaZkoIbMhRrG8E7HuL-KCHL9GfZAeHOObq2-ytzmIssxyD20NU2Wf8Y/s200/Honda_CR-V+Gen1.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yclYWXVzXS2OF1eKBY2crcjRX-RcKiI6GR6y9itgimAnb7uWMsg-PyCPk3yHdeZath24CvypMzpoFC3osJaqenQtgPKZM8m7GGN3QJpGfjmZ9L1Wb6RdJvS1ZY860ntV-Gs/s1600/Honda_CR-V+Gen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yclYWXVzXS2OF1eKBY2crcjRX-RcKiI6GR6y9itgimAnb7uWMsg-PyCPk3yHdeZath24CvypMzpoFC3osJaqenQtgPKZM8m7GGN3QJpGfjmZ9L1Wb6RdJvS1ZY860ntV-Gs/s200/Honda_CR-V+Gen3.jpg" width="200"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDI1CttG19pKEB55tyzBOReN3HbXTO5ZH4eaLewc2ZXZcFMvYryIe_K-oFlYfrk_Oo4WAjFE2lnR54Mj3BOwHJqaB8rqJP7svFz_FM8XI_wm2O6pT5_uueTQ-G-q3QNiLRyv8/s1600/Honda_CR-V+Gen4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDI1CttG19pKEB55tyzBOReN3HbXTO5ZH4eaLewc2ZXZcFMvYryIe_K-oFlYfrk_Oo4WAjFE2lnR54Mj3BOwHJqaB8rqJP7svFz_FM8XI_wm2O6pT5_uueTQ-G-q3QNiLRyv8/s200/Honda_CR-V+Gen4.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
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But, now the Pilot is taking on these hideous looks. The pointed nose and long squinting lenses of the lights, make it more evident these vehicles are not SUVs but CUVs.</div>
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And, don't even get me started on the Oddessy. Of course, who likes the look of a minivan anyway? The latest version of Honda's minivan has confusing lines from the side profile. The body crease is different from the line along the bottom of the window, which is different still from the top rail guide for the sliding door. It's just too many different lines.<br>
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For the biggest name in quality and affordability, Honda has the economic Civic. This car has had some variations and models that were appealing (at least until you drove them and found the gutless engines and poor handling, compared to the equivalent VW vehicles). The latest version of the Civic, which I saw today, has the worst front end look I've seen. There's some sort of front chrome piece that protrudes from the grill, like an old set of head gear used to straighten teeth. This 10th generation should be a milestone model, with throwback ideas from the first generation, and forward thinking styling of a generation this far from it's beginnings, back in 1972.<br>
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<i>I'm not sure about what the thought was behind that front piece, but I don't like it. Click to get a bigger version, or go check it out on Honda's site. Awful.<br></i>
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Honda also had their Ridgeline, which only had one generation. Now, there is a tease site for a coming second generation, to be announced in January at The Detroit Auto Show. We'll see if it looks like a truck, with tough, man-ish features, or if it looks like a forced CUV with a truck bed.<br>
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Here are a few versions drawn up, from people guessing or predicting what it will look like. <i>Motor Trend</i> and <i>Car and Driver</i> posted these photos.<br>
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So, the question is, how do you make a quality vehicle that also looks great? Do you have to sacrifice one for the other? I have long wanted to be a Honda fan, because of their history of low maintenance costs, long lasting dependability, and their economic and environmental reputation. But they are too often ugly, gutless wonders. I've tried twice; once, with a Civic in 1999, which was beat out by my VW Golf based on <b>p</b>ower, <b>p</b>erformance, and <b>p</b>rice, and the second time was the Accord in 2008, which was beat out by my Nissan Altima for the 3 P's too.<br>
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I do want a truck. Could the new Ridgeline grab my attention and be daily driver that performs as a truck with the efficiency of a car? We shall see. <br>
James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-82460718662771465852015-07-11T16:36:00.000-07:002015-07-11T16:39:26.892-07:00General Chaos at General Motors' Chevrolet Cadillac Branded Kuni Owned Dealership in Sacramento, CA<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Intro:</span></b><br />
Buying a new car is stressful for anyone, especially when many people believe sales people and dealerships are often times working towards confusing the buyer into believing a deal is great, all the while, disguising an excessively profitable deal for themselves. And, while I do not think a dealerships should be stuck with an unprofitable deal, an honest upfront, "it can't be done for that low of a price," would go so much further with me than being caught in a manipulative lie. Well, I believe I caught the lie just in time.<br />
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<b><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Back Story:</span></b></b><br />
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Saturday 06/13/15, my wife and I, with our two boys, spent over 4 hours at <a href="http://www.kunichevycadillac.com/" target="_blank">Kuni Chevrolet</a> in Sacramento, CA, working out the details on a lease we believed was for a Chevy Tahoe LTZ. And, while the vehicle we were negotiating the deal around was not at Kuni on that Saturday, it was a short distance away, said to be coming from a dealership in Milpitas, CA. An agreement was reached on a Silver 2WD LTZ with a rear seat Blue-Ray/DVD system, second row bucket sheets, and a whole bunch of other features, including our favorite color. We completed some paperwork, which included a VIN number <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: xx-small;">(ending 639176)</span> for, what we believed, was our future LTZ model Tahoe, with delivery planned for Monday, 06/15/15.<br />
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On Monday, my wife and I each made calls to Kuni late in the afternoon, looking for information on the vehicle's arrival, as we needed to arrange getting to the dealership to take delivery and provide our down payment. Eventually, we were called back and told "the bad news," by our salesman, that "the Milpitas dealership sold the vehicle right out from under us". He went on to say he and his manager yelled at the other dealership about professionalism and fulfilling commitments, and he assured me he was looking to locate another LTZ with all the same specifications we'd agreed to originally. It was at this point my wife decided to use Google and look-up the VIN to locate this dealership in Milpitas. We'd hoped to contact them and find out more information on how they could have sold our Tahoe to someone else. But, the Google search resulted in a hit at Kuni Chevrolet in Sacramento. I thought it was odd, but believed perhaps it had something to do with the transfer happening over the weekend to Kuni. Perhaps, Milpitas sold it early Monday morning.<br />
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On to Tuesday and Wednesday, which went about the same as Monday, with different salesmen getting involved with the vehicle search for us. One salesman even sent specs with another VIN for a vehicle located in Fresno. But, that one too was sold before we could get it up to Kuni, and other Tahoes were also "sold right out from under us".<br />
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Then, Thursday evening came and I received a call from our original salesman. He'd located "the perfect LTZ Tahoe in Southern California, with the cocoa dune (light tan) interior, just as we'd always wanted." Although we'd always planned on gray or black in an LT model, we'd discovered gray wasn't offered in the LTZ models Kuni had been working to make the deal on. My wife felt she'd be satisfied with the tan, as it was a lighter, cooler color for the hot sunny days, but we wanted to see it in person first. The salesman told us they were going to put someone on a plane to Los Angeles and have the truck delivered to the dealership on Friday. Skeptical at this point, I told him to call me when it arrived.<br />
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And Friday night, 06/19/15, at about 4:45pm, I received a phone call from the salesman. He said the vehicle had arrived. He told me he was sending it to be detailed and he wanted to know what time we could be down. I told him we'd come look at it after I got off work, at approximately 6:00pm. <br />
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As we pulled into the dealership later that evening, we saw the Silver Tahoe and we initially got excited. We looked it over, reviewing the interior color and other required features. We then went inside to sign corrected paperwork, with the new vehicles VIN number. For our troubles, I expected they may have even sweetened the deal. <br />
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We were introduced to a new (new to the dealership and new to us) finance guy. Since the deal was already established, I expected it to be a quick signing process. But, when the finance guy pulled out the new paperwork, I immediately looked to the overall cost and saw an increase of approximately $900.00 in price. "Not to worry," said the salesman, "your payment is still the same". I reviewed the paperwork again for where this increase was going to appear, and it had been placed into the residual value (the amount the truck will cost if we buy it out at the end of the lease, or the value it needs to be worth if we decide to sell it private party). I explained I wasn't happy with this. After all the issues, the deal should have been, at minimum, the same deal we'd agreed to on Saturday, a week earlier.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AND THEN ALL <span style="color: red;">HELL </span>BROKE LOOSE.</b> </span> My ever racing mind put together the following facts and connected, what I believe, was a complete manipulation of the truth to lock us in with the Kuni dealership. Based on my experience in sales, pricing, finance, and with my training in reading people's body language, <a href="https://www.reid.com/" target="_blank">interviewing and interrogation skills</a>, I quickly put together what I believe happened back on that first Saturday.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Facts That Quickly Took Shape in My Head:</span></b><br />
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1. Kuni Chevrolet did not have any Chevy Tahoes on the lot besides a blue LS (base) model, unless they were incompetent in finding others when asked about the specific LT model showing on the Kuni website. We were eventually told, the one on the website "must be in transit."<br />
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2. While working on pricing and payment for leasing an LT model Tahoe, the salesman presented specifications for several different Tahoes that closely matched what we'd laid out, but were never exactly right, as they all were either missing a feature or two, were the wrong color, or were found to be unavailable at the other dealerships.<br />
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3. Upon stating I needed to go, but would return once one was found matching our desires, the salesman asked for another minute. He left and came back with an LTZ model (a model above the LT we'd initially designed) and he managed to make it work with a relatively attractive lease deal.<br />
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4. After reviewing the documents and the designed down payment, monthly payments, and residue value, we agreed to sign for this LTZ model vehicle.<br />
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5. The finance guy created paperwork for the deal and included a VIN number we later Googled and found as an LS at Kuni.<br />
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6. We were told our LTZ was "sold out from under us," by a dealership that was supposedly in Milpitas, CA.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Realization of The Facts and What I Believe Happened:</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
While sitting there on Friday, realizing they were trying to make an additional $900.00+ out of the deal, hiding it in the residue to keep the payments the same, I connected the original VIN's Google Search results, to the blue LS model still sitting out on the Kuni lot. I then surmised there was never an LTZ from Milpitas on it's way with the original VIN used on the GM Financial Leasing form and the CA DMV 262 form we signed. Instead, I believe the original deal was made without an actual LTZ model located, but rather Kuni fabricated this deal and unmatched VIN for the purpose of running our credit, locking us into a deal with them, and giving them time to find a vehicle they could actually make a relatively similar deal on.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why I Believe There Was an Ethical Issue Here and The Aftermath of My Rage:</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I sent the new finance guy out and called for the original finance guy and our salesman to confront them both. With prior conversations and all the facts, I put together my mental interview notes and decided to go straight into interrogation mode. When the original finance guy and our original salesman arrived, I told them I knew what they'd done and I could not believe they would try to manipulate me like that. The finance guy's immediate reaction, one of self preservation was to pull the file in toward himself as a way of protection. He then got indignant and frustrated and said, "oh you think you've got us figured out, do you?" I explained, I did and his reactions was my proof. <br />
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I explained, my belief was the original LTZ model from Milpitas didn't exsist and because Kuni couldn't find a vehicle that matched our desired specifications, they manufactured one for the purpose of running our credit. I explained, I believed the VIN used was to the LS model on the lot because they needed a VIN for the paperwork, which I told him I wanted back. I explained I needed the originally signed DMV 262 form and the originally signed lease contract. He refused and said they were his file copies and I couldn't have them. I told him, I wasn't going to allow an ink signed contact and DMV form to be left intact on a vehicle I never agreed to purchase. He then said, "it was a simple typos," pulled the forms out, and ripped them in half. He then angrily threw them on the desk and left.<br />
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The salesman pleaded with me to give them a second chance. I told him to go get the original features list and VIN for the Milpitas LTZ Tahoe. He couldn't produce it. Even after searching for several minutes, a saleswoman involved in the original negotiations came with a piece of paper and showed me a list of VIN numbers, one without a sales date and said, "see, it's right here." I explained to her and the salesman that she was showing me the same VIN for the blue LS...AGAIN! The salesman told her, "you are doing the same thing the others did."<br />
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So, we left the dealership. We eventually went to a different dealership and bought an LT model for about $9,000.00 less than the LTZ. We filed a case with GM, but "GM doesn't get involved with sales disagreements," even though this is an ethical issue, from my point of view, not just a sales disagreement. The operator told me, she had "checked with her resources and this wasn't something they'd get involved in". She did tell me if I gave her my new VIN, she could offer On-Star for a couple years, but that service is crap. Kuni was supposed to reach out but never did.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">One more point:</span> </b> There is no dealership in Milpitas, CA. This may be where the train stops to drop off the inventory of new Chevy Tahoes for Northern California, but there's no dealership. The fact that ethics in car sales is always a question in people's minds, makes me so angry. I've been a car nut for years, but the industry is so corrupt. I hate that I bought a GM product after all the bailout BS, but it's a superior SUV to the rest. And the fact company wasn't willing to look at this issue for what it was, an ethics issue not a sales dispute, makes me more disgusted with my purchase. There was no dispute with the original sales deal. I actually think it was an amazing deal...too amazing perhaps, and Kuni couldn't live up to that deal.James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-81862583702471241122015-06-08T07:32:00.000-07:002015-06-17T19:33:12.518-07:00Going Through the Big "C", and I Don't Mean CaliforniaSo right into it, like ripping a band-aid off: Mom has cancer. Or, I guess I can say, "had cancer". The doctors ripped out all her guts on May 4, 2015 and say they got it all. But now it's time for chemo, which means she's far from out of the woods. Chemo has its own set of "issues", but is said to be necessary to make sure to prevent the cancer from returning; there's a 20% chance of return with this kind of cancer (Scientific name: Gonadal-Stromal Tumor, Favor Granulosa Cell Tumor). Besides the widely known hair loss issue, there's a real risk of kidney damage, as the crazy chemical pumped into her veins wreak havoc on her entire body and its systems.<br>
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This is Mom, six days after her full hysterectomy.<br>
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I've shaved my head, of course, as a sign of support for my soon to be bald mother, but really the way to support her is prayer. She is a faith filled woman, who has never doubted God's provision and grace, at least from the perspective of her children. She has always been great at pointing everything (good or bad) back to God and His grace. Whether it was an issue we faced as I grew up or something we saw someone else dealing with, my mom has never seemed to live outside of the understanding that God's hand is in everything. As my aunt says of her sister, "Gail lives in Gail Land." I think Gail Land is a place where comfort comes from knowing God and believing He is truly in control.<br>
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Here I am with my shaved head.<br>
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Originally, when I found out about my Mom's tumor, I wrote the following in my Bible Journal:<br>
<i><br></i>
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<blockquote style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">04/03/15</span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt 9:1-8</span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus Heals a Paralytic</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Right now, with my mom's potential cancer tumor, this is more important for me to understand and believe. </i></span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Verse 8</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> sums up where the power of healing comes from, which ends "(God) had given such authority to man." Jesus was the man. Jesus, the son of God, who was God in man form, was </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">given</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the power to heal by God. And really, the purpose for the healing is so "they glorified God." It's always about God's glory. So how does that happen with my mom's cancer tumor?</span></i></blockquote>
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<blockquote style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Verse 2</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "Jesus saw their faith". Faith in this situation led to Jesus initially telling the man his sins were forgiven. But then when challenged, He also healed the man of his physical issue. And when we realize sin is so much worse than a physical ailment, we can begin to truly understand the power here. It's really about saving us from us. And our part is simply faith in God.</span></i></blockquote>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ultimately, it's about God being glorified and whatever does happen in this potential cancer situation, it's about God's glory. Faith can bring about healing power. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've prayed more. I've thought about God's power more. I've thought about Heaven and the better place it is. There is an </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>awkward peace</u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in knowing that God is in control. I say awkward because I don't want Him to choose a way that is not my way. I want Him to heal my mom completely before even going to the doctor, but truly there is peace in knowing the opposite result would ultimately afford my mom eternity with God. </span></i></b></blockquote>
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So, I share this because God deserves all the glory in this. Mom's hope, trust, peace, joy, faith, ALL things "Gail Land", must be understood as glory to God. Her faith is so great and no matter the outcome (and it looks long and tough, but good), she will glorify God. <br>
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Please pray that He strengthens her through this and she suffers little. Pray she remains positive and hopeful and in God's comfort. Pray my dad also remains strong, and provides her and is provided from God, rest and comfort and peace.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-8401798039531305702015-05-03T21:30:00.000-07:002015-05-13T06:53:46.275-07:00Phones Are Becoming Computers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8-5X1MZ5kGc4PihvHsLRA-6o6ekzGheqon5IbSFdbpd8OKuIqCxlMdJ3-qj7BWtnYheDvdrvf4pzUkjY5mlkBVpJ3Y0HlqRANag0KCEZxIzgQ2oEDnKjTrSmbIBCuPebzmw/s1600/Windows+10+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8-5X1MZ5kGc4PihvHsLRA-6o6ekzGheqon5IbSFdbpd8OKuIqCxlMdJ3-qj7BWtnYheDvdrvf4pzUkjY5mlkBVpJ3Y0HlqRANag0KCEZxIzgQ2oEDnKjTrSmbIBCuPebzmw/s320/Windows+10+Logo.png" width="320"></a></div>
The below "Rabbit Trail" is pulled out of a post from June 13, 2007, in which I talked about the iPhone. I discussed something I saw as a mistake made by Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, in which they seemed to be against making devices like cellphones work as full computers. Now, Microsoft is expanding on something they are calling Continuum for phones. But before we look at that, here's my thoughts from 2007 (almost 8 years ago):<br>
<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><br></i></strong>
<br>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Here is a Rabbit Trail:</i></strong><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>I think that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs both are missing the mark on where computers should go in the future. They were both unable to adequately answer the questions of where they saw computers in 5 years, at the <a href="http://d5.allthingsd.com/20070530/d5-gates-jobs-interview/" style="text-decoration: none;">D5 </a>conference. The iPhone is a step in the right direction, but it’s just a fancy phone. The next revolutionary product should be the personal computer you take everywhere. It should be the size of the iPhone, have memory in the terabytes range, have the ability to sync with anything (monitors, keyboards, mouse, TV, networks, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite, etc.), and simply be your only computer.</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Imagine if you could take your cell phone to work, in your pocket, sit down at your desk with a full screen and keyboard, and connect to everything digital that is yours. That is what the next gen iPhone should and could be. That’s the one I want.</i></span></blockquote>
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<b><br></b>
<b>Below is an article on Mircrosoft's Continuum for phones. </b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8513519/microsoft-windows-10-continuum-for-phones" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8513519/microsoft-windows-10-continuum-for-phones</a></span></div><div><br>
Additionally, here is the announcement from Microsoft's Build conference:
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Microsoft has announced the ability with Windows 10 to use your cellphone as a full computer, something I thought should be designed by either Apple or Microsoft back in 2007.<br>
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At this point, I feel the new Microsoft is based on my website. Enough of my ideas and designs have come true or are part of the company's future product features/announcements. MS should have called me and offered me a high paying job, designing ideas and seeing their implementation through. My ideas have all been considered great ones, well after the announcements they are finally going into design or affect in future software releases.<br>
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<b>Related Posts:</b></div><div><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/6/8560195/microsoft-continuum-for-phones-windows-10">http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/6/8560195/microsoft-continuum-for-phones-windows-10</a><b><br></b>
<a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2013/09/if-i-were-ceomicrosoft-updated.html">http://www.jimmythegun.com/2013/09/if-i-were-ceomicrosoft-updated.html</a><br>
<a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2010/07/if-i-was-ceomicrosoft.html">http://www.jimmythegun.com/2010/07/if-i-was-ceomicrosoft.html</a><br>
<a href="http://www.jimmythegun.com/2007/06/iphone-top-10-lists-reality.html">http://www.jimmythegun.com/2007/06/iphone-top-10-lists-reality.html</a><br>
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James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-83744172325381842912015-04-28T20:50:00.001-07:002015-04-28T20:56:59.407-07:00DEWshine. I Miss Blogging Sodas.Well, I was part of the DEWmocracy years ago and used to have so much time to write about this stuff. Now, no time. Here's the short version, DEWshine is different. And different is good. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpaaZJZ5ntYfXB36eaSxnR4tQFuHmXm01TTMtPDfbJJppCUz0LYT0KT6wGm6ai_KfY597kYFa3merWKTieQo-y9tnDjWLQTwJULBxxCcIsmZErzQUtYhk8li79bPwa7FScmI/s640/blogger-image--2029777272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpaaZJZ5ntYfXB36eaSxnR4tQFuHmXm01TTMtPDfbJJppCUz0LYT0KT6wGm6ai_KfY597kYFa3merWKTieQo-y9tnDjWLQTwJULBxxCcIsmZErzQUtYhk8li79bPwa7FScmI/s640/blogger-image--2029777272.jpg"></a></div>I found it by chance at a Raley's in Suisun,CA of all places. It's not Mountain Dew but there's a familiar sweetness. It's not 7-UP, but there's a likeness to its crispness. It's just good. </div><div><br></div><div>Go find one. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaVNEUts2_TQ3miWT67lj4b3bS-uOOJKsFdf1mgSPpScG1cCWU57wfREWOQu-jJqz-Yd08Re7IsS3eJYq61RsBeLbgXHrGBiBllE-qea3IAoh8fGMVbJWDb1lqyYQNFMS8dU/s640/blogger-image--167542417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaVNEUts2_TQ3miWT67lj4b3bS-uOOJKsFdf1mgSPpScG1cCWU57wfREWOQu-jJqz-Yd08Re7IsS3eJYq61RsBeLbgXHrGBiBllE-qea3IAoh8fGMVbJWDb1lqyYQNFMS8dU/s640/blogger-image--167542417.jpg"></a></div><br></div>James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-81414373627918149692015-02-28T07:40:00.000-08:002015-02-28T07:44:00.010-08:00Land Rover Defender, Quite A VehicleIt's not often these days that I come across something that moves me to update my blog. But the <a href="http://www.landrover.com/vehicles/defender/index.html" target="_blank">Land Rover Defender</a> impressed me with it's amazing abilities and I had to post some videos of it. The sad thing is Land Rover is discontinuing the Defender this year. Enjoy the videos.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SrnplFWUW1s" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.topgear.com/uk/james-may/james-may-saving-the-defender-2004-01-01" target="_blank">Here</a>'s one person's (James May from Top Gear, UK) plan to save it.James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-17790713612405692212014-12-24T13:24:00.001-08:002014-12-24T13:24:42.040-08:00Coca-Cola Life - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Coca-Cola Life is a new variant of Coca-Cola's classic soda, made with cane sugar and Stevia, to reduce calories while still being tasty. Beside its familiar logo and design, this beverage's taste is similar enough to the real thing, I'd say it works.</div>
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First things first, I have always been a Pepsi fan over Coca-Cola, so this review may come with some Pepsi fanboy bias. I also must admit, for the past few years I haven't been drinking sodas like I was before, trying instead to live and eat more healthy by reducing my sugar intake and almost completely removing soda from my diet. But on to my review.<br />
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<b>The look. </b> You'll notice the familiar logo and swooshing line on the packaging. Although the famous red is green for the Life variant, it's unmistakably a Coca-Cola beverage. The bottle too is the classic shape, but with a hint of green in the glass.<br />
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<b>The taste. </b>My initial pour was odd. The carbonation filled the glass as though the beverage was still warm and being poured into a cold glass of ice. It was not however, having sat in the fridge overnight to chill. And, I'm not sure if this can be attributed to the first thing I noticed about the taste, but it seemed flat. There was not the extra bite and tickle of the carbonation I attribute more to Coca-Cola than Pepsi.<br />
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I started over, drinking my next one straight from the bottle. It was good, really good actually. The flavor notes were typical to Coca-Cola Classic, with just a hint of the aftertaste that accompanies Stevia. And while I use Stevia in my morning coffee rather than sugar or artificial sweeteners, I think others will not mind the mild aftertaste. I think this is a really good alternate version of Coca-Cola. But for what reason was this made?<br />
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<b>The verdict. </b> Coca-Cola mentions on their site that Coca-Cola Life has 35 percent less calories than other sodas. Although they also say they have a nutritional information section somewhere on the website, I couldn't find it to compare Life to the classic variant. The Internet seemed to have a lot of differing nutrition labels for Classic too. It's too much work for me, when I don't get paid to write this stuff. I'd say, Classic is probably really close to that 35% mark, having around 33 more calories per 8 oz container than Life. In my opinion, any reduction that doesn't sacrifice taste is a good thing. I think this soda is a step in the right direction for soda drinkers, as it still tastes really good and is close to the original, while shedding a third of its calories; however, I also think this will not go anywhere as a product, as the classic version's market share is way too strong for much money to be spent on marketing Life. Also, those that are looking to be more health conscious and who are willing to change from the classic version, are either going to be looking for a bigger reduction in calories and will be willing to sacrifice taste for the caloric reduction or will be looking for healthier options altogether by cutting out soda or find more natural options to fill their caffeine and soda taste buds.<br />
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<b>Final thoughts.</b> I enjoyed Coca-Cola Life. It was really close to the original to me, with only a hint of Stevia aftertaste. While I don't see myself becoming a soda drinker again, this was a great soda, a nice change from the classic version, because there is a caloric reduction benefit. And while I don't see Life lasting, I don't see it getting the negative press of Coke II or other flops that try to pass themselves off as Coca-Cola.<br />
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James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10885508.post-24307388558441548342014-11-28T15:22:00.000-08:002014-11-28T17:08:38.328-08:00My Bright Idea #19 - Google Messaging, Calendar, and Other Features<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>My Bright Idea #19 - November 28, 1014</u></b><br>
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Google Hangout (Google's messaging and video chatting app) should become more like a super version of iMessage, by managing all SMS, MMS, and Hangout messages, and have the video and audio sharing features added. Besides a possible rename to something like "Google Messaging" or "GMessage" the app should include the management of regular text messaging to gain more customer usage (if you look at iMessage's implementation, most iPhone users have it set-up). The Google messaging app should be available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as, in Chrome and desktop software. Again, this will increase customer usage.<br>
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The purpose for better integration on multiple platform is to add additional features for users already using Google's other apps. One example I imagined is a smart recognition feature that automatically creates suggested calendar events from the content of text messages. A text like, "Do you want to go see a movie tomorrow?" could create a possible calendar event for the user to review (similar to iMessage's manual ability to create calendar events from keywords like "today" or "tomorrow"). The event could be added to a "Suggested Events" section of the calendar app or be accessible right in the messaging app to confirm as a calendar event. Additionally, subsequent text that may include other information about the movie, such as which movie, the time and location, could be added to the "suggested calendar event". Friend(s) involved in the text (such as group texts or mentioned within) could automatically be added as suggested invitees. Once the event is confirmed, all invitees who choose to accept then have it added to their own calenders.<br>
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The messages could also (with permission granted by the user) be reviewed by Google's server to add related content suggestions like where a particular movie is playing or where tickets can be purchased.<br>
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Additionally, the Google Calendar App could be updated with other social features, such as, the option to share certain types of events with certain groups (say from your Google+ Circles). With a feature added to select particular calendar 'event types' in the creation of the event, a particular event could be shared with a select group(s). A "Social Events" calendar event, for example, could be shared with your "Friends Circle" so they know about upcoming movie nights or dinner parties. A "Work" calendar event could be shared with your "Coworkers Circle" so your daily schedule could be used for scheduling other work events or meetings. <br>
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Additional management of your Circles should also be added to the contacts in your Gmail, for easier access and modification. Or a Google Contacts/Address Book App and/or website should be created for managing all a user's contacts, groups, circles, etc. All features should have management capabilities from either the messaging app or the calendar app, with integration with all other Google Apps.James Guhnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414621122476663074noreply@blogger.com0