Speedlog

SpeedWiki

2010-04-24T04:31:27Z

I started a WiKi about my new recumbent trike and the process of turning it into an all weather HPV commute and touring vehicle.

Drillbit Taylor (Speedlog score 0)

2008-03-23T07:41:37Z

I nearly walked out at least 3 times. What a horror show with barely a single redeeming quality.

--MM

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (Speedlog score 75)

2008-03-23T07:37:29Z

I was impressed by the use of 50's era comedic timing at the beginning that segwayed seamlessly into a more contemporary style. Normally not my bag but I enjoyed it.

--MM

NOT Good (Bee Colony Collapse Disorder)

2008-02-26T01:11:59Z

There is a Wired article this month that goes into some detail about why the bees have been mysteriously disappearing. The long and short of it is if the bees disappear so does our food source. All but the ocean at least and we are wrecking that too. Nobody knows what peripheral impact global warming and pollution may have on the ecosystem and sure as shit it will be some seemingly innocuous thing like a bug or a bacteria that will be our undoing. Lets hope nature is fault tolerant enough to save the human race. The only trouble is it will probably be a small fraction of the population saved.

Car Port Steps Rebuilt

2007-12-10T04:44:34Z

I took this past week off to burn up some annual leave and took the opportunity to rebuild the stairs in my car port. The old ones were riddled with termites. I built the whole thing with pressure treated lumber. Stairs proved to be quite a challenge to build but even having a few remaining details left they are square and robust. Whew, it sure was a lot of work and demolishing the old ones was a nightmare. They used a combination of nails and staples and there was no ryme or reason to how they went together. The only answer was large hammers and crow bars. I'm amazed I didn't injure myself. I really enjoyed using my new Festool power tools and I'm looking forward to rebuilding my cabinets among other things in the coming months.

New Floor

2007-08-17T19:55:31Z

Well, I finally got rid of most of the nasty carpet and in goes the wood strip floor.

Progress!!

Black Snake Moan (Speedlog score 75)

2007-03-12T02:01:29Z

Sam and Christina don't disappoint. She displays a vulnerability rarely seen. The music is great. I bought the soundtrack that day.

--MM

Shockwave

2007-02-08T05:39:47Z

A snippit of a video I shot the last year there was a REAL Moffett Field Air Show.

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Little Children (Speedlog score 85)

2006-12-04T04:49:35Z

What a spectacular bit of film making. This film was thought provoking and interesting. Kate and Jennifer looked gorgeous as ever. I love films that make you feel something and then question those feelings by shifting the perspective as this one does. Top marks all round.

Stranger Than Fiction (Speedlog score 80)

2006-11-20T00:49:40Z

If I had not just seen Casino Royale yesterday, the score might be even higher. I always love seeing Maggie Gyllenhall, and this was no exception. That family has a gift. The whole concept was wonderful and it passed my most important test. I was drawn into the story. I love this time of year when the really big guns come out.

--MM

Casino Royale (Speedlog score 85)

2006-11-20T00:46:06Z

Quite simply the best Bond in decades. The best script, the best actors and the best Bond. It was not too long as some are saying and the opening foot chase was nothing short of breathtaking. I hope he does many more projects.

--MM

First Ride in 7

2006-09-25T06:47:58Z

Well, I busted my hump and managed to get the Ducati on the road this weekend. I took a test ride up to Skyline today and WOW am I rusty. It's been 7 years since the tags expired and I find that unbelievable. I can barely fit into to my leather suite (welcome to my 40's). The bike so far works surprisingly well other than the old leaking left fork seal. In the few miles I rode it made quite a mess. I forgot what acceleration feels like after driving Diesel vehicles for so long. Holy crap this thing makes a lot of power above 6,000 or so. My right wrist needs work to handle any distance, since it has become pretty weak. The fork seal, some basic maintenance and some paint and body work are next on the agenda.

Flyboys (Speedlog Score 65)

2006-09-24T06:22:03Z

Most of the characters were wooden and the script was pretty weak. I am a sucker for aviation films and you don't often see WWI era planes these days. I was ready for way too much CGI but that was not too bad at all. The french brunette love interest was a doll. Flyboys is certainly worth a look if your expectations are not too high.

--MM

900SS back online

2006-09-24T05:59:24Z

I am fighting the urge to buy a Super Motard (KTM or Husquavarna). And my good friends Faun and Andrew are opening a small wine and cheese shop in Los Gatos (Los Gatos Gourmet). So I have decided to get the old Ducati running. I found some parts on ebay and I'm getting the cheesy fiberglass tail section I bought fabricated and mounted. Simply draining the fuel and putting in fresh was all it took to get her to fire (after buying a new battery). The left fork leaks like a sieve after a complete rebuild and that was the primary reason I parked it 5 years ago along with the seat fab being such a chore. For now I just want to get it serviceable for as little money as possible. It would barely be worth $3k if it wasn't salvage title. I rode it down the street today and it will be re-registered by Monday. I should at least be able to ride it to Faun's grand opening and I will probably have the body work repainted soon.

Hollywoodland (Speedlog score 75)

2006-09-11T04:31:12Z

What can I say, it drew me in. Adrien Brody did a smokin job and Diane Lane was effective and fetching as ever. I don't understand why they feel they need every one in sight to be a chain smoker. Realism is a piss poor excuse. The story was hard to follow in places as I suspect it actually was in real life. Brody was the true star of this work.