Archive for October, 2006

2007 Lexus LS460

Lexus has redesigned its latest adaptation of its flagship sedan, the LS. In its 17th year of LS production, you could say Lexus has outdone itself…and maybe the competition. And in order to put itself in contention with the likes of the Mercedes S-class, the BMW 7 series, and the Audi A8/S8, Lexus has added a number of luxurious apppointments into the new LS. Lexus has also added a first-ever long wheel base version.

Many of the neat features include push button start, tuck away side mirrors (I have these on my car and probably play with them too often), rear seat massage (it might be time to hire that driver you’ve always wanted), a motorized 9-inch drop down screen for the rear passengers (of course), and a Gen V GPS system with a 30 GB hard drive. However the there are two more notable features in the LS.

First, the LS includes an 8-speed transmission, which has fewer moving parts than its 6-speed predecessor using about the same amount of space. Why an 8-speed? Well, fuel and engine efficiency are definite advantages of having the transmission shift at earlier RPM levels. This is also the case with the recent utilization and improvement of CVT transmissions. Second is the nifty automatic parallel parking feature. Using bumper-mounted sonar and a rear camera, the LS will stuff itself into that curbside parking space that you refuse to park in for fear of bumping into someone.

While all of these “neat” things might seem like overkill, not to mention the over/under bets you could wager on how many of these things will break before your warranty is up, Lexus has proven itself in recent years as producing quality automobiles. This confidence shouldn’t change with the new LS. Personally, I still prefer a Mercedes, and probably a BMW, to a Lexus. Perhaps I should change my mind.

See the car for yourself in this TheWeekendDrive.com podcast.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Are You a Puppet?

I recently had the pleasure of visiting with one of my high school friends, Jason Cox, at a local book store. He was doing a reading and book signing of his new project, Puppet, A Story. I recommend the book to any and everyone.

While it doesn’t fit a particular demographic…Jason describes the book as “a book for all ages”…he did a great job of leaving it open for interpretation. The special treat of hearing Jason read it (keep in mind, he is very impassionate about this book) was that we got to hear his interpretation. You see, Jason has reinvented himself over the years…not that it has been necessary. Jason is intelligent, caring, and extremely personable. Early on, he overcame a life-threatening disease that required a bone marrow transplant. After college, he moved to Mexico where he learned once again to appreciate life. He began a career in classical ballet at the age of 26. He hopes that one day this book will be a ballet, and if I know Jason well enough, this hope will become a reality.

When you think of this book, think of Up The Learning Tree…overcoming obstacles to grow personally and spiritually with an ultimate path to fulfillment.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Meet the Ariel Atom

With the rebirth of the supercar in the last few years, many categories of automobiles (sedans, SUVs, trucks, etc) have received that extra boost of horsepower to stay the competition. All of a sudden, 500 hp has become the new 300 hp. But do you really need all of that power to go fast…to elevate your driving experience? Well, perhaps not in a practical form.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Got Vice?

First off…the usual disclosure: I am not a licensed investment advisor nor am I qualified to give financial advice…and no I don’t own this fund or work for a company that has any interest in the fund or its investments, etcetera, and so on, yada yada…yada.

Ok…now that that’s out of the way, allow me to introduce you to The Vice Fund. A buddy of mine from Dallas told me about this fund back in 2003; it was created in August 2002. The fund invests in small, medium, and large cap equities of companies whose revenues are generated from tobacco, gaming, defense/weapons, and liquor just to name a few. According to the prospectus, these companies are involved in industries that are considered to be “recession-proof”. So what if this fund is not considered “socially responsible”? Let’s take a look at what investing in these so-called sin stocks has done for its investors in the past.

Year to date, the fund has a return of 14.17% (10-17-2006, Morningstar.com). If I’ve done my research correctly, that’s better than that of the DOW, NASDAQ, and the S&P 500. And although it currently features Morningstar’s 4-Star rating, it did achieve a 5-Star rating back in March of this year. It is also in the top 3% of the 3-Year Lipper Quartile ranking.

So while all that sounds neat, what’s even cooler is the theorization that the fund could likely continue this success. The returns were acheived during a bull market; and unless my college professors told me wrong, these types of stocks…let me reword…these types of industries can also benefit from economic downturn…a bear market. How can you go wrong…I mean…other than investing in these companies that spread bad around our society? The notion of donating some of your “winnings” to charities is a start. I believe I read somewhere that this is the suggestion of the fund’s manager, Charles Norton. Whether sincerely or sarcastically, he has a point especially if you’re into making good returns. Just writing this is piquing my curiosity…and my consideration.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Where’s Ron Franklin?

First off, allow me to posit my opinion about Uncle Ron (he’s not my uncle, BTW): “Ron Franklin is arguably the best college football announcer ever…second only to Keith Jackson.”

Ridiculously enough, Mr. Franklin isn’t doing ANY of the prime time games. Instead, we have to listen to Brent “I know you’re watching the same game I am, but I’ll say it anyway” Musberger along side former Aggie defensive coordinator and short-lived Irish head coach, Bob Davie. Well, I’m not gonna knock Davie (except for his Aggie ties, although “The Wrecking Crew” was pretty bad-a$$). Seriously, though….Musberger?

On the other side, you’ve got Gary Thorne. Great. A hockey guy. I’m already falling asleep. Ok…hockey isn’t THAT bad, but really. Throw Andre Ware in there, and it’s a nightmare. Listening to Andre Ware is like listening to Troy Aikman in his very first year of broadcasting. I have to say, Troy…you’ve stepped it up nicely. Andre, take notes.

At the bottom of the pile (unfortunately during the peak of College Football Saturday) you’ve got Dyan Foots (yes, the former 8-time Pro Bowl Chargers QB), Mark Jones (who?), and Brad Nessler. Ok, Nessler ain’t bad.

So, while it sounds like I’m completely unimpressed with all of the above, my sole purpose for busting ‘em up is to fuel my fire (except for Musberger….he’s just really annoying). I’m just mostly disgusted at the fact that ABC wouldn’t replace Keith Jackson with his natural successor, Ron Franklin.

Sorry for the rant…it just came out of nowhere today. But, surely I’m not the only person that will go as far as to make that initial factual statement…I mean opinion.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Fun or Frustration?

As a former college athlete (yeah, I’m cool), I often find my competitive nature gets the best of me at times when they shouldn’t. One of those times is when my 3-year-old child is playing soccer. Before you scold me for having such an attitude allow me to continue.

Instead of leading the pack down the field toward the opposing goal, the kiddo often times kicks up dust in dirt patches or chases the dragonflies around the field. Even worse, the assistant coach is a somewhat attractive woman who unknowingly keeps his attention…and hearts come out of his eyes when her 4-year-old daughter is around, who by the way is the team’s superstar. But when I feel the urge to potentially become the most-hated parent on the team, I bite my tongue and beam my wicked Tom Cruise smile (he smiles even when he’s angry in case you were wondering what that meant).

Of course, when he finally tells himself “I think I’m gonna play soccer now”, I’m cheering my head off and running down the field along side him. Needless to say, I’m proud of his efforts and am much more understanding of his childlike tendencies…since, you know…he’s a child. Halfway through the season, I find myself laughing as opposed to being frustrated. Time flies much too quickly for me to worry about whether or not he will develop into the professional athlete that will allow me retire early. Kidding.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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