RE-Xtreme's Hunk o' Junk

Growth is WAR.

2011-11-24T07:01:00.001-08:00

Governments around the world are hell bent on growth.

Only 4% growth. How farcical. HAAHAHAHA!

Financial markets wait with baited breath for fake figures released to show signs of a countries "growth".
Two periods of decline and you enter a depression... oooh scary words. The world should be happy when this happens and take a sigh of relief.

When will the world realize you can't grow forever. Sustainability must be the answer.

A little case study.

Lets make a product.
How many competitors do we have? The answer is often "Who cares?"
So let's sell our "technologically superior" product and get market share.

If we capture a large portion of the new innovators and start a phenomenon, we are set, and start to profit financially and politically with real power.
Then we expand to all the countries of the world. (Notably a finite number)
Eventually covering the world reaching billions of people creating an ARMY of supporters and Nations of Slaves..<--- more later.

But the stock holders are still not happy with our 1000% growth.
They want more. WTF? hang on...

You have become so-called successful but you still need to grow? Why? Greed? Stupidity? Why? Because success is only based on Money and the spread of an "antiquated but accepted methodology" that fits into the too hard to change category.

So lets "buy out, take over, force out, dominate, restrict" all of our competition. It's the only way to get bigger. Pretty soon you are a monopoly,

but the stock holders are not happy.
They want more. WTF? hang on...

You expand more taking over related companies, Manufacturing Plants -> Shipping -> Electricity Supply

Soon you become bigger than most smaller countries and you own entire towns that your employees work and live in.

but the stock holders are not happy.
They want more. WTF? hang on...

No one is happy with 1,000,000 % growth. WTF?

Because now you are not satisfying the company. You are satisfying the country and ultimately the world. The citizens depend on you for employment and support as well as the products you provide.

Your company (along with many others) becomes an indispensable asset for the COUNTRY so the country starts to support it and tax payers unknowingly pay for these companies to expand as they employ more and more of the countries workers.

It's an endless cycle. It may start with a small idea from one person, but it ends up being a government supported organisation. The logical progression would be for the most successful company to take over running of government services and eventually the entire government itself.

The meager product becomes a nation. WTF? hang on!

Another countries alternative product (and it's support of allies) soon becomes the driver for financial and territorial wars.

Should we go to war to defend a phone or a TV channel? WTF... hand on?

What am I saying? I am saying...

GROWTH is NOT a good measure of success. It logically leads to defense of territory and outright WAR.

Dream on careless society. Sleep tight.

Global Citizen?

2011-11-13T02:38:00.001-08:00

These days, I am feeling less and less association with any one country and more with the world.

I live in Japan, my sister lives in Scotland with other family in Australia and all my friends are from many countries including England, America, France, Italy etc. Most have mixed race marriages and many have children in the same vein. My Facebook acquaintances are worldwide and I watch global news every day because the stock market runs on global information for international companies. The weather is changing and placing pressure on the world to change or be changed. While all these issues are interlinked in some way, it definitely raises the question.

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?

While global inequalities exist, the fight for preferential systems of care and support create a big divide among it's citizens and put pressure on services. Developing nations require developed nations help for techniques and machinery however it's usually the developed world that requires the use of developing nations labor for product services. While this is essentially developed nations setting a standard for what a culture should be, there is no denying that many developing countries are following the ideals of the west and heading toward a growth based society driven by inequality. (I'll discuss this more later.)

So, look around your house. check your "Made In _____" labels and make sure you are not hypocritical in your accusations of like or dislike. I like my iPhone designed in America, sent to China by computers installed all over the world, assembled and made in China, shipped around the world by foreign built ships from Russia and Korea, using oil from Nigeria and Sudan by foreign crews to my local Japanese store, transported by Japanese trucks and sold by local staff. I pay by credit card from an Australian bank having spent money on security to protect the transactions.

So think of the global chain and your brothers and sisters. So thank you my brothers and sisters all over the world.

Without the support of all of us however. The greedy thirst built into us from youth is hard to extinguish. Japan has really helped to open my eyes to many issues. The world is on a bit of a collision course for technological and social domination. My brothers and sisters will need to work on this.

In the near future as "free/greed" trade beckons to speed up the collapse of specialist cultures and traditional techniques, youth are provided for and do not have any dream or goal. A new homogeneous culture will need to be developed. What that includes I'd like to be a part of.

Time shall tell a new story.

By the way. My cheap sand-paper made with cheap glue simply is useless. But I forget that millions of people don't even know what sandpaper is. So is that ok. I think so for now. These people are making products they have never used before or never will use. That's the modern greed.

Russell Gander.

Low Riding Riggs

2011-05-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

The photos of the 11:11 are pretty cool. The colour, lighting location. A modern classic.

First the truck is insane. low riding low profile truck! yes it's a TRUCK!

read more here here

It's not the only one, if you have to transport something. why not in something cool.

Human rebuilding

2011-05-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

Stems cells and the human genome. Where does this DNA research lead?

Current DNA experiments include mice with double strength, organ regrowth and many other directions. It's pretty easy to conceive that within the decade there will be big changes in this area.

As governments with less morality experiment with the human genome, experimental human enhancement WILL be commonplace. Transplants with grown body parts and replicated human structures reminds us of Blade Runner and a possible reality.

We can already enhance the body with "banned" substances like growth hormone and cross bred injected substances from many sources. The policing of these experiments is vastly voluntary and it doesn't happen until the "secret is out".

It's probably just as easy to conceive that secret research is already well underway and could be brought to market quickly.

So we shall wait for the super oxygenated blood drinks in a can. The lung capacity nano drug and the rejuvenation ointment.

How much they will cost is unknown, but they will come.

NB NOPRO GT

2011-05-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Following my previous post. I couldn't get te37V to look good on the stock body. Problem solved. Thanks to Nogami-san.

For those who don't know. NOPRO is Nogami Project. Nogami-san has raced in many kinds of motorsport in Japan but specialized his tuning company on the MX5. This NB Coupe was the final NB bodykit version. Front is +40mm and rear is +50mm per side as GT/N2 regulations allow. This particular car ran a 1.8 with NOS for that extra kick. Filling those guards, some deep 16" te37V LL face wheels would be perfect.

I have started a new blog called .RSG. (.resonant simple graphics.) for my new and customer projects. Race car livery design is the main purpose.

If deep RS Watanabe in about -31 offset don't get enough attention.

Don't add msg. Add some .RSG. for a bit of spice.

The GT fenders are also available with skirts and extra bits as shown on the 2 Nopro demo cars.

The convertible / later a hardtop is awesome in itself, but the coupe is on another level!

Cosmagician

2011-05-08T05:50:00.000-07:00

F1, Daniel Simon, HRT, Kamui and more.

Where to start? One post or many... we shall see. Sometimes worlds collide.

Let's start with Daniel Simon. I'll call him the cosmic magician.

A long time ago, I saw his design book called Cosmic Motors. Unlike Syd Mead's concepts, Daniel's use of very modern tools creates a totally different image thats's finished and incredible.

While I dable with design on paper and basic photo manipulation, the time to turn my designs to art doesn't eventuate. Maybe one day.
My scrap book is large.

Anyway. Somehow he has managed to carve a design career with cars. Recently he was linked to HRT f1 team to design Kamui and co's F1 Livery

The result is something very cool! I'm recently designing a few more vehicle liveries myself so I'm always interested in this kind of merging of artists and mechanics.

Maybe I'll post some sketches of the Bently LM I've been working on.

F1 recently has a lot of changes. Some I like, some I don't Some are useless. Maybe thats another post.

Russ.

NBC = No Bull Crap

2011-05-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

I love my FD3s Rx7s but if you are after a car thats fun and has way more bang for the buck then you can't really go past a tuned NB Roadster. And they don't look bad either.

Hairdressers No. Your hair will be messed up in no time. That's one thing I never understood about that myth of open top cars. I'm bald, I don't care but I love convertibles.

Keyword is Tuned

From the factory these cars have some interesting things including a 6 speed manual gearbox. Turbo cars are fun but complicated and that means money and reliability is compromised.

This NA demo car from Tomei has most of my favourite components and would definately be a wonderful car to drive to and at the track.

Doesn't need much.

TEIN　Dampers　HR
TOMEI　Computer
TOMEI　Camshaft
TOMEI　technical trax LSD
OS Giken Super Racing Clutch
5ZIGEN　FIREBALL　Muffler

Maxim Works Manifold
K&N filter
and some brake pads.

Thats pretty much it. But add some ITBs and you have a car that screams.

Add a BRIDE VIOS3 Bucket and youre ready. Maybe a cage if you get more serious.

Advan RGII (7J-16-+35) +Neova in size 205-55-16 means that replacements are really cheap. 16" tyres are consumables for track days and this is a great alternative. Even 15 inch rims are a viable option.

Garage Vary TYPE-N Aero on the Tomei Demo car is cool, but the front bar is controversial. Garage Vary's Demo Coupe is another No Bullshit car. Pure NA screamer with smaller rims for low cost racing.

The Roadster Cup races at Fuji Speedway in Japan and other Spec Miata races are very popular for a reason. These cars are great affordable sport.

I'd like the widebody effect of the Nopro demo car, but it's not necessary. that forces more expense, but the front bumper (re-amemiya) style looks great.

Hmmm. Street / Track. Can It be done in a Roadster.

Supra Dream

2011-04-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

You secretly want one of these! Don't you?

Watanabe offsets for 15" are 15x9 -13 or 15x9.5 -19 or 15x10 -25 or 15x10.5 -32
Watanabe offsets for 16" are 16x9 -13 or 16x9.5 -19
and a big 205 stretch

IMO 17 don't match the period.

Something that says Made In Japan.

15x8 -19 195 / 55 R15

15x10 - 48 205 / 50 R15 Maybe a little too much for me.

This dash is just retro cool!

16" Wats

I'm thinking 16x9.5 -19 should be good in the back with stock flared guards.

White and Watanabe

White and TE37V

Rays Offsets for the 15" are
L 82mm Lip Version 15x9.0 -15 5.4kg

L 82mm Lip Version 15x9.5 -20 5.5kg
LL 94.5mm Lip Version 15x10 -25 5.7kg
Rays Offsets for the 16" are
L Lip Version 16x9.0 -20 .
LL 90mm Lip Version 16x9.5 -25
LL 90mm Lip Version 16x10 -30
LL 90mm Lip Version 16x10.5 -32 7.0kg

Again it's the LL thats only worth having.

Gun Metal TE37V too cool

Good sizing research

Front: 15x8 -25 195/50-15

Rear: 15x10 -25 205/50-15 rears are a tad outside the line.

Other options are Panasport G7-CR8 and G7-CR8 in custom sizing for stupid prices.

Work Miester CR01

Gotti 075 http://www.gbsalpine.com/wheel/gotti/eng/075.html

Leafy ECO Disguise

2011-04-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Nismo RC (not Remote Control) but RACE CAR.

In Japan this thing has just been released as the answer to ECO FRIENDLY RACING and maybe a case of bad timing.

Lets say 938kg and 0-100 in 6.86 seconds and lasts 20Minutes. At the moment, this is OK and could be feasible replacement for the "toyota vitz cup" a low cost slow race car series. hardly exciting for a tv event ata major circuit where the main straight at fuji would take about 40seconds to complete.
So a sprint race at full charge n a small circuit is OK, but an endurance race is out. for the time being.

Recharging is where the dilemma happens.

At the moment in Japan (sight of the Nuclear disaster) 200,000 people have been evacuated from their homes around the fukushima power plant.

The Leaf RC gets it's recharge directly from nuclear energy and while it is relatively cheaply produced, it has recently exposed many to radiation and the ongoing effects of evacuations continue.
Wild life and livestock directly in the effected area will DIE! and the fish, bird and land animal populations will be severely impacted. Cockroaches will be OK! true.

As a result of this disaster TOKYO has been told to save energy while 100% EV electric vehicle owners are still plugging in their super efficient electricity wasters at a time when it's not fashionable.

example. I will drive my EV anytime while you get in the stinky train without airconditioning and suffer at home in blackout conditions twice a day.

Sometimes, the intent is there but the reality doesn't match.

OR

Sell them to China where their coal burning power stations recharge the green electric car.

Balance and reality.

The need for alternate energy power is now. I'd love to get a job in this area, but unsure how to start that one. More thinking.

In any case, I hope this gets the population thinking about energy again.

Russ.

Billy Idol - Cradle Of Love

2011-01-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

I am pretty big Idol fan. Billys image is always a little harder than most of the music, but there are some that match.

He always a cool groove. Smooth. Steve Stevens on guitar is AWESOME!

I always liked this video, and Scream

But there's some slow ones that are sensual. Sweet 16

and eyes without a face. Watch the claps in this one.

Blur - Song 2

2011-01-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet, Brit rock at its best.

Official

Wake up today

U2 - Vertigo

2011-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

Turn this one up. I feel like some too cool for school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98W9QuMq-2k

Simple but cool.

Live http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEA5cCg1VBw

Syd Mead

2010-11-23T04:53:00.000-08:00

If you don't know this guy, you should.

A huge influence on me as a young guy with a big imagination.

Tron Bikes

Blade Runner vehicles.

and more.

http://www.sydmead.com/

Veyron!

2010-11-15T07:12:00.001-08:00

As a temporary member of the press, I do get a few chances. Up close and personal with the Veyron at the Tokyo Motor Show in 03 was one such chance.

Receiving their CD press pack in a special box was even cool. and I remember seeing the 1001hp figure for the first time.

I just watched a documentary about the Veyron and it brought back memories. I learned a lot from the documentary actually. From how radiators are made to brakes. How special tyres are made, tested and hand built. How much aircraft assembly is also in the car. What materials are used et cetc etc

The costs involved are crazy. The technology to make this possible is awesome. And the number of people hand welding and assembling componentry is simply amazing.

The fact the W16 has multiple personalities is simply unimaginable for me.

Every car is driven for 500klms then it's polished by hand for 2 days before delivery!

Remember the top speed is 407 km/h or 253 Mph.

I'll probably not get the chance to drive one so for me, 260ish km/h in my FD will remain my limit for a while.

Not that it is too slow, but it simply won't compare in ANY WAY!

Russ.

Gypsy

2010-11-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

Me Want!

In the late 60's and seventies the van scene in OZ was on fire.

Drifter, Sandman, Sundowner in Falcon and Escort form were the rage. But somehow the little Gem had my attention.

I like the TX~TD models best with the round front headlights. My father had a TF that we swapped a 5 speed and a 1800 into, added a lip spoiler and red velour but it never progressed.

These days they are pretty much all rusty, but restoration is always an option.

Love the Gem.

Corvette Summer

2010-10-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

When I was 7 years old, stars wars, Mark Hamil and Corvettes ruled my world.

I admit it.

I liked it.

Now, I'm not so sure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwmkmfBmZFw

Some even did a worse job on this replica. The front is an abortion, it doesn't have the inset lights, Lake pipes are all wrong, the bonnet is incorrect, the rest seems weak.

However this corvette is awesome.

1978 was the time of corvette pace cars. I got this monogram kit and after that I proceeded to paint my whole toy car collection in this colour scheme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMhGGriTtI

I even thought about it years later for my roadster.

Molecular Building in non-fiction.

2010-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

There are many software products that allow you to easy simulate the molecular structure of many compounds. These could be proteins, small carbohydrates and things that are quite easy to manufacture.

There is already software that allows you to design any 3d object.

I have read many articles that state that the future will be the same as it is today. Ignorant Rubbish.

There are a few key technologies that will change the world in a very short period of time.

The ability to model and re-arange molecules within a 3D virtual vorld and then "print" at the touch of a button simply points to the conclusion that we will be able to re-create anything in the future and in fact, build things that are far more difficult to manufacture because we actually don't need a special machine for manufacture of each one.

They are built from a molecular level by rearranging things such as carbon.

These things could potentially even be living things. -> although this requires some difficult questions to be addressed. We are already building 3d objects from ABS plastics, by inserting the plastic at a certain position and pre-determined point, when we can move anysubstance to any point, then things get interesting.

The ability to manufacture anything from basic food and shelter, (which we are already doing with manual labour), to repairing your own body parts, negates the need for current society and widens the imagination further.

How bout them apples?

This guy was the first link I clicked on, but explains the similar point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUnsiOe1p54

http://subjections.wordpress.com/

Russ.

Flaming Lamborghini!

2010-10-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Which one? I don't like the one above.

However, This one is awesome!!

But the only one I can afford is...

1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur

1 oz sambuca
1 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
1 oz Bailey's® Irish cream

Pour the sambuca and kahlua into a cocktail glass. Pour the baileys and blue curacao into two seperate shot glasses either side of the cocktail glass. Set light the concoction in the cocktail glass and start to drink through a straw (this drink should be drunk in one). As the bottom of the glass is reached put out the fire by pouring the baileys and blue curacao into the cocktail glass and keep drinking till it's all gone.

Basically, Light the thing, stick your straw in and suck like a V12.

none the less... Yummy!

The Price of Eggs.

2010-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

When I see these nice demo cars I think thats nice. But when you look at the GT-R35 its incredible how expensive it is, but I guess some can afford it.

Mines Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R 8,000,000 <- This is actually the cheap part. or is it... read below.
Complete Engine 6,615,000
Intercooler Hard Pipe 136,500
Suction Pipe 134,400
Exhaust Header/mid 747,600
Throttle and ECU 516,600
Exhaust 470,400
Air Filter 28,140
Dampers 1,260,000
Sways 142,800
Brake Front 241,500
Brake Rer rotor 257,250
Pads 131,250
Brake Lines 68,250
Engine Cover 189,000
Carbon intake 69,300
Carbon Bonnet 672,000
Carbon bumper 934,500
Splitter 509,250
Canards 198,450 <- this is premium example of how rediculous GTR35 tuning is.
Grill 59,850
Side Step 483,000
Carbon Door 1,239,000
Rear Bumper trim 68,250
Rear under 357,000
Vertical Fin 157,500
Rear Wing 399,000
Carbon Trunk 514,500
Carbon Mirror 136,500
Fitting and Paint 2,000,000
Tail light 185,220
Seats and Interior 500,000
Wheels and tyres 600,000
Maintenance, Fluids etc 200,000
Total 28,222,010

Lets call it an easy 30,000,000 yen = About $300,000.00
Thats $220,000 in parts that is conservative estimate.

2010. the new GT-R is on sale.
Price has now hit 15,000,000 yen for some models.

And the new club track edition may change your idea about tuning at all.
http://www2.nissan.co.jp/GT-R/treat_circuit.html
Just don't expect it to be cheaper.
The rear wing is 817,950 which is double mines price.
Rear Bumper is 303,450

The interior is where it all gets interesting.
6 point roll cage is 402,150
Nismo Cool racing seat is 929,250!!!!!!!! WTF! 10 grand for a seat! With air con though!
Door Trim 576,450
Trim panels are 657,300
Data logger 369,600
thats 30 grand for interior right there. Well actually interior removal.
Slicks 315,000
http://www.gtr-world.net/r35gtr-special/cupcar/20100802-cte-opt.html

Maybe $400,000 USD is a better estimate.

Anyway... dream on or live the dream... your choice.

Russ.

Nine hundred and twenty-eight.

2010-09-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Whats better than a 928? A 928 Convertible with a bit of Koeing or Gemballa treatment.

This is off the tree.

When the 928 came out it was THE porsche. Supposedly soo much better than the 911, but actually is wasn't until the last 928S4GT that the car became quite good.

The rear of the 928 is one of the most unique designs of it's time and the often controversial Butt was loved and hated.

I like a nice arse.

My TA23

2010-09-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

As the first car I bought with my own money, this was a POS. I won $1700 in the lottery and this was the result.

I used to drive gently and smoothly through the forests around Canberra in 1992~3 maybe.

Fun Fun Fun.

Split Window

2010-08-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Type in "Split Window" and your search results reveal two of my favourites.

The 1961 VW Bus. "The Kombi" and to a lesser extent the beetle.

And

the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette.

These are two of my favourites.

1.. Kombi.

While my parents owned a Kombi camper, I spent a lot of time sitting up front on a 20L paint drum between the front seats. Safety? What was that.

A Kombi has a Zero crumple zone. Later, I remember seeing one that had been in an accident and thinking. Wow those people died.

Anyway, I digress. The Ute holds a level of coolness. Sooo classic.

The split window versions hold another level of cool with the opening front and side windows.

DAMN! THATS WHAT I'M TALKIN' 'BOUT.

Or MAYBE THAT! YO! MF!

But don't get carried away.

2. The Vette!

The style is amazing, so much going on but it works. 1/2 bumpers, half windows, half deep front and rear.

Revolving lights and double cookers at the rear. Bulbous and pumped, vented and chromed

Whitewalls and those hub caps. Almost the last car with super bold styling.

There's only one thing better than a Split window Vette. And thats a no window vette with a 454 and huge lake pipes!

YAAAAAAAAAAA! FECK THAT!

Mojito

2010-08-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

I love 007!

When I was a kid I liked Roger Moore, But when I look these days, I really was overtaken by Lotus Espirit and space shuttles.
These days I am more critical.

Film: Die Another Day

I'll just have a mojito.

1 shot of light rum
Half a teaspoon of sugar
Juice of half a lime
Sprigs of Mojito Mint

Add all ingredients, fill glass with ice cubes, top up with soda or mineral water, and shake or stir well. Decorate with a sprig of Mojito Mint.

D-Generation Aussie Comedy

2010-08-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Drift Hop a Reality

2010-08-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

After Ebisu opened up the curvacious entry to the Minami Course straight. Drift hop has become reality.

I thought it would have to take some hydraulics, but it seems a good ramp will do.

http://re-xtreme-junk.blogspot.com/2009/08/drift-hop.html

The Testarossa

2010-07-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

I saw a gun grey Ferrari testarossa in the shop near my house the other day. Memories of wanting to be like Crockett from Miami Vice during my high school years came flooding back. I went to "Miami" high School in Miami, Australia. It had a bit of a drug reputation also, so there was a kind of connection for my friends and I.

The ultimate however was the KOEING versions including the Evolution. Check the specs.

KOENIG Twin-Turbo 514 kW / 700 HP /690 NM
KOENIG Twin-Turbo EVOLUTION up to 735KW / 1000 PS /940 NM.

I also remember the first time I saw one on the street.

BAM F-----------A---------------T Arse.

But so cool

The have a reputation for great rear end treatment.

because they really make an impression. The car is simply wide at 1,976 mm (77.8 in). Just a shade off 2 meters. Later TR models were the ones to have and became a yuppie favourite. Review

Targa Tasmania... cool image.

Tim Tam - White

2010-06-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

The Aussie Tim Tam is awesome.

No. It's just a chockolate biscuit with some more chock on it. And Very Sweet.

Of course, I love white because I am a white chocolate fiend. I don't often buy them because I simply eat the whole pack. Cold is best, straight from the fridge.

But If I have to eat an original one. Sucking coffee through one like a straw is delicious. The whole thing melts and you have to down it quickly and lick the remaining warm chock from your fingers.

I'd recommend double coat for this as they stay in form a little longer.

Natalie Imbruglia can demonstrate. Double YUM!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHzMfZ1FaqA

Some people call this the tim tam slam, but I just call it, sucking coffee through a tim tam.

Russ.

The Crust

2010-06-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

This hole doesn't seem too bad....

Until you look from above. 60meters Deep!!!!!

It realy makes you realise that we live on just a thin layer of concrete. We cannot imagine how insignificant it is.

In a few seconds, the world changes a little, but your world can completely dissappear.

Man Made causes or ...

Natural. Whatever the cause...

THE world is OK. YOUR world is FCUKED.

No Class

2010-06-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

HEY HEY HEY!

It's Piece of Cake... No It's the whole bakery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WT-fxBNKs8

Now, I know some will make the relation between Russell and me(Russell), So I'll just say. "You're like school after 3 o'clock...... NO CLASS!"

Russ.

Thunderbirds are FAB!

2010-06-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

What an awesome series. As I kid I was glued to the TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RzCB3VRruE Still cool!

My Dinky Toys FAB1 Lady Penelope Rolls Royce was an absolutely awesome toy.

Fold down the grille and press down on the front tyres to shoot a large rocket.
Press down on the rear tyres to fire the 4 rear rockets.

I think It is still somewhere. Painted Black.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffBh-FOo4gk

reference here

Many more toys with thunderbird 2 and the 4 pod spent many hours in my bath time.

haha.

Downsize me!

2010-05-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

The good old marketing technique of shrink it deceivingly and no one will notice. This one was actually advertised. But the price remains the same??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VlrL1pQyQo

Remember when they wer 40c and now they are $1.40~$2

And check the thickness of chocolate vs Caramel and that fluffy cheap arse filler.

Grrrr.

Remember when things were cheap and value was deserved. These days, greed, profits and cough cough "passing on the costs of materials" to the customers is getting out of hand.

Maybe I'll go to chocolate maker's school. le Chocolatier

I can make 60Billion dollars like the mars company. Profits alone people.

Russ.

Gunners

2010-05-09T17:53:00.001-07:00

I played the into to this a million times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oobDQ0vdm8M

I like Rocket Queen also.

924GTP Le Mans

2010-05-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Finishing 7th overall at LE Mans. the 924 GTP LM version is a bit of an underdog legend. The 924 was always considered a bit of a lesser porsche, front engine, VW components, water cooled.

Over the years the car developed until the final incarnation 924 Turbo Carerra with only 400 produced.
By these days standards, it's slow with only 210hp, but when I tried to buy one in 1996 it felt pretty quick to me. 24K in Australia it was stretching my cash, but I should have got it.

It may have strayed me from my rotary obsession.

Anyway,
Entered into LE mans in the final year of the 924, results show that these cars are monsters.

http://944turbo.net/?page_id=57

Fiat X1/9 Dallara

2010-04-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Fiat X1/9 was another tight low capacity euro car. It was almost copied to death by toyota's MR2.

I loved these small cars with rally roots. The Dallara version was meant for the smaller class of Group 5 DRM. 690 kg! These pumped versions are awesome. Mainly used in hillclimb.

Influenced by the Arbarth version, I tried to buy a stock one at one stage, but simply, it was old and crap. Roof leaked like a waterfall.

Good picture link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelwardphotos/2575809073/
Good history link http://www.x19world.de/Dallara_geschichte_en.html
Good Action link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_txgZ5sQQs&feature=player_embedded

Russ.

Stratos!

2010-04-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Real or Replica. It doesn't matter. They are awesome. Way ahead of their time. And to think they were a rally car to start. You can't imagine how small these cars are. But when later turned into Group5 silhouette racers they simply looked amazing. My childhood dreamcar.

The secret to this is the super small cockpit. Yes it is a 2 seater. Check the cramped rally quarters below.

http://www.superstratos.com/index.php replica.

Love the Beast!

2010-03-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

If your like me and remember Eric Bana as just a regular aussie guy who did a bit of standup, then this movie is for you. We must be about the same age because I can remember most of this stuff too. I have a similar passion, only I changed many cars searching for a passion rather than sticking with one.

I cried... almost.

Do yaselfs a fava mates!

Feel the love... Official Love The Beast Trailer

Aircraft Moddeling

2010-02-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

From the time I was born my father was already an avid RC aero modeller. He gave me the limit of not being able to get an RC plane until I was 5. in that time I developed a love for die cast cars, but also a Plastic modelling fettish.

My father owning a hobby shop fed this passion and hours of looking at model catalogs and deciding which were the best to make was painful. On trips to the Hobby Importer Warehouse, I'd usually return with something. Lucky~!

My fathers workshop was also a great place to build, paint, detail etc. As I got older I got better with the airbrush and cared more about detail and authenticity. but initially they were just for fun.

I covered all the armed forces. But mainly focussed on the US F-Series fighters.

I'd hang some of them in my room in flight position on many hooks so they were always flying around. You can just see the fishing line used to hang them.

I had F-4, F-6, F-14,15,18, 111 and many others in many sizes but mostly 1/72.

Larger models allowed for good results however. This 1/48 Monogram F15 is a favourite.

As is the 1/32 F-16 from Hasegawa. Probably my best effort, although nowadays it needs a refresh.

In the end I had too many, so they are now in a box, ready to one day return to display. some are a little worse for wear with small broken parts but most are still in good condition.

Usually displayed on full detail dioramas with trucks and weapons, pilots and workers, these pics don't do them justice. I need a large area for display, ... maybe one day I'll get all my collections together from childhood.

Believe me, these are just a few.

Russ.

Eco vs Echo

2010-02-28T03:43:00.000-08:00

"WOW!!!!! I love this car. I am going to sell my V12 Supra and make one of these."

I can imagine the words of smokey nagata, owner of top secret that is now promoting this rubbish. It's up to me to redeem myself for using 12000000 litres of high octane and be punished drive a prius for the remainder of his natural life and never touch a R35 again.

Go and buy one. Right now! And then spend more making it more efficient than the manufacturer because even the purists believe it's not good.

The concept of eco tuning is wierd. He save 1.6kg of an exhaust and then added probably more than that in non- wind tunnel tested aero at $1600. Rays save 3.6 kg. WOW! Im sarchastically impressed. The guy up the street from me runs his prius with 20" chromies. Weight? He is saving the world.

Its just a waste of time. Knight Sports actually race their Demio. Tuning a smaller car for racing. Not just crappy lip spoiler. Come on TOP secret don't pass aero parts off as ECOlogically friendly. The chemicals you used to make the resin and the electricity used to make the carbon fibre destroyed more than the aero benefit.

Strip the interior and battery pack saving mega weight. Then stuff a t78 on the thing and rig up some and be true to top secret's philosophy. Run it on renewable fuel and you might get more points.

If the TOP SECRET company dies then so be it. But don't go for crap yet. Remember they used to put turbo's on the Vitz, where has that philosophy gone. I made my Toyota "Echo" (Australian Vitz) look cool but it was never an ecologically friendly car. Just a car to save money. I used to have my FOOT to the FLOOR every gear change to drive at the same speed as other cars.

Countries like China and india are just getting interested in cars. They'll be burning more oil in 10 seconds than you can save in 20 years with your prius.

The world is fucked anyway.

BTW I haven't driven my car for 6 months. Take that world. I've done my part.

Can I have a Aston Martin now?

Ranting ranting

My kind of Classical Music

2010-02-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Steve Vai, among others, composes some of the most amazing musical experiences.

This video shows ultimate control of his instrument of choice. The electic guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDZuNM3HmU4

And yes, "For the Love of God." It's live!

Where did he come from...
Remember David Lee Roth among others. Interview. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjARr7UlvMs

He does his own thing and developed his own distinct command of the guitar's voice.

ps.
Remember the Ralph Machio movie Crossroads. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0QKbnCDW94
HAHA!

Sounds of Then

2010-02-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

GANGgajang created this legendary song that defines Australia sometimes. Almost every Australian knows it and gets that patriotic feeling when its on. When I get homesick, on it goes.

GANGgajang - Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia)

When the title of the song says "This is Australia" it had better mean it. The guys may not be the coolest but close your eyes and get the feeling.

Click and listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML9h3I5Uktw

Coke ripped it off for TV commercials too. Funny how their commercial creates a better link to the lyrics of the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqbJAIc9jSg

There are a few others that evoke emotions.

Goanna's "Solid Rock" is awesome too. Standing on Common Sacred Ground refers to the Indiginous Aboriginal Australians.
IceHouse sang "Great Southern Land"

Men At Work's "Man Down Under" is also a well known song but doesn't have a cool riff with it. It uses Flute!!

Car History

2010-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

First. I can show my cool ass TA23 celica.. This was paid for with lottery winings.! yay!

Larry the Laser. This car was a replacement for my Celica and it was my first near new car. I got a loan and everything! I couldn't afford the TX3 4wd version so I settled for the front wheel drive version. It had quite good torque and was faster than other more powerful cars.

I was really getting interested in Rally around 1994 so I sold it and bought a Datsun 1600 510.

It was a DOG parts car for a second rally car. However, the DOG car needed fixing so I never bought my rally car.

Next was this lemon NA 13b RX7. to me in 1995 it was no Series 6 fd3s but it would start my long appreciation of the rotary.

a few days after I took it off the road to install a turbo. It was stolen. Grrrrr. I had a front cut sitting in the driveway.

Anyway, I took the insurance money, and a loan and bought a WRX. Fast and superb.

But too much grip... no fun.

I just got 17" wheels and exhaust tune and it too was stolen.

I bought this MR2 turbo import. But I couldn't get insurance after the last two were stolen in entirely different cities and circumstances. I drove it for a while actually but I worried too much and had to let it go.

It was a nice car.

I bought this cheap and nasty FC turbo. It was quickish but never really went fast. The car was a rebirth as I found out later. I kept the car for a short time. It was loud and intoxicating but I wanted something I could run everyday and not upset my neighbours/girlfriend.

Fun and simple was the answer. NA mx5.... just make sure it's straight. I am the worlds worst car buyer. I must be an easy target cause I always buy lemons. This car had been in an accident and cowl shake was bad. In retrospect I could have tried harder to keep this one, but I didn't want any car hassles.

By the way the chromies were ditched in favour of the stock rims.

The Laser was the most reliable car to date.

So a return to practicality in the form of this EK4 1.6 civic. Very reliable and awesome car. I had a small accident while I was watching a girl get out of a pool! haha. Anyway it was serving me well in canberra but I decided to come to Japan. That meant I could sell it and get an FD3s RX7 !!!!! yeah!

Realise the dream!

Her it is. 1996 FD3s RX7. I got screwed by the buyer in Japan in the end. He bought a cheap car that turned out to need a new engine. I should have walked away from that guy there and then. But this one was good. It just had high Klms.

Eventually I transformed it into....

This...

But somehow I couldn't chose the colour I liked. I don;t know why. If I had painted it white. I probably still would have it. Anyway, with power increases came reliability problems.

So off it went to a new buyer.

And back to reality and reliability. Toyota Vitz is awesome! You can thrash them and they simply wont break.

I came back to Japan and had brain lapse and bought an accident repaired car because I wanted the body changed completely. I never learn.

Anyway. I spent a lot of money... The car became too good to thrash as was my initial intention. Gas rose to insane prices and many other things.

Sell it.

Practically reality is where I am now. But somehow. a New car with few mods. has cost me in reliability. The NC Roadster MX5 I have at the moment is an unreliable car for me. While all my friends are trouble free.

Anyway. It's time to sell it again and return to NO car.

For a while at least...

see what happens from here.

I think I need a new hobby.

Japan - Car Festivals

2010-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

For some relaxation is a drive in the mountains. But in Japan it can turn into a festival at anytime.

Events on certain days celebrate certain cars. This is RX7 day on 7 July.

Celebrations of history and modern technology.

Creative expression is part of the Japanese car culture.

Some paint with tyres like my friend Andy.

While I like to blend cars and photography

Small events with friends often grow to mini festivals anywhere, anytime.

Japan - Festival

2010-01-30T04:55:00.000-08:00

Japan loves a festival.

Hanami is the Sakura Cherry Blossom viewing festival

Hina Matsuri is the girls day festival of dolls.

Thousands are displayed, but all are unique and superb.

Bon Odori is the dance festival. Taiko drums and circular dance format.

Many endure the pain of their local festivals carrying the Omikoshi shrines around their area.

In other areas traditional dances replace this event.

Japan - Stereotypes

2010-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

Japan - Land of the Rising Sun.

In Japan the sun is RED, not Yellow. This view from atop Mt. Fuji governs respect.

The view from afar is also quite spectacular. However, this is quite rare in Summer. The best time to see Fujisan is winter. Just after a windy day.

From Tokyo its clearly visible and dwarfs everything around. But most days you just can't see it at all. Summer smog and early cloud clover often blocks the view.

Geisha... you don't usually see them on the street. These two are Maiko. Training to be Geisha. You generally only see them in Kyoto where the traditional entertainment remains.

Temples like postcards. Sometimes it is true. Kinkakuji. The gold pavillion is a sight that covered in gold leaf. The grounds are manicured perfection. Other times temples exist under trainlines or feature a highway backdrop.

Yes, Japanese love sushi! This tuna was sold wholesale for 616000yen. thats about $6000.

True Sakura or cherry blossoms are viewed in late March or early April and they last a week or so. Thats it.

Shinkansen = Bullet train, but ask a Japanese person where the bullet train station is and they will have no idea because it isn't Japanese people. Learn some real japanese words before you come.

Japan is Busy! YES it is! Very! get used to it in the cities. But that number of people creates a safe environment. You are never far from help. In the countryside, you can find some nice spots, but someone usually comes along. Above is shibuya xing on a normal day. 33million in Tokyo area.

Wasabi is hot. Yes. But it is grown in the cold using the freshest mountain water.

I'll end this post... with this myth. Japan is Modern. Not all the time. This is aview of a down town concrete factory. Japan is old and new side by side. Perfect harmony.... you decide.

I'll be posting more photo's from my travels in the future. But for now. Tokyo is where I live.

Grumpert Apollo

2010-01-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Ever since I saw the Grumpert a few years ago in a magazine, I thought... WOW! This thing would be awesome to drive to the coffee shop.

No...Im not crazy. Really!

No your local, but the one 200klms away down the mountain and then along the motorway, lap the ring then have a coffee and return.

I can see the purpose for this car.

It's totally impractical for any other reason than driving fast on a mountain or highway or racetrack.

Love it.

Inline Skating

2009-12-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

I got into Inline skating in Canberra. Australia. The area around Lake Burley Griffin is awesome for blading.

I taught myself but I need some lessons to take it further. I did it mainly for fitness. A good 40 minute session could cover vast distance.

I had some K2 skates that were very comfortable compared to others. http://www.k2skates.com/

Talking Heads

2009-12-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

The Psyco Killer is David Byrne

The baggy suit is synonymous with the band. They are very creative and explored unusually melody and rhythm.

Are we really on a road to nowhere?

Simple Minds!

2009-12-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

Simple Minds had a big impact on me. Just listen to this.

Up on the Catwalk was one of the first songs I heard.

I was hooked.

Waterfront is my favourite.!

I think Its also used in Underworld's Under the Radar. But that song is so cool it deserves its own post.

Speed your love to me. now is used in the intro to Austrlia's ABC music show RAGE.

I saw them live in 199X and they were awesome!

So many good songs.

All the things she said. shows Charlie's awesome guitar work along with Somewhere in Summertime.

Alive and Kicking was the most popular I guess.

Promised you a miracle. and Glittering Prize were a bit of the mod squad. Book of brilliant things was cool too.

Belfast child was also cool. I like how it goes off in the middle but I never got into Mandella day..

This is your land has some nice instrumental work at 3:42... fat bass and slide guitar

The other thing I love about Jimmy's voice is that.... I can sing these songs. Just the right key for me.

Basically just get all their albums.

Noiseworks

2009-12-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Take me back , it's been a long time.... since I heard this. 1987 ish album was great

But the best one is No lies. Awesome groove. There are many great songs from Noiseworks.

1988's Touch has an awesome video location and Burning Feeling is solid.

I love the awesome guitar work from Stuart Fraser. One of those guys that can rock a combined rhythm and lead track at the same time with a melodic solo. Awesome.

John stevens is a Kiwi but Aussies adopted him well. The band lost direction and disbanded later. Early music still inspirational.

1927

2009-12-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Here is the start of a long journey through my favourite Australian bands. Some mainstream, some obscure.
But for those non aussies. The music is good, but it only goes so far. Promotion is important.

Band:1927 Album:Ish

If I could and That's when I think of you are soft rock at its best.

Re-union tour is on. http://www.nineteen27.com/

Russ.

Architectural Dreams and Reality.

2009-11-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

A bit of a tribute to those that inspire us. A few hundred years ago it was only the kings and governments of the world that could create special buildings. These days architecture is a competition that turns concrete and steel in to a place for dreaming.

Next time you walk down the street, have a think about who created the spaces you enjoy.

Enigma - MCMXC a.D.

2009-11-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

Enigma basically means Mystery and the Album means 1990A.d.

I was strongly influenced by the music in this album. As a lot of others were. It was different. At a time when earphones were almost permenantly in my ears the different layers in the music and the strong beat really kicked it. It was easy to relax to this music.

The other part of this piece was the imagery. super cool in its day.

Wikipedia explains it better than me.

Enigma - MCMXC a. D.(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4). If you don't like it... too bad.

Russ.

Latin dancing and Let's get loud

2009-11-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

On a trip to Mexico I went to a bar in a small town Oxaca. I ordered my beer "Dos Equis Clara Por Fabor." Anyway, the club was filled with latin music and people spinning everywhere.

After about 10 mins of watching this the music changed to modern pop and the mood died. No one was dancing, and it seemed most people left. Kind of like a western nightclub before everyone gets drunk.. Boring.

So as I waited to get drunk I wondered what this dance was. Salsa...?

I did eventually learn a lot of Salsa and others but subsequently forgotten.
I must have heard This JLO song about 5000 billion times in the studio.

It's fun and you can be cool with just a few steps and you don't have to go for the competition style either. May have to dust off the shoes soon.

Dont Pretend

2009-11-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

OK, Today at work some music was around, and someone asked If I knew the words to this song.

So I just started singing it. How do I remember it... Well I was 8 years old in 1979 and while I was not too interested in girls yet... I guess my older brother was. Because his record collection was filling with hot chicks of the 70's.

Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders was filling our shared room every moment and I guess he thought she was singing straight to him. "I gotta have some of your attention."

I do remember being at elementary school though, and my female teacher was singing it. I think she was a little surprised when I started singing with her. Haha. thats an old memory.

"Got a new skank... gonna reet"???? WTF

I watched the video again.... dude... check the boat suspension on the pink caddie when it stops. Elegance... haha.

Tetsu Bentley Continental GTR

2009-11-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

Now, If I were a famous dude. I would flaunt the fame. No plain jane for me.

I'd have this Bentley Continental as a daily runabout.

The problem is I'd need a few to keep my disguise... haha.

How about this awesome black one.

Or this awesome green one.

Russ.

Bathurst 1000

2009-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

I touched on Bathurst a few posts back, but with the V8's in my head. I though I'd finish with the ultimate race for V8 lovers. Bathurst again.

A great intro from Russell Crowe

A qualifying Lap.

Lownes across the top.

Bathurst 2009 last 3 laps were a pretty close finish after a re-start.

Up the Hill

Down the hill

Across the line.

V8 Brutes

2009-11-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

V8 Brutes is a series in itself that started as a support for V8 supercars. But it became quite popular for door to door bashing.

Close Racing is always on show as the formula is set. The only real difference is driver ability.

This Promotion footage is cool.

These cars are basically the same as their sedan namesakes and have good performance. They get light in the rear for some slidey slidey too.

And a big off at bathurst. Here too at Darwin.

http://www.v8utes.com.au/

VB V8 Challenge

2009-11-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Australian V8 Super car series has a support event sponsored by the VB beer company.

It's basically 4 cars. 2 Holdens and 2 Fords in a driver challenge.

1 Ford Falcon V8 sedan and 1 Falcon V8 Ute.
1 Holden Commodore V8 Sedan and 1 Commodore V8 Ute

These cars take ride along passengers.
They are driven by selected V8 Supercar drivers who do Burnouts until the tyres blow.

I don't know if there's a winner or not and most people don't care.
Theres also a slolom event but I don't think anyone really cares about that.

Smoke on!

VB

2009-11-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Since I posted about Lamb... it needs Beer to go with.

A hard earned thirst needs a big cold beer. and the best cold beer is Vic, Victoria Bitter.
mmmm.
This music from the first 1984 Ad (1996) has been brought up with a little class. and no class.

Aussie Beer Education.

Tinnie = Can
Stubbie = 375ml Bottle
Tallie or Long Neck = 750ml Bottle

In a bar on tap.
weak arse drinker orders a Middy or Pot = 10fl oz or 285ml Glass
regular drinker is a Schooner = 15fl oz or 425 ml Glass
with friends order a Jug = 40floz 1140ml Jug

These all differ but everyone knows these basics.
British style pubs carry Halfs and Pints.

Bar lesson.
Customer: "I have a Schooner of VB for me and Pot of Gold (XXXX lite) for me mate, he's driving."
Barman: "No worries mate."

In OZ. 0.05% blood alcohol is acceptable when driving.

Lamb chops

2009-11-09T06:08:00.000-08:00

This Aussie Lamb commercial is about Australia Day traditions. Strange but somewhat true. About 50 years ago. It's borderline racist... Experts say nationalistic. Anyway.... Sam goes on to promote himself here.

But he is right sometimes.

You don't need name brands like Greg Normans Japanese Wagyu steak or any name crap.
You don't need marinades or sauce. Just eat the meat!

GIVE ME LAMB CHOPS!

Frankie Goes to War.

2009-11-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Frankie Goes to Hollywood were a bit controversial in their day. Two tribes, Relax and Welcome to the pleasure dome are all awesome tracks. They even did a remix of WAR

I love the excrutiatingly long intros and simple repetitive beats. Holly Johnson was cool but the reast of the band produced some pretty funky music behind him.

I love this live version in their Record Labels Trevor Horn Tribute. Ryan Molloy who replaced Holly was still cool.

This is the Banned Album Cover.

Bathurst

2009-11-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

OK. Bathurst. Well I grew up glued to the TV watching the group C racing. Then the RX7 entered and I was in Heaven. 3 Wins in a row. I drove the track in MY FC Rx7 and My Datsun 16/1800. And its great.

Just check this. Watch it a few times and look around the track also. Elevation is amazing. Downhill straight is awesome. The video shows the difference between lightness, power and a mix in the RX7.

Australia Terraforming Plan

2009-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Basically, Australia is a huge desert with some pretty bits around the outside and lots of expensive bits underneath. In the future there will probably be a resource war or for land space and UAE, India or China will take over. Even if the above doesn't occur there will be a population explosion sometime.

With thirst for creating usable land. It makes sense to terraform the worst bits into something usable. All the surrounding land should be effected and become healthy. So what are the steps.

Well,

1. Prepare the soil.

Dig a big trench up the guts and use that stuff to make a couple of mountain ranges extracting all the good bits along the way.

2. Seed

Build a few cities along the edges and connect them all to the rest of Australia's cities with air trains or maglev personal travel rails (more on these later)

3. Fertilize

Open an entry to the sea. This will allow for the solar EV boats to glide in carring all the good bits away. It should also combat the rising sea water issue a little. (more on that later too)

4. Grow

We don't actually need to do this part.

But you could bring in the people bots. Or just clone some. your choice.

Russ.

Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock

2009-10-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Cherub Rock Rocks with a heavy distortion and a cool groove.

Billy has a pretty interesting guitar style.

For something more mellow, try Disarm. both from Smashing Pumpkins siamese dream.

Satch Boogie

2009-10-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

Need a little speed funk screaming fusion pick me up?!

Satch Boogie is what you need.

The Sudden Death Love Electric Sun Cult

2009-10-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ian Astbury... is a Revolution and The cult have basically simple music that sounds great.

The LOVE album launched these guys in the UK but before that their music of the Sudden / Death Cult was still awesome. Resurrection Joe... Funky Awesome Heavy Cool!

"Hot Sticky Scenes... You know what I mean!" Rain.

But the kicker was She sells Sanctuary & Live in 1985! The Howling Mix was also released.

Most of these songs are similar as guitarist Billy Duffy was uniquely cool, Jamie Stewart kicked in too.

Love Removal Machine launched the ELECTRIC Era and The Album art continued their themed album releases.

Wild Flower

Lil' Devil

I loved the artwork and copied it onto my guitars and cases.

After this he kind of got better.,

Edie brought them more mainstream success after they cleaned up a bit and Billy got much better for the Sonic Temple. I pre-ordered and got the T-Shirt.
I must have played it 100000000 times. But purists like me love the rawness of the early stuff.

RA28 Love!

2009-10-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

This RA28 / TA22 Celica takes me back. The first car I bought myself was a RA30/TA23 LT 1600 GT after having won $1700 on the lottery. Yehaa! It was cool, but nothing like this. This is Uber Cool!

The TRD front and rear spoilers and over fender flares change the coolness factor off the scale!

The dished steel wheels and stretched rubber looks fun. 185/55/13 somehow looks big.

This car is for sale for just over $10000 dollars in Japan as prices are a bit inflated for older cars and although the body looks ok, the interior and engine are far from great.

Fully restored cars sell for around $50000 and over in Japan. and Older Skylines and Fairlady ZG240Z are selling for over $150000 these days.

If I return to my roots, This sounds like a future daily driver project. With a modern 2.0L ish or Renesis engine swap decent power/brakes and some airconditioning. Excellent.

For more Uber coolness. Check out these from Takeeys Japan and their Stock

Domo Arigatou Mr Roboto

2009-10-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

This is a part of western culture but surprisingly unknown in Japan.

If you ask someone about Mr Roboto "domo ......" they will probably say "arigatou"

Domo Arigatou Mr Roboto by the Styx.

It's a crazy thing that some of the most famous things about Japan are unknown inside.
Maybe it was resented upon release and banned or something.

And this song "Turning Japanese" by the Vapors is also unknown among my Japanese Friends. It's never available in Karaoke rooms.

Evolution is Over!

2009-10-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

This post may take a while to explain, but basically Darwin's laws of natural selection finished many years ago.

While they may still apply in some small pockets of the world. Most of us have moved past evolutionary theories and are no longer dependant on the natural environment for survival. We are however dependant on other technologies. Because most of us don't have the hunting and gathering skills to survive. The need to reproduce has all but dissappeared as the world is bordering on massive overpopulation.

So whats to come?

We have about 500 years before we can create gods. yes thats right!

Ray Kurzweil is a respected guy who predicts Human Immortality in the 2020s but Ray's predictions are a bit premature.

If I were a respected person my theories may also be taken seriously. And they should be.

My own predictions lead to around 200 years before immortality is a viable and sustainable option due to financial, moral and economic factors, but it will certainly be experimented with in 20years.

Why? Because people want to!

My own timeline includes combinations of genetic shifts to where humans become a blend of species taking bone and muscular composision from other species (which may include aquatic ot airborne mammals or insect etc) as well as nano and cybernetic research where the "Future Human" species will include mechanical body or brain storage components or even manufactured living componentry, ie Blade Runner.

Combinations of these things will occur in the future as well as many other topics.

If you want to see what happens. You probably can.

Immortalitity still requires some kind of retention of the phisical mind however, but does not require the need for sex or reproduction. (Star wars General Grievous is a good example) It requires a mindshift to be satisfied with yourself and a logical progression to needs for maintaing New Manufactured species. Having already mentioned that most body componentry can be manufactured and potentially no need for Original Humans. Thios raises all kinds of what if scenarios.

IF there actaully turns out to be a "soul" (without a physical requirement) in what ever physical form surely the control over this "soul" will be the next limitation on the evolutionary scale.

With the ability for "everyone to know everything" through information sharing, surely these problems can be solved and the reliance on a matter or anti-matter may be irrellevant.

So I give that a rough unbased speculative estimate of 300 years past immortality to create a god.

So start thinking. Blow your own mind! Younger generations are already thinking about these things with video game titles exploring the acceptable boundaries.

Russ.

DIE PRIUS DIE!

2009-10-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

Extreme Prius from Sweeden has nice paint and wheels. But.... It's STILL A PRIUS and they are fundamentally wrong. Even when it's crawling along the engine is running.

Top Gear Version 1, Top Gear Version 2 comparison on driving fast. Prius Fast... M3 slow.

Comedy...Version .... Stupid thinking.

Landspeed Racing. "It makes a difference when we are running with MAXIMUM THROTTLE ON THE ENGINE!!!!!" the engine!!!!! no mention of fuel economy to reach that speed.

And here is the final shite. where are all the CD figures for the Prius bodykits. I'm sure most will actually make the thing less fuel efficient.

There are so many anti-prius messages on the internet some of them with great suggestions on the correct directions to go. Almost none in Japan. Japanese people aren't really like that.

Save the world or save money... Fit vs Prius.

Shawnee

2009-10-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

I like Shawnee's laid back attitude apart from the obvious attractions.

Here is a little best of from her role in Becker as Linda.
Sometimes when you see actresses so much from young age till old, you do become attached. Thats why they are rich. All us dumb ass guys love 'em.

Here's someone quite a lot more obsessed than me.

You may not be aware of her antics in Fydolla Ho. "FIVE DOLLAR HORE" is a pretty raw band. A bit like her vocals... raw. But I like that she doesn't try to be more than is there.

Low Rider

2009-09-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Play me. and read on.

This song by War in 1975 is instantly recognized as the theme for a the insane low rider scene.

I used to play this song over and over as I cruised around dreaming of getting a 1962~1970 pilarless chevy impala on hydraulics. To detail and paint to polish the chrome and drop the stance. There are just cool.

When they are high and pumping up and down the street, it's pretty crazy. These days things are a bit out of hand. like this craziness.

but I still love the whole vibe of the scene. Lowrider always featured these awesome cars with awesome girls. I wonder why I used to buy this magazine when I was much younger. Yes that's right the gorgeous curves, the decoration, the ..... you get the idea.

Actually I used to get these and custom street truck magazine for paint ideas for RC cars. A few shades of one colour layers in airbrushed graphics is awesome.

I love the way these cars are show cars that still get driven. Its a part of car culture that has avoided carbon fibre. Lets hope it stays that way.

If I ever get to Miami. I'll be going to some car shows.

Check out http://www.lowridermagazine.com/ for all the awesomeness.

Lost in Translation

2009-09-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

This post was meant to be about Karaoke.(which I love) But I guess I'll change it totally.

Bill Murray's film of a few years ago is "Lost in Translation" a famous guy comes to Japan - Tokyo and gets taken to all kinds of places to promote Suntory whiskey or whisky (recently votes worlds best). Some places I've been to and some I haven't.

As a foreigner living in Japan this movie has some hype and reality around it. Those people who hate living here will love this movie and those who love living in Japan will dispise it as a negatively slanted view of proceedings.

I have a mixed bag about it.

You can live in Japan and never experience any of this stuff, or all of it. It's a bit of a documentary style movie and therefore bores me to tears. Its slow... hard to watch and sometimes just stupid. But for the content I was quite interested. I used to work very close to where it was mostly shot. "Shinjuku". A few scenes from other places near there "Shibuya" etc, but mainly around the Shinjuku area. This is not a temple tour of a movie, but a city image that some people get hooked up in.

I've read many reviews of this movie and as a movie its ok. Two people become friends and probably want more. But as most people do, they try to bring a broader meaning to the movie that maybe this is what happens to boring people in Japan. FORGET IT! IT's A MOVIE!

Come to Tokyo and see for yourself. Like Bill, you will uncover something in your life.

But it's probably not going to be... "I get 2 million dollars to promote a product in a foreign country and confused in the process, because I can't communicate in their language, So I'll find some things to do to occupy my time."

Trailer

Russ.

I can't decide which eco car to buy.

2009-09-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

These are eco cars that somehow bends the definition a little.

Following on from my previous post. These cars screams "DIE EARTH DIE!"

But there is actually a lot of ECO friendly things about them.

This is an absolute monster. the a.d. Tramontana is F1 inspired fighter jet on wheels. And I want one! Looks can be decieving. Its a big car! those are 20inch Dymags its riding on.

http://www.tramontanagroup.com/adtramontana/adtramontana.php

Catalog

It is a 12 cylinder V60 Biturbo with 5.5liter displacement running Turbo pressure of 1.4 bar making over 720 Hp - 529 kW at 5.250 rpm and Max. Torque 1100 Nm at 4.000 rpm Transmission is longitudinally mounted with a mid engine, rear wheel drive layout.

There can be two passengers sitting like the F1 ride along cars and the roof is removable for open top running.

Ariel is well known for the "3" and has announced the latest version of the Atom – the Ariel Atom 500, powered by a small V8 engine. With over 500bhp in a 500kilo package the Atom 500 will boast one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production car.

The Atom will have over 1000bhp per tonne (compared to a Bugatti Veyron’s 521bhp/tonne) and will be built in limited numbers.

So where's the Eco? They have less components made from earthly metals. therefore the extraction process damages the earth less.
They weigh almost nothing! so Theoretically, they use less rubber / fossil fuels etc when driven in a leisurely 40klm/h.
They are built by hand and not energy guzzling robots.
etc etc
etc etc

So I just have to come up with the cash now. Maybe I'll steal some eco friendly R&D money from a government by promising alternatives to the Prius. And build my own style Atom or Tramontana.

Russ.

Eco My Arse keting. (marketing)

2009-09-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

I getting sick of all this eco junk. Almost all the wheel manufacturers have some kind of eco project to try to attract the only emerging car market left. What exactly is a Forged ECO wheel as opposed to a normal Forged Wheel. Why is it suddenly important.

YOU MUST WIN the PRIUS and INSIGHT consumers! For our financial survival. PANIC!

So hard fought is this message that even legendary BBS has created green hub caps to acnowledge the green movement. Like most (not all) They actually changed nothing else about their business except design a new lightweight forged wheel.

While this is fine. They ONLY fit prius and insight.

Ignoring every other potential customer on the road in the process.

Meaning. Unless you buy a Prius, you can't be eco friendly. unless your intelligent enough to ignore all this crap and buy something that is much better.

Dumb!

If you want to be serious about eco friendly benefits of lightweight design. I suggest you look past the marketing shite (oops) hype at the following!

DYMAG CARBON! or RS WATANABE MAGNESIUM!

These wheels offer real benefits. less fuel required for the same accelleration. Less weight to flatten your grass.

And the two best benefits of all. They make you go faster and look Freaking cool!

In the Groove

2009-09-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Play this and read. Slot car racing. I always had these as a kid. Scalextrix, AFX and others. But around 17 I stopped running RC and got into Slot cars with my brother in law. We did 1/32 womps, 1/32 international and 1/24 flexis. We travelled a bit around QLD and went to some (stupid when i look back now) 6 hour and 12 hour events.

It was fun at the time. i enjoyed painting the lexan bodies and always featured in concours.

There are only a few tracks around these days.

I hope someone keeps them going.

Lame hunter

2009-09-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

I love hard core club/techno/trance as much as any Ibiza hoar. Please turn down the sound before watching. As this is so soft arse L A M E. I don't want to give any names. NO Basshunter. You should change your name to treble hunter. I'm sure no hard core drifter is going to play this on their stereo either. Too bad, the girls are pretty. The reason I'm posting is because the clip features a sweet Top Secret Replica Supra and some other nice cars.

go straight to 0:52.

Play this and watch the previous. Danzel in the room. Clap your Hands!

Then play some old school to get over it. Bob Sinclar.

The Living End

2009-09-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

One Aussie Band you mush check out are these guys. I like the sounds they can get from two instruments and drums. Chris Cheney can definately play well. I admire guys like this that can get rhythm and lead into one package.

They are definately "Full On". But there's touches of subtlety in there.

This live version of "Second Soultion" showcases their energy
Another fave that's become a bit of an anthem is "All Torn Down" Reggae?

Youth Anthem. "Prisoner of Society." Probably most famous but not my personal favourite. While not AS famous as say Green Day, But they did some guest appearances with them. Very similar bands.

http://www.myspace.com/thelivingend

Too Easy!

2009-09-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

1977 was easy I guess. I only started to really like this song about 17 years later.
In the Days of Afro hairstyles and glitter shirts. It was all good. Cool and Easy like Sunday morning. This live version is cool. 2:30 starts the lazy guitar solo.

It was pretty easy to play on guitar. I guess that's why there are 1000 butchered versions around including Faith no More. NO MORE! please. SNORE ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

But none can come close to Lionel Richie and the Commodores.
This 2001 version is soooooo different. It had become an anthem for boredom. This is what people play these days. The first version had power and a great tempo, everyone's gone soft and to sleep.

Let it Whip!

2009-09-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

I love a bit of 80's Funk/Disco/R&B!

Let it Whip is a classic 80's song by the awesome Dazz Band.

But I got into these songs through an Aussie band's cover of this song. Here is the CDB Version.

CDB "Create Dream Believe" were are boy band and with lead, Gary Pinto and Andrew De Silva, were pretty cool in their day.
Most young kids had never heard the real songs. Their first was Hook Me Up. But I used to play "Good Times" a lot. They also did a good remix of Earth Wind and Fire's Let's Groove Tonight.

Check out a new CD "The Funk Sessions"

Gemini TX GT-Concept

2009-09-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ok. Here she is. the Gemini TX GT-Concept 1. I used the Risse Opel Kadett as a base. Cut 100mm out of the bottom of the chassis. It could run a space frame and a PP rotary engine would be nice. Or even a 253 small block V8.

The front features Holden Gemini TX Grille, forged with a similar style splitter canard design from the GT-R35 Skyline Super GT car.

Tyre size would remain 16" (or 17") on Volk TE27 or G2

Now all I need is the money, space and time to build it and then a lot more to run it.

yes, It would be yellow.

Could I do it for 40K?

Marimo

2009-09-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Marimo is a Japanese Algae phenomenom where soft balls of algae form naturally in the rivers and lakes.

A friend brought this back from hokkaido as a souvenier for me after I noticed the one they had.

Arigatou!!!!

This little guy is awesome. Proudly displaying his green algae mound ready for action.

His rear is ready to unveil. His prison uniform shows he likes to show everyone often. The strap part actually has little handcuffs too.

Too funny.!

Opel Inspiration

2009-09-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been contemplating race cars. What would be cool to run. I was thinking about Mx5 NA or NB coupe but I don't really have any love for them.

But the Isuzu Gemini / Opel Kadett on the other hand is a different story. I was watching a video of the Zakspeed Ford Escort that led to the knowledge of the German DRM Opel C GT/E and it opened up a world of cool! The wide flares are awesome. In Australia there were some in Group C running at batchurst etc.

As my first car was one of these, It amazes me the amount of stuff that I never knew in isolated Australia.

Opel Aero Top, 2 door sedan and other varients are just cool!.

You may have read a previous post that mentioned I'd like to build one NOT, But maybe that NOT is NOT.

For some inspiration

http://www.kadett-c-club-kaiserslautern-ev.de/indexd.html

http://www.ckadett.de/galerie/galerie.htm

http://www.ckadett.de/motorsport/index.htm

http://www.maxituning.es/coches-tuning/opel-kadett-gte

14900 Euro seems cheap doesn't it for a 190ps widebody 1978 monster?

Aussie ones seem to have all been converted to ZZ/Z bodied cars that don't look so cool.

I like these bumperless TX style cars the best.

Emrik

2009-09-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

I used to love my Emrik Blitz III Tennis and Apollo Emrik Squash Racquets. They don't make Tennis stuff anymore. But there were pretty cool. Leading edge of composite materials back in the day.

I was never really any good at Tennis, but I loved playing. Later I got a Dunlop 200G but it twisted after being in the boot of my car.

I haen't played for ages and last time I picked up a racquet, I hurt myself... haha. Gotta start again.

Russ.

On Burleigh Beach

2009-09-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

Click this ... Chris Rea On The Beach. Then read.

This song is one of the first I learned as a guitarist. The riff is unmistakable.

I grew up on Australia's Gold Coast and when university time came around, most days involved time in the sun around Burleigh. The above pic is from my favourite contemplation spot on Burleigh Headland.

Afternoon sunsets, skies or storms, and sunny days with empty beaches.
Ahhh..
these pics are 30 years after though. There never used to be many skyscrapers.

Planning a holiday right now.

Russ

The Frog

2009-09-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

1983!

I was "Working" at my Dad's shop. I guess I was pretty lucky that my father was a crazy aeromodeller and just happened to own a hobby store...."Brian's Hobby Centre".

I could make some spare cash for my RC car hobby by making "Frogs", "Grasshoppers", "Hot Shot"s and "Hornet"s, for customers who thought construction would be difficult. These were the affordable models since the "Buggy Champ".

The only difficult part was fitting the rear tyres. Pretty tough for a 12year old kid. My dad or bro would slip them on in a second.

But the cool part was... 1 battery test drive! Yehaa.

Russ.

Queen & Highlander

2009-08-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Christopher Lambert was pretty good in this movie.
"I was born in 1518 in Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel. I am immortal. I cannot die." Connor MacLeod.

Sean Connery definately makes a hmmm "UN?" forgettable entranceWho?
I believe it was ... "Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez Chief Metalurgist to Chief Metallurgist to King Charles V of Spain"

The Kurgen is a champ. "Hi, I'm Candy." "Of course you are!"

Queen, Freddy and Brian MAY(Guitar Legend) Princes of the Universe kind of explains everything. . Who want's to live forever is probably the biggest hit.but I think every song on this movie's soundtrack was a kit of which Queen were a major part.

There were sequels but of course they were crap!

There can be only one!

Speed Racer

2009-08-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Watch the Speed Racer Trailer first and forget the actors, look at the scenery.

This movie is good on sooooooo many levels.

The whole design element is amazing and the green screen involvement is HUGE! The backgrounds for each scene are generated from realworld and fake environments in a mash of tech and life.

It takes My Drift hop idea and actually evolves to a virtual reality.

While some of the acting takes a bit to get used to.... bear with it and enjoy the other stuff.

It takes the original repetitive animations to a whole new level.

Drift Hop

2009-08-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

I first saw this FD Rx7 fitted with hydraulics in 2003 at Big X in Ebisu circuit. Very cool.

Recently I have been thinking.

Everyone loves the Xand Y drift angle you get at Nikko's last corner.

And the smoke from 600+ horsepower drifting.

These hydraulic beasts are off the charts.

And when they fly it's awesome.

So who's going to be the first to start the drift hop scene! come on go for it.

You know it's just a transition phase.... wait for the next post....

Russ.

Maker's Mark

2009-08-26T07:19:00.001-07:00

I love a smooth bourbon.

It all started at university (OZ drinking age is 18) when a nightclub on the gold coast used to have a Bourbon Club. $1 Bourbon and coke all night. Admittedly they were very weak and cheap ass, but $20 or more later there was no doubting the effect.

I was hooked. A few years later I stubled accross Maker's mark. Pricey in OZ at about $50 a bottle. It is worth the extra.

But these days it seems marketing is going a bit crazy...

Ill have some bourbon coffee in the morning, play a round of golf with my Maker's putter and then eat some bourbon chocolate, smoke a bourbon cigar, use my pc with bourbon mouse pad etc etc etc

Forget that junk, just drink!

Russ.

U2 3d

2009-08-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

While on the topic of U2

I should post this. 3D movie. If you get a chance... see this.

One of the best movie experiences. the 3d tech in this was pretty darn awesome.!

I was screaming in the theatre.

Only 4 other people in the theatre. Great!

Russ.

U2 Beautiful Day

2009-08-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am a pretty huge U2 fan. I must have sung this almost every time I go to Karaoke in Japan.

Sit back and enjoy. I don't know if this lyric is true however...
"What you don't have, you don't need it now"
Some things I don't have I NEEEEEED!

Russ.

ps, by the time this blog is finished, I'll probably have posted the whole U2 collection.

Tarmac Rallies in 1995

2009-08-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

In 1995 I was really into Rally. Sainz, Makinen, Auriol, McRae and others. I was dreaming of a thumping rally car. All my friends were into rally and I had some friends that were good drivers. I had upgraded from thrashing my Dato and Celica in the forests of Canberra. But the hunger led me to a 4wd purchase.

Around this time the tarmac rally cars were pretty close to the road going counterparts looks wise. Dumped on (huge at the time) 17inch rims, they looked amazing with some having more aero than others.

Corsica saw the debut of the Evo III. WOW!
Part 1
Part 2

I absolutely WANTED a JDM spec Evo III. But in Australia we only had the 1.8 GSR.

After many test drives there was No match to the WRX out of the box and the new ST205 Celica was $75K! and untouchable.

So there it was, a WHITE 1994 WRX sedan. Power, Grip Grip Grip and then some. Too fast for the street really especially after tuning. It was an animal.

These for me were the highlight of Rally. Road going cars turned into race cars then lots of tech returned to the end user.

Cataluña was refinement

Part 1
Part 2

Tansvision Vamp - I wan't your love.

2009-08-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

I was in the supermarket today and I heard and midi instrumental version of this song. Wow the university memories came flooding back.

Wendy James from Transvision Vamp is HOT. that's all I need to say. The song was a bit of an anthem in Australia.

Video Here

Russ.

BMW M1

2009-08-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

I loved the M1 when I was about 8 years old. Had a big poster in my room. The PROCAR races were awesome! Built for Motorsport and then turned into a roadcar. That's how it should be.

They were pretty popular in Australia because the F1 drivers could race them at grand prix events and Aussie Alan Jones often got a ride.

I remember the BASF designs when I started racing RC cars M1 polycarbonate body was the best. basic three stripe design was also cool but over a couple of years there were so many designs and liveries.

I like the twin badges on the rear too. Any Warhol painted one that was raced at lemans.

Youtube BBC, Beastly engine note, Some racing.

This slot car link has some amazing history of Group5 cars where some of the procar M1s eventually continued racing.

Another one for the dream garage

Russ.

Van Halen

2009-07-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Eddie... what a legend. Alex... Legend. David Lee Roth... Legend! Sammy Hagar... Legend, Michael Anthony... Legend. Gary Cherone ... Semi-Legend. These days Wolfgang is playing in the group.

I only managed to see VH in Australia on the Van Halen III tour. It was the first time they had toured there.

Hot For Teacher intro.... THE best start to a song ..... EVER, I think alex was rockin 4 bass drums in his setup those days! Pitty the video ain't so great.

Eruption... If you can play this, you are pretty good. it's a guitar learners benchmark.
Have seen many stuff this up.
BTW. I can't play it all. Just parts.

Soooo many highlights for me. I could almost list all the albums and singles. But I guess the 1984~5150 years are those that most remember.

I think that 5150 and dreams kind of took things to another level too. The Blue Angels video was pretty cool too.

"Edward Van Halen's 1984 and 5150 guitars are one of the most recognizable guitars in rock history. Ed assembled the guitars himself at the Kramer factory, and even painted it himself with Krylon "rattle-can" paint. The guitars consisted of an original Floyd Rose tremolo, one humbucker, and a single volume knob. A very simple guitar, for a very simple sound that is truly amazing." from ultimate guitar.com and I agree.

These Franenkramer guitars feature the EVH designs that these days Eddie has turned into a mini industry. You can also get some Frankenstein theme sneakers these days from the EVH site.

Some fan chopped this Diabolo. I think Eddie had a Miura with a special Wide body. It's rumoured to be revving in the song Panama!

Russ.

Lindt

2009-07-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

Why is something so sweet so bad for you. I could eat about 5000000000 of these white chocolate balls. The ultimate experience for any white chocoholic. the smooth centre melts like nothing else.

Russ.

Jamiroquai - Cosmic Girl

2009-07-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

When you see this logo, obviously ferrari comes to mind. The cover of Jamiroquai's "Travelling without Moving" CD release looks like a ferrari engine cover.

I think the first time I saw the Cosmic Girl film clip I was like --- COOOL! Production company + Diabolo + F40 + F355 + driving pretty hard.

Jay owns some pretty cool cars. Below is Jay's Lambo. It didn't fair too well on a london day.

Some of the tracks on this album, probably indicate some form of halucinagenic drug at work. Lots of Jamaican reggae and digital sounds with didgereedoo and ethnic influence, but it works.

But I guess the main memory I have from this album is that, its a favourite of a friend, he would always have it on the CD player as we did some Wangan or C1.

Russ.

Back to the Future

2009-07-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

Back to the future... on its release held so many cool things for me. The interesting (but as we all know impossible) issue of time travel raised some cool questions about possible realities.

A huge Guitar amp that blows you across the room. Turn it up.

M.J. Fox aka Calvin Klein. did a reasonable job.

And there was that crazy looking delorean. 1.21jigawatts!!!!.

and of course ... Lea Thompson. (I'd probably answer her name to the fave all time actress question.)

When you look back now Promotional trailers were very very lame.

Rent it... go on.

Russ.

Play Station

2009-07-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here is my Play Station driving station. I bought the Logitec PS2 wheel a long time ago with my Blue transparent playstation 2 (Skeleton) .

I used to play GT4 and Battle gear all the time, so this setup was ideal.

I designed it to slide up to my couch. I would sit down. then pull the table towards me therefore creating a cockpit.

Made from MDF, the table height and pedal positions were fully adjustable with wing nuts. And I had a place for all those JDM stickers.

It's now gone to the jusnk yard, but it was fun for ages. These days 32" screen is rediculously small.

Russ.