First time for everything.
I just rode a segway for the first time. I have to admit, it was pretty fun.
-j
Why Steve Jobs’ Mercedes Never Had a License Plate
Besides his signature black turtleneck, New Balance sneakers, and blue jeans, Steve Jobs was known for his silver Mercedes SL55 AMG. What was perhaps most interesting about Jobs’ ride was the fact that it never had a license plate.
Jobs’ Mercedes was photographed many times over the last several years, but the car was always plate-free. How did he do it? Did he pay the fine every time he was confronted by the police? Did he obtain a special permit? Did he just get lucky?
The answer is actually very simple:
Steve (or someone close to him) spotted a loophole in the California vehicle laws. Anyone with a brand new car had a maximum of six months to affix the issued number plate to the vehicle.
So Jobs made an arrangement with the leasing company; he would always change cars during the sixth month of the lease, exchanging one silver Mercedes SL55 AMG for another identical one. At no time would he ever be in a car as old as six months; and thus there was no legal requirement to have the number plates fitted.
One might also assume that the leasing company was happy – they had an endless supply of luxury cars to on-sell with the previous driver being none-other that Steve Jobs.
That would be a win-win-win situation for Steve, the leasing company and for the subsequent buyer.
Not a big apple fan myself, but this is actually pretty cool.
Original article:
http://www.cultofmac.com/126338/why-steve-jobs-mercedes-never-had-a-license-plate/
Headed to NYC
@Hobby airport, heading to JFK, for my first trip to Manhattan since I was 12th. Hope to run into some old friends, see some cool stuff, and eat some good food. Catch you all on the flip side! Watch my facebook for updates.
Book review – Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a good, light read. For those familiar with Snow Crash, this is similar. Instead of ancient Sumerian history as a source of background, you have the 80's pop and gaming world to provide the substance. While I liked the ancient side of Snow Crash, this was certainly an interesting look into the electronic world that grew up in the 80's.
The characters are well developed, and I found the plot progression to be paced very well. I have heard a movie is being developed, and I will certainly await its release.
You don't need to be a gamer to read it, as I found the explanations to be good for those who haven't played an MMO before, but not overbearing for those who have.
As this was the first book by this author, I have placed him on my watch list for what he puts out next.
Vacation post #1
So, here is the story so far...
Leisurely drive to L'auberge, with Bill Burr and Louis Black keeping me entertained on the way. I arrive at the casino to find a nice room and a set of black jack tables that all say $25 minimum and have sad looking people sitting at them. I soon came to find out why. I had been sitting at the table for a solid hour before I saw a dealer bust. So, I cut my losses and tried some of the slot machines that my friends seem to like so much. I won about $50, then proceeded to give it all back. Nearing dinner time I take a seat at the bar in the Jack Daniel's restaurant, which is currently being run by a bunch of girls I place somewhere between 16 and 19. I have some food, a few drinks, then decide to take another shot at the black jack tables. I encounter no better luck than earlier, and I seriously start to wonder if I am being cheated somehow. I go into the Glo-bar and catch 4 two's on video poker, celebrate with a bud light then go to bed.
Wake up to breakfast via room service, and on a trip like this, I really don't care how much it cost. I enjoyed every bite. I shower, and take a drive out to pick up some essentials that I can't find at the l'sundries store in the casino (dumbest name ever). Just after getting parked, I found a brand new iPhone laying on the ground by the car next to me. I decide it would be better to bring it in to the store than to leave it to be run over. I give it to the manager of the store, who apparently calls the last number dialed, finds the owner, and they are grateful. I have done my good dead for the day.
Return to hit pool side with my e-book reader (thanks, Dad!). Here I encounter an assortment of people that have all been drinking for some time now (my watch says it's just after noon). After a bit of conversation and a lot of sun, I decide to head in around 3.
More to come, but I really have to finish packing and head to NOLA.
Blast from the past
Back in '97, I took a trip with my friend Tyson and his family to Lake Tahoe. I came across this picture while cleaning out some old files over the weekend:
That trip was an eventful one, and I had a great time. This trip was unique in that, for some unknown reason, most of my close friends were up there as well. Mike and Matt traveled up their with Mike's family. Melanie Shea was up there with her father. I miss times when random shit like that would happen.
Things were much simpler back then.
To all my friends who made that trip, I salute you.
-J
Jack’s Place – Now open in the Woodlands
A friend of mine opened a new restaurant, so I thought I would inform my readers and try and drum up some business. Here is the write up from their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/JacksPlaceTexas
Enjoy our distinctive Texas International Cuisine while sipping an ice cold beer on our large outdoor patio by the pool and outdoor bar! Or, hang out inside and relax with friends and family in a big comfortable booth! Inside there is a large bar with ample seating and space - not to mention, great music!
Want to host a party? The Place, at Jack's, is our event and party room. It boasts an HD TV with audio/visual capabilities and a private bar.
26710 I45 North, Oak Ridge North, TX 77386
Hours
Tues - Wed: 4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Thurs - Sat: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am
Sun: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Email yvonnem@jacksplacetx.com
Phone 832-510-2050
Now open in the Woodlands!
Music, Steak Dinners, and Downtown Houston
I took a trip to downtown Houston this weekend, in order to catch my friend's band Black Queen Speaks Friday night. I managed to catch the show, grab a steak dinner, and get a massage at the hotel spa. Not a bad way to start a three day weekend.
Jon Stewart destroys Bill O’reilly
I am a fan of the Daily Show, but this might convince even a non-fan that we should be watching more of Jon Stewart and less of FOX:
Corporate networks
My corporate network thinks the NY Times homepage is a potential harmful website, which could compromise my work computer.
I understand not everyone agrees with the views there, but I think casting their ideas as harmful information in the same light as a virus is going a little too far.
Josh's Wall
: What part of update don't you understand?!
: messages working?
: I've got a post coming up just for you, Mike!
: Love the how to get a girl! Let me know how the singing telegram works out!
: thanks
: I like the new look!
: Thanks, Mike. Still trying to work out some kinks
: Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon cainsweb.com and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I'll be [...]
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