Alas, the original thread was closed a while back.

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=524949&page=5&pp=30

I was reminded of it when i saw that Jura Capresso now has the Z6!
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku7805443/index.cfm?pkey=celtjuri&cm%5Fsrc=None

And of course the Cup warmer
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/8199994/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd1mall%7C15%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C jura&cm%5Fsrc=sch

Will the madness ever end?

Alas, the original thread was closed a while back.

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=524949&page=5&pp=30

I was reminded of it when i saw that Jura Capresso now has the Z6!
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku7805443/index.cfm?pkey=celtjuri&cm%5Fsrc=None



I lust after a LA MARZOCCO espresso machine. The thing that stops me from buying one is that I'd have to completely renovate my kitchen to install one!

Does aviation qualify as a high-end pursuit?

Alas, the original thread was closed a while back.

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=524949&page=5&pp=30

I was reminded of it when i saw that Jura Capresso now has the Z6!
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku7805443/index.cfm?pkey=celtjuri&cm%5Fsrc=None

And of course the Cup warmer
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/8199994/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd1mall%7C15%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C jura&cm%5Fsrc=sch

Will the madness ever end?

I do have the Capresso Z6 which I upgraded from the Z5. The newer version is really only a glitzier version of the Z5 with much more chrome. It continues to make the best coffee and espress drinks that I have ever had. It will be on display at the next BAAS meeting at my house

I do have the Capresso Z6 which I upgraded from the Z5. The newer version is really only a glitzier version of the Z5 with much more chrome. It continues to make the best coffee and espress drinks that I have ever had. It will be on display at the next BAAS meeting at my house
I have a Rancilio S24 that I've owed for the past 5 years. Its a real work horse.

Bastard! :) Roxanne wants to know if you have the cup warmer!

I have the Z5 at home and the S8 at work

my birthday is next week if anyone wants to get me the cup warmer :D

You just don't need the cup warmer with any of the Capresso products as the water is hot almost instantly after turning on the machine

I roast my own premium coffee beans at home with a Hearthware roaster. Looking at the new Gene Cafe Roaster to replace Hearthware. Also use the Gaggia Classic espresso machine which is all stainless steel, brass, and copper materials. Also use the Gaggia MDF burr grinder which is not have anything to do with the "dancing grinder." Brew my coffee with a Technivorm Clubline coffee maker.

Hm... does law school count as a high-end pursuit? Because it's sure expensive enough to be one...

Rancilio Silvia + Rocky (doserless) grinder here.

Ah my vixen Silvia, your hot elixir bekons me each morning, joining us yet again in another elicit and steamy trist.

what i do find interesting about the insanely priced coffee machine is that while i am not a coffee drinker, and my wife has chosen not to revisit that addiction after her week of headaches while getting off caffeine for her pregnancy... we want one.

I roast my own premium coffee beans at home with a Hearthware roaster. Looking at the new Gene Cafe Roaster to replace Hearthware. Also use the Gaggia Classic espresso machine which is all stainless steel, brass, and copper materials. Also use the Gaggia MDF burr grinder which is not have anything to do with the "dancing grinder." Brew my coffee with a Technivorm Clubline coffee maker.

Hi,

I'd like to get started learning how to roast my own beans. Are they good online forums or books that got you started? I only know of coffeegeeks and coffeekid...

I almost got a Technivorm myself, but I opted for the much more economical pourover method. Still makes a terrific cup :)

Thanks,

- Steve O.

Hi Dizzman........I've heard that some people have headache problems drinking coffee. Some acquaintances I have met have these headaches soon after they are done drinking the coffee. They seem not to quit drinking it either, as far as I can tell. I can't imagine the headaches either since I have no such symptoms myself, but I'm sure they are real for others. I can take coffee or leave it and sometimes go for weeks without a cup. But I do enjoy it very much. Too bad about the headache symptoms though....I hear some journals are claiming health benefits obtainable through coffee drinking and dark chocolate too.

Hi,

I'd like to get started learning how to roast my own beans. Are they good online forums or books that got you started? I only know of coffeegeeks and coffeekid...

I almost got a Technivorm myself, but I opted for the much more economical pourover method. Still makes a terrific cup :)

Thanks,

- Steve O.

Hi Steve.....roasting your own green beans is fun and economical since you can get most any premium coffee bean that is grown. I have a source that I get Hawaiian Kona peaberry beans direct from the plantation. And when you open the bag of green beans the aroma from them is undescribable.

Many resources on the net for roasting. My first and formost resource when I started was reading Kenneth Davids' books. Good starting point and very informative reads with good leads on types of beans, roasts, origins, etc.

The sites you list are classics. I do not frequent too many of the coffee forums though. I think Sweet Maria's used to have a pretty lively forum for a while. Did most of my research reading about roasting and equipment though.

I've heard many positive things about the different pour over methods and many agree this is the best way to brew and drink coffee. It makes sense to me why could be that way. Myself, I've almost bought presses, infusors and/or Cona's, but never really commited to it yet. I will though I'm sure.....sounds like it would be interesting to try and not too expensive to get your feet wet with the method either. That can't be said for the Technivorm....though used to be not much could compete with this coffee machine. Not sure about that now since I've had mine for a long time now.

Do you think that if you use luxury toilet paper you will enjoy your home theater more?

http://www.radaronline.com/magazine/the-goods/2005/08/royal-flush.php

I'd like to get started learning how to roast my own beans. Are they good online forums or books that got you started? I only know of coffeegeeks and coffeekid...

I almost got a Technivorm myself, but I opted for the much more economical pourover method. Still makes a terrific cup :)

Thanks,

- Steve O.

Coffeegeek.com (http://www.coffeegeek.com/)

Will the madness ever end?

While not quite the madness in expense as audio and exotic coffee and other such toys, my worst addiction is alpine skiing. I'm in trouble when I start making a living at this, :rolleyes:, as I'm likely to quickly pick up a 3-4 ski "quiver" and I'm already eyeing some of the custom-made or small startup outfits that parallel some of the audio companies that have formed to serve this online community. Fortunately since most originate as ski bums, relative determination of an "expensive ski" hasn't taken on exotic audio proportions. Similarly, if a ski boot can rationalize an improvement in fit, performance and comfort, I probably could justfy a multiple or two of what an "average" boot costs.

The internet and web-cams only make this worse... I'm twitching with all the snow that keeps hitting the CO rockies and it's still October! :cool:

Rancilio Silvia + Rocky (doserless) grinder here.

Ah my vixen Silvia, your hot elixir bekons me each morning, joining us yet again in another elicit and steamy trist.
Ginders:
Mazzer mini for caffinated
Rocky for Decaf

Coffeegeek.com (http://www.coffeegeek.com/)

Home Barista (http://www.home-barista.com/)

It's taken a back seat to family and audio since my first kid was born 4 1/2 years ago, but I used to be into bikes pretty big;

My road bike is a Cinelli Supercorsa with full Campy C-record gruppo; still outfitted with non-indexed downtube shifters. My mountain bike is a Fat Chance Yo Eddy! frame (among the last built at the original factory in Somerville, MA) outfitted with a variety of components that were considered to be among the best in its time (around 1994).

My road and mountain bikes (http://www.audiocircle.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=1272)

To add to my earlier post, here's an example of how you can go to more custom & exotic options even with alpine skis:
Igneous Skis (http://www.igneousskis.com/)

Cannondale fan here:

Scalpel series with Headshok lefty Carbon DLR front fork , disc brakes, etc

still bike daily weather permitting: fav spot is Gateway National Park Sandy Hook bike path

Rancilio Silvia + Rocky (doserless) grinder here.

Ah my vixen Silvia, your hot elixir bekons me each morning, joining us yet again in another elicit and steamy trist.

Rancilio makes great stuff. I bought a Silvia for my mom for xmas a few years ago.

I use a Rocky ginder and a Pasquini Livia 90SE.

Fast car + Hi-end audio = no money left for any other hobbies!! :)

While not quite the madness in expense as audio and exotic coffee and other such toys, my worst addiction is alpine skiing. I'm in trouble when I start making a living at this, :rolleyes:, as I'm likely to quickly pick up a 3-4 ski "quiver" and I'm already eyeing some of the custom-made or small startup outfits that parallel some of the audio companies that have formed to serve this online community. Fortunately since most originate as ski bums, relative determination of an "expensive ski" hasn't taken on exotic audio proportions. Similarly, if a ski boot can rationalize an improvement in fit, performance and comfort, I probably could justfy a multiple or two of what an "average" boot costs.

The internet and web-cams only make this worse... I'm twitching with all the snow that keeps hitting the CO rockies and it's still October! :cool:

I know where you are coming from with skiing and its resultant equipment and "goody" costs. Seems to be "never an end to the goody costs." Although my pursuits of the sport have dimished somewhat from what they used to be, this sport can be as draining on your wallet as any other "hi-end" pursuit. Compared to what I paid for my first pair of skiis to my last pair is a testament to this fact. Like anything, if one looks hard enough, one can spend to the "sky's the limit" here too.

I also just started to discover the independent manufacturers of skiing equipment around the last time I purchased my last pair of commercial skis about ten years ago. Located a guy who had defected from a major alpine manufacturer to start production on his own design of a cutting edge "carver" ski. Somehow my interest waned and never found out where this fellow ended up.

My last skis that I still have are the first release of the Volkl Carver. It was about that same time that I had taken a trip to Aspen mountain. Being in Aspen you find out real quickly what "hi-end is or can be.

So, the "sky truly is the limit" in the pursuit of skiing too if I person tries hard enough at it!

To add to my earlier post, here's an example of how you can go to more custom & exotic options even with alpine skis:
Igneous Skis (http://www.igneousskis.com/)


Mark you must check out these (http://www.goode.com/skisallmtn.htm) too.

I use their waterskis and they are great.

Cars....Porsche 02 TT, 00 Box S, 06 CLS 55, 72 911 Taga, 90 911 Cab, 87 944 Turbo..

Im with "controlit"...............aka CA996 at 6speedonline

No, nothing on this level. In order to have what I have, I "cut corners" in other place. My wife drives the BMW but I have a 2000 model Jeep Grand Cherokee. Bought it in 2003 with 48k miles on it for 12.5K cash in mint shape. I plan to drive it until the wheels run off like I did my last Jeep. I use the money that I would be spending on a car note on audio and have a special account for my audio savings. When the wife complains about my spending from that account, I point to the theater and laugh with my stock line,"See that? That's my BMW.:)" Shuts her up. All she can do is laugh 90% of the time but of course she's still pissed sometimes. She wants to get her hands on the audio upgrade fund for a Caribbean vacation, I think. I was a firearms dealer with about 10k in various firearms in my collection. I sold most of that stuff, but had to keep an AK or two around. I am in New Orleans:).

Cars....Porsche 02 TT, 00 Box S, 06 CLS 55, 72 911 Taga, 90 911 Cab, 87 944 Turbo..


The nicest one in that bunch is the 2006 CLS55. My best friend has one. I drove it for a while and could not believe the power and speed it had at 480 Hp with a supercharged engine. I have been looking for one to buy in silver with silver interior. There are only two for sale here in the SF Bay area...one in green with beige interior and another inn blue with grey interior....neither very appealing to me. The new 2007 is called the CLS63 and has a totally different engine. I prefer the 2006.

You should really look at the CLS63 AMG instead, unless you're looking for the "bargain". The normally-aspirated uber motor in the new 63 series AMGs is fantastic! Very responsive.

If a person really insists on having their wallets sucked into an endless abyss of a blackhole; then, try on some astronomy equipment for size. I have a Celestron Nexstar 8" GPS telescope and it is considered inexpensive compared to some of the other exotic optics that are available. The telescope purchase is the small cost compared to all the other "goodies" a person will end up needing or wanting. "Danger...Danger Will Robinson!!"

You should really look at the CLS63 AMG instead, unless you're looking for the "bargain". The normally-aspirated uber motor in the new 63 series AMGs is fantastic! Very responsive.


I haven't been able to find the CLS63 anywhere yet to test drive. Difficult for me to think that there could be any more response than the CLS55. As for "looking for the bargain" these AMG versions are holding their own in the used market. I have also driven the SL55 which I also liked

You should really look at the CLS63 AMG instead, unless you're looking for the "bargain". The normally-aspirated uber motor in the new 63 series AMGs is fantastic! Very responsive.

Nothing says "I've made it" more than a S65 AMG. Refined. Understated. Luxurious. Fast. Expensive.

Nothing says "I've made it" more than a S65 AMG. Refined. Understated. Luxurious. Fast. Expensive.

and it's turbocharged to boot

and it's turbocharged to boot

Yes - but it's got those itty bitty turbos. I prefer slightly larger ones. :)

http://www.fototime.com/C20CE04A3882225/standard.jpg

one,
Sorry, should have ;) on the "bargain"! I think you couldn't go wrong with an SL65 or CLS63, or honestly the 55s for that matter. They are all excellent cars, and no doubt all scream "I have arrived"!! in more ways than one. I just wanted to alert you to the raves the new 63 motor is getting. It is, I believe, the first "ground-up" engine design for AMG used in a passenger car.

S65 is surely the Executive Express. 600+ hp from a twin-turbo V12. If power corrupts....Ahhhhh.

Jim,
Is that a Supra? What'll she do?

lets be honest, when talking about black holes... NOTHING compares to a boat! (preferably a sailboat)

Jim,
Is that a Supra? What'll she do?

It is.

Here's my last big dyno thrashing. :)

http://www.fototime.com/058DCB594D6E806/standard.jpg

One of my customers asked me recently, "Do you know what boat stands for?" I bit, and said no, tell me. He said "Bring On Another Thousand"! I had to laugh, because one of my best friends sold his offshore Fountain powerboat a couple years ago, and I thought he would be bummed because he loved that boat. When I asked him how he felt, he said it was the best day of his life!

Holy S***! Is that car street legal or a drag queen?

One of my customers asked me recently, "Do you know what boat stands for?" I bit, and said no, tell me. He said "Bring On Another Thousand"! I had to laugh, because one of my best friends sold his offshore Fountain powerboat a couple years ago, and I thought he would be bummed because he loved that boat. When I asked him how he felt, he said it was the best day of his life!

It's often said that the happiest two days in a boaters life are the day he bought his first boat, and the day he sold his last.

lets be honest, when talking about black holes... NOTHING compares to a boat! (preferably a sailboat)


I've always been told that the two biggest days of any boot owner's life are when he buys his boat and finally when he sells the boat

Great minds think alike or is this ground hog day?

lets be honest, when talking about black holes... NOTHING compares to a boat! (preferably a sailboat)


Well....if you insist.....but, are we not then back again to square one per your originating quote: "Will the madness never end?"

Hey Dizzman......I don't know if you get a Sunday newspaper and if that newspaper includes what is called "Parade," but on coincidence to what was posted upon here yesterday about coffee, the doggone article said coffee, among its other remedies, was supposed to "help alleviate headaches!" I thought what the.......???

Great minds think alike or is this ground hog day?

Clearly great minds thinl alike!

Great minds think alike or is this ground hog day?
Clearly great minds thinl alike!

Oh no! It's Groundhogs day. :D

The new 2007 is called the CLS63 and has a totally different engine. I prefer the 2006.

You prefer the blown motor to the NA? I haven't driven the 63 yet but by all accounts it's a proper motor, what don't you like about it?

lets be honest, when talking about black holes... NOTHING compares to a boat! (preferably a sailboat)

Agreed, particularly the time factor of the maintenance required! I can easily do the scrubbing, rigging and other routine tasks that makes up 90% of a sailboat's operational costs, so I feel guilty not doing it myself even though I SHOULD be much happier if I had one of the marina kids doing all that stuff for me.

I think sailing appeals to the same sort of masochist as high-end home theater, in that you end up much less time enjoying the end product than the endless planning, purchasing, tweaking and upgrading cycle! :)

If a person really insists on having their wallets sucked into an endless abyss of a blackhole; then, try on some astronomy equipment for size. I have a Celestron Nexstar 8" GPS telescope and it is considered inexpensive compared to some of the other exotic optics that are available. The telescope purchase is the small cost compared to all the other "goodies" a person will end up needing or wanting. "Danger...Danger Will Robinson!!"

Very nice! I used to have an Astro Physics aprochromatic refractor, but then I moved to the big city and it sat gathering dust for a few years until I sold it. These days the only astronomy I get to is using Starry Night, which admittedly is pretty cool these days with the full-sky CCD catalog!

http://store.starrynightstore.com/proplus6.html

The nicest one in that bunch is the 2006 CLS55. My best friend has one. I drove it for a while and could not believe the power and speed it had at 480 Hp with a supercharged engine. I have been looking for one to buy in silver with silver interior. There are only two for sale here in the SF Bay area...one in green with beige interior and another inn blue with grey interior....neither very appealing to me. The new 2007 is called the CLS63 and has a totally different engine. I prefer the 2006.

that's a bit of apples and oranges comparing it to a 911 TT. comparing the SL class to the TT is a no brainer....Porsche eats its lunch.

i think the M5 is the "value" choice in high end sedans, hands down. i love the CLS too, but driving it is somewhat challenging with the low, "squinty" windows---leaves a big blindspot.

that's a bit of apples and oranges comparing it to a 911 TT. comparing the SL class to the TT is a no brainer....Porsche eats its lunch.

i think the M5 is the "value" choice in high end sedans, hands down. i love the CLS too, but driving it is somewhat challenging with the low, "squinty" windows---leaves a big blindspot.


Hi Keith

You are absolutely correct about the Porsche TT. My son had the first TT Cabriolet in California which I drove and it is an experience but for an old gomer like me I do like the SL AMG and the CLS AMG

The other fun car which I drove was the BMW 650i M6 which is coming in a cabriolet this month

If a person really insists on having their wallets sucked into an endless abyss of a blackhole; then, try on some astronomy equipment for size. I have a Celestron Nexstar 8" GPS telescope and it is considered inexpensive compared to some of the other exotic optics that are available. The telescope purchase is the small cost compared to all the other "goodies" a person will end up needing or wanting. "Danger...Danger Will Robinson!!"


You beat me to the punch!. I have a TMB 7" apochromatic refractor on an Astrophyics 12000GTO mount. It all sits on a Particle Wave Technology Monolith pier. Before the cost of the eyepieces, that's approx $26,000. I have a Takahashi Mewlon 300 on order. Chalk up another $15,000.

David Shapiro

wow, another dick waving thread.

What is the point of this $20,000 forum Alan??????????

There are folks out there sell $100K plus reflectors to home users, or more. I'd want some good references though before coughing up that much. But high quality large optics aren't cheap. And if you had that kind of system, you'd have to have it hard mounted with a roll top enclosure as well. Would be cool though to have a meter plus sized reflector, with a really good CCD system (more money.)

But, in the end, for me, the 'making up for the fact that I have a small peepee' toy would have be something with a prancing horse or raging bull on the logo. I was watching American Dreamz last night, which has some egregious F360 scenes and was drooling on myself. That's a toy whose technical excellence and performance is real and measurable. Way better than a $1000 cup warmer. Well, about 125 times better at least.

I am with you, Dean. I actually even prefer the 360 to the 430. The newer car is faster, but I think the 360 is more beautifully organic in its form. I used to have use of a 348, and the 360 is in another league dynamically. The sound of the Ferrari V8 is intoxicating, surpassed only by their normally aspirated V12, in my opinion.

The problem, of course is where to use those goodies. My system is (barely) portable, due to light pollution and all those damn trees. To have a real home observatory, I'd have to come up with a few million for a house on Lake Michigan. Won't happen til my stock hits.

David

Yes - it's street legal... well sorta. ;)

Where's thebland?

You beat me to the punch!. I have a TMB 7" apochromatic refractor on an Astrophyics 12000GTO mount. It all sits on a Particle Wave Technology Monolith pier. Before the cost of the eyepieces, that's approx $26,000. I have a Takahashi Mewlon 300 on order. Chalk up another $15,000.

David Shapiro

Nice setup David.....literally, the "sky's the limit" here too I think? Astrophysics makes some quality stuff.

wow, another dick waving thread.

What is the point of this $20,000 forum Alan??????????

The point is to talk about what you want to talk about here, eh?

The problem, of course is where to use those goodies. My system is (barely) portable, due to light pollution and all those damn trees. To have a real home observatory, I'd have to come up with a few million for a house on Lake Michigan. Won't happen til my stock hits.

David

Hi David......light pollution is huge.......throw your wallet in the "hole."

wow, another dick waving thread.

What is the point of this $20,000 forum Alan??????????

not for you little guys with priapism ;)

i have a friend i worked with who got a "present" when his dad passed away...

A 1967 GT500 with the 427 engine!

I am with you, Dean. I actually even prefer the 360 to the 430. The newer car is faster, but I think the 360 is more beautifully organic in its form. I used to have use of a 348, and the 360 is in another league dynamically. The sound of the Ferrari V8 is intoxicating, surpassed only by their normally aspirated V12, in my opinion.


It's an immaculate design, no doubt. I'm a hard top guy, but that one looks drool-worthy even without a top. There are a few folks around here who have them and I see them from time to time. I also pulled into Marie Calendars to pick up some food a couple months back and looked over and it was a baby Lambo (the Gallardo.) It's so small but it just drips testosterone. Quite impressive just sitting still. It's funny that difference in 'attitude' between them really is very much like that between a prancing stallion and a raging bull.

Of course, if we are in fantasy land, we could go for the Bugatti Veyron, which is in the 'too expensive to even drive' category.

http://www.motordesktop.com/wallpaper/supercars/Bugatti%20Veyron%202%20-%201024x768.jpg

Top speed of 250 MPH, 64 valve, 1000 HP, 1.3 million bucks, 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds, 0 to 125 in 7. 3 seconds. Running wide open, it will drain its 100 liter tank in 12.5 minutes. Brakes from 250 to a stop in less than 10 seconds. The rear spoiler acts as an air brake, tilting up when the brakes are applied. Supposedly you can take your hands off the wheel at top speed and stomp on the brakes and it will not deviate from a straight line all the way till it stops.

This is the kind of car that should come with a box of high end condoms.

Well, here's my high-end hobby.
http://www.stanford.edu/~mcgrant/Photo_100706_008.jpg
Yeah, she's sitting in the cockpit of a Cessna 172 in this picture, but it's not mine :)

I'm only half joking, really. I quickly figured out that as long as I don't indulge in too many other luxuries, I can afford to spend a lot less time at work and a lot more time with this treasure. In terms of potential income lost, that makes her high-end for sure. I'd say I work 35 hours a week, tops, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Her mom's fun too.

Now, having said that, I am considering one of these:
http://www.teslamotors.com/images/content/wallpaper_front3-4_view.jpg (http://www.teslamotors.com/index.php?js_enabled=1)
But I'll probably end up settling for a Volvo :)

Hi Keith

You are absolutely correct about the Porsche TT. My son had the first TT Cabriolet in California which I drove and it is an experience but for an old gomer like me I do like the SL AMG and the CLS AMG

Non-sense---buy one with tiptronic and go :)

What is Jordan driving these days? I have had my 540i for a year and a half and am looking forward to getting something else.

wow, another dick waving thread.

What is the point of this $20,000 forum Alan??????????


To give me a rationale for higher education.

Well, here's my high-end hobby.


She's precious!

Well, here's my high-end hobby.

You have no idea. I raised two wonderful daughters. Between the "extended" tours in college and two weddings, high end audio (or most of the other stupid hobbies we are involved with) pale in comparison as it relates to expense.

But, it was clearly the best use of my time and money I could ever imagine. BTW, Michael, she is going to break a few hearts when she get older !! She's adorable.

The sound of the Ferrari V8 is intoxicating, surpassed only by their normally aspirated V12, in my opinion.

Their flatplane crankshaft for their V8 gives that engine much of its beautiful sound, unlike almost every other street V8 out there --- it doesn't have that pony car burble caused by a crossplane crank.

--Andre

If you are into cars you must watch this, it is totally amazing. Talk about obsession. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3NVJ4pEFuY

High end hobbies? Well im not stupid enough to have kids so i have:

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi on 20s (getting s/c kit after new year and new wheel/tires)
2006 Jeep TJ (stock at the moment but have 4.5 kit for it)
2002 Mazda Protege ES (Converting from ES to MSP)
2001 Jeep TJ on 38s TSLs, ARBs, Caged, Dana 44/Dana 60, Shafts, etc
1998 Jeep XJ on 35s TSLs, ARBs, Dana 44/Ford 9", Shafts, one straight body panel

2003 Honda CR250 (scratched all the hell plastic, Ren, FMF,etc)
2004 Yamaha GP1300 (fast)


1981 Girlfriend (Red head, drinks jagermeister)
1982 Girlfriend (Blonde, drinks captain)

Want list:
2005 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Vehicle Location: Foreign Cars Italia
5603 Roanne Way, Greensboro, NC 27409
Price: $125,900
Bodystyle: 2 Door Convertible
Transmission: Manual
Ext. Color: Silver
Int. Color: Grey
Mileage: 2,402
Stock Number: C5107
VIN: WP0CB29935S675339
Model Code: 997

Sat in it, started her up...very very veerrrrrryyyy plush. My house wont be ready 'till Feb 07 so I can justify a sports car sitting outside. Sell some of the toys, haven't used the jetski in two summers, the bike has about 500 miles on it, my xj is in missouri and my protege is in arizona being fitted for parts. 125k with 5k down at 6% is only 887$ more than what I am going to be paying in mortgage, lol. dunno but i always told myself before im 30 i want a super car and im 33 and im tired of waiting.

other want items:

1983 Model G/F (Specs: Blonde, 36 D, size 8)
Some type of four winns or equivalent boat, sleeps a few, etc.
and be retired at 49.5 and spend 15 years traveling.

jp

JP, I like the way you think...

the people i work with think im in the mob or something, a guy asked how i was driving two new rigs. simple, dodge employee pricing back in july. the truck (short bed, crew cab, 4x4, tint, bed liner, etc) and the jeep (4.0, 6 spd, x pkg) cost what the truck would have been alone without the employee pricing. i wanted a charger r/t but they couldn't get one in yellow before the EP ended. the truck is nothing but a speeding ticket waiting to happen and right now the jeep gets the best gas mileage of anything i own and thats 19, sad i know. im addicted to speed, jeeps and women...

jp

I have 2 cars a Mitsy Evo8 with stage 4 tuning 550Bhp from a 2.0litre engine 0-60mph in 3.2 secs and I have just sold my Aston Martin DB7 and will get my DB9 in May 07. The kids think the Aston is an old farts car . Will not let me sell the EVo Street Cred I believe.

I have 2 cars a Mitsy Evo8 with stage 4 tuning 550Bhp from a 2.0litre engine 0-60mph in 3.2 secs and I have just sold my Aston Martin DB7 and will get my DB9 in May 07. The kids think the Aston is an old farts car . Will not let me sell the EVo Street Cred I believe.

Hmm...lives in England with an Aston Martin. Your name isn't "Bond...James Bond"...is it?

Apart from me being better looking than him. The only thing we have in common is the car.
The funniest comment when turning up at a business meeting. Was the PR saying.
" I was expecting you Mr Bond " The chinese delegates were convinced I was james bond and the discussion between themselves in chinese was " can't be, he looks shorter than in the films and he's younger and fatter. When told the PR was having a joke they all burst out laughing and said "The English they all look the same"

The problem, of course is where to use those goodies. My system is (barely) portable, due to light pollution and all those damn trees. To have a real home observatory, I'd have to come up with a few million for a house on Lake Michigan. Won't happen til my stock hits.

David,

I am considering combining my A/V hobby with astronomy.

I put a Wi-Fi card in my HTPC the last time I upgraded the hardware. A lot of the scopes these
days have computerized "GOTO" mounts, and accept CCD cameras on their eyepieces. You
can run the whole telescope and collect images with an attached laptop computer.

http://www.meade.com/rcx400/index.html

http://www.celestron.com/c2/category.php?CatID=9

Now if your laptop computer is Wi-Fi enabled; and you have a Wi-Fi card in your HTPC; then
you can sit in the comfort of your home theater and command the telescope in the backyard,
while viewing whatever the 'scope is looking at on the big screen in the theater.

I have the same problem with light pollution; especially given that I live only two blocks from
the site boundary of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The Lab is always lit up like a
Christmas tree. However, most of the lights are sodium-vapor, and I have to see if anyone
sells an optical "notch-filter" to filter out the sodium lines like the big observatories do; that
doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

A few years ago, the Lab had a telescope set up next to the AVLIS [ Atomic Vapor Laser
Isotope Separation ] facilities. The heart of the AVLIS process is a tunable laser.

High in the atmosphere is a layer of sodium atoms. If you tune a laser to excite the sodium
atoms; you can create your own small "guide star" anywhere you like at the top of the
atmosphere.

The reason for doing this is so you can use adaptive optics to correct for atmospheric distortion.
If the adaptive optics has a bright enough source, it can correct for atmospheric distortion by
using a deformable mirror [ aluminum coated rubber ] whose shape can be altered in real time
by little hydraulic actuators controlled by a computer. The computer corrects the distortion of
the image of the laser generated guide star, and hence will also correct the image of whatever
astronomical object you want to study - the light rays of which are travelling parallel to those
of the guide star.

http://www.llnl.gov/str/June02/Pennington.html

The first trial of this system was done using a backyard-type telescope at Livermore; and using
the AVLIS lasers:

http://www.llnl.gov/urp/science/lgs_www/lgs_south_vault.html

After the success of this trial, a laser guide star system was installed on the 120-inch Shane
reflector at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton, just east of San Jose:

http://www.llnl.gov/urp/science/lgs_www/lgs_lick.html

The laser guide star system has also been setup on the world's largest telescopes, the
Keck II scope at Mauna Kea on the big island of Hawaii:

http://www.keckobservatory.org/article.php?id=74

Now THAT's the type of telescope that I would like to hook up to my Home Theater!!!

Hmm...lives in England with an Aston Martin. Your name isn't "Bond...James Bond"...is it?

no kiddin. speaking of aston ive sat in this one as well. OMFG, when that v12 starts up you feel like bond. and that not that new pansy looking blonde..im talking sean freakin connery. i got out of the car with probably the biggest shiteating grin and only thing i could think to say was "i must be dreaming..."

http://foreigncarsitalia.cms.dealer.com/used_vehicle_details.htm?vehicleId=aa054bae4046381e01eea96c6 523fb0e

ive got waayyy to many pursuits to ever talk about here, even magazines. every year i re-new my top gear with expedited s/h. people are like "where in the hell did you get those magazines?" best 90 pounds i spend a year.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8984/dscf6242qc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jp

Hmm...lives in England with an Aston Martin. Your name isn't "Bond...James Bond"...is it?
OB,

Probably likes his vodka martinis shaken, not stirred.

without a doubt... bet his plate is "MI5"

jp

ive got waayyy to many pursuits to ever talk about here, even magazines. every year i re-new my top gear with expedited s/h. people are like "where in the hell did you get those magazines?" best 90 pounds i spend a year.
jp

I'm glad I'm not the only one. I import the UK mags T3, Stuff UK and iCreate. I know, I know, I'm a geek. ;-)

Jeff

not alone, had a g/f that still gets two and ride, both motorcycle mags. TG is so dam well written and i heart clarkson, everyone seems to hate his guts, dunno. the whole crash that hammond had and people in general not liking the show i hate to say but they may cancel it.

i saw screw it, ive got three xtra bedrooms in the new house (clarkson, hammond and may) they can film and crash here. stig can sleep in the garage if he does sleep? they can stay rent free... all i ask is a koenigsegg in the garage for my use for a year. insurance paid of course <evil laugh> :D

jp

not alone, had a g/f that still gets two and ride, both motorcycle mags. TG is so dam well written and i heart clarkson, everyone seems to hate his guts, dunno. the whole crash that hammond had and people in general not liking the show i hate to say but they may cancel it.

i saw screw it, ive got three xtra bedrooms in the new house (clarkson, hammond and may) they can film and crash here. stig can sleep in the garage if he does sleep? they can stay rent free... all i ask is a koenigsegg in the garage for my use for a year. insurance paid of course <evil laugh> :D

jp

I must be getting old. I read this post four times and am trying to understand exactly what you are trying to say?? :(

The only part I got was about THIS (http://www.koenigsegg.com/thecars/index.asp?submenu=4) car, but since it only does 240 MPH, *yawn*, not interested... ;)

I must be getting old. I read this post four times and am trying to understand exactly what you are trying to say?? :(

here i'll clifs note it for ya:

rgbyhkr's post - he has foreign magazine sub's as well, he no longer feels alone in the world, we are all happy now and all turmoil in the mideast will subside

g/f - net for girlfriend. disposable, can cause irritation and cash drain if not properly watched. common phrases include "do you find me pretty" "do you love me" "whatcha thinkin 'bout" all of which seem to come out at the same time. they come in many color choices and varying levels of intelligence. my hierarchy is: blonde, red head, brunet and trailer park.

hammond, richard - one the three hosts (uk calls them presenters) of top gear show in uk. almost killed in car crash while taping show

top gear - bad ass brit base automotive show (clarkson, hammond, mays are the hosts) and also magazine

clarkson, jeremy - scotch drinking, fast driving, etc host of top gear.

mays, james - host on top gear, butt of quiet a few jokes. called "captain slow", etc

stig - mystery test driver on show, few know who he is.

house - thing im building

xtra bedrooms - something for company to stay in

koenigsegg ccx - at the moment the fastest production car in the world, coming in @ 388.87 km/h (242.91 mph) made in sweden.

hope that clears things up.

jp

I have 3 other hi-end hobbies.

1- I am a drummer and my DW Collectors drums and many snares with my Paiste cymbals are the best of the best. totally custome and hand built.

2- my Porsche 997 C2S Cabriolet. I enjoy driving and taking to Sebring for track events

3- My Fountain 38' boat

hope that clears things up

Yes

Interesting how proper spelling, grammar and puntuation without a run on sentences make for proper understanding ;)

personally i dont know, it could be you are just getting old? anyone that watches the show would get the references.

and since niether of my PhD's are in english comp or literary theory, I'll just leave the critiquing to you. ;)

jp

niether

niether of my PhD's are in english comp

I can see that to be the case. Sorry but couldn't resist that one ;)

I dunno how K-egg folks can claim they are the fastest, when the Veyron has been timed at 253+. Kind of scary how that huge beast has to turn off all it's downforce functions to do it though. Pretty extreme the measures Bugatti (Volkswagen) went through to get it tot do it though. Special tires, special suspension, special aero aids. Trick, but it ought to be a 1.25 mil. I do like the Swedish method better though. Brute force, hold on to your panties and pray. Well at least now they can command their asking price since they are no longer using the Musatang SVT motor. Speaking of which the cheapest way to go 240+ is to get a twin turbo conversion kit for your GT. Possible to sneak that in at right around 200k. Hmmmm, new WA X-2's and a pair of Lamm's 2.1s or a collectable that will do the quarter in low 10's at 140+, decisions, decisions.

Edward

Hmmmm, new WA X-2's and a pair of Lamm's 2.1s or a collectable that will do the quarter in low 10's at 140+, decisions, decisions.

Edward,you are what one of my professors used to call "NATO"

sic..."No Action,Talk Only" ;)

You have been talking X-2's now for over 2 years

I was reminded of it when i saw that Jura Capresso now has the Z6!

I think you only consider the Z6 high-end when you hit 50, and it's a choice between that or high-end hair transplants. :p

I think you only consider the Z6 high-end when you hit 50, and it's a choice between that or high-end hair transplants. :p

Since I'm over 50 and don't need a hair transplant, I sold my Z5 and went with the Z6 and love it.

Since I'm over 50 and don't need a hair transplant, I sold my Z5 and went with the Z6 and love it.

Everyone has to make choices in life. :D

Everyone has to make choices in life. :D

when I need my hair transplant I will think of you ;)

OB,

I used to be able to buy almost anything, without second thought, but now there is a little person in my life, I have to think twice. But if the right price rolls around on a set I'll be there! Also, I need to upgrade the video first, so I've been waiting for the PJ shakeout to settle so audio has been on hold. However, this video thing continues to drag on and every few months is the next best thing. Now that Panny 103 now puts a new kink in things! Though I doubt I'll get one anytime soon, as I would have to reengineer the wall to hold it up. Oh and I'm getting a TRW put in sometime in the next couple of months. So call me NATO if you want, I'll wear that title with pride.

OB,

I used to be able to buy almost anything, without second thought, but now there is a little person in my life, I have to think twice. But if the right price rolls around on a set I'll be there! Also, I need to upgrade the video first, so I've been waiting for the PJ shakeout to settle so audio has been on hold. However, this video thing continues to drag on and every few months is the next best thing. Now that Panny 103 now puts a new kink in things! Though I doubt I'll get one anytime soon, as I would have to reengineer the wall to hold it up. Oh and I'm getting a TRW put in sometime in the next couple of months. So call me NATO if you want, I'll wear that title with pride.


you still need to get over and hear mine

I wanna know how fast the Z5/Z6 Jura-Capressos can make a latte? Or a pair of lattes?

I've got my eye on one and since I am late out the door everyday and only ask for a perfect cup of coffee or latte on my way out....

Cars? My wife has a 12 cylinder VW Phaeton (poor man's V12) and I drive a Land Cruiser. Nothing sexy..

I wanna know how fast the Z5/Z6 Jura-Capressos can make a latte? Or a pair of lattes?

I've got my eye on one and since I am late out the door everyday and only ask for a perfect cup of coffee or latte on my way out....

Cars? My wife has a 12 cylinder VW Phaeton (poor man's V12) and I drive a Land Cruiser. Nothing sexy..

You dentists crack me up

The Z6 is just a gussied up version of the Z5 BUT if you like coffee and want all of the bells and whistles this is the machine to own and you won't even need a hair transplant. As fotr a latte let me just say that in well under a minute your coffee is done. This is the one to own

I like using Starbuck's $5000 machine for $3 a day. I have a small graveyard of espress machines that work fine for 3-6 months then just stop making good coffee.

The Z5/Z6 has never failed me

wait.

I have seen those capressos in action... they are impressive. If I went for another coffee machine, that is the brand I would get.

Oakley Thump Pro Sunglasses

these things are compatible with itunes (but not purchased songs) and have interchangeable lenses including Rx: sound quality is very good

if you are into outdoor sports check these out

http://oakley.com/o/o4684d

Mark

as a Z5 owner I would have thought you would chime in on the virtues of this capresso machine

Mark

as a Z5 owner I would have thought you would chime in on the virtues of this capresso machine

the Z5 is our favorite:

we have been buying kona beans from Costco for regular coffee: addictive :)

Other high-end?

> Guitars - I play a Gibson Custom Shop 1960 Reissue Les Paul through a Bogner XTC (about as high-end as these get for current production)

> Racing. I have and drive both a Formula 500 and Spec Miata. Now, whether or not these two cars are truly 'high-end' might be debatable, but actually RACING them is not a pastime for the faint of heart or light of wallet. It's one thing to take a car out on the streets every other weekend for a 'spirited drive'; it's something quite different to drift through a corner at 120+ in a pack of other cars separated by inches.

I collect single malt scotch whisky. I also drink a reasonable amount of it.

I collect single malt scotch whisky. I also drink a reasonable amount of it.
:D

Jura-Capresso probably makes the best super-automatic machines and knowledgeable coffeee folk probably would agree it makes better coffee and espresso drinks that 50 to 60 percent of the cafes out there.

Having stated that, true barristas wouldn't be caught dead using one. After all, an espresso in less that 1 minute - not.

I'm not a true barrista and would love to own one, but I keep spending my disposable income improving my home theater. I know, I know. Priorities.

Hey coffee fiends - roast your own beans! It's about the FLAVOR... not the gear ;)

- Steve O.

Jura-Capresso probably makes the best super-automatic machines and knowledgeable coffeee folk probably would agree it makes better coffee and espresso drinks that 50 to 60 percent of the cafes out there.

Having stated that, true barristas wouldn't be caught dead using one. After all, an espresso in less that 1 minute - not.

I'm not a true barrista and would love to own one, but I keep spending my disposable income improving my home theater. I know, I know. Priorities.

Next BAAS meeting at Ron's house

the Z5 is our favorite:

we have been buying kona beans from Costco for regular coffee: addictive :)

Well, if you have spent all that cash on a Z5 please, do yourself a favor and order some beans from: http://www.graffeo.com/

You'll never go back to Costco.

Jeff, have you ever ordered beans from intelligentsiacoffee (http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com)?

Jeff, have you ever ordered beans from intelligentsiacoffee (http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com)?

Have not tried them but it sure looks interesting.

OB, here's my latest toy (actually it is being built for me right now, but I hope to take possession before the Holidays):

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/RaySamuels/DSC_0037.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/RaySamuels/DSC_0021-1.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/RaySamuels/DSC_0035-1.jpg

Have not tried them but it sure looks interesting.
They seem to be highly regarded by the reviewers at coffeegeek.com (http://www.coffeegeek.com)
I just put in my first order - 4 half pound bags to sample the wares, so to speak.

Jeff,cool link... can't wait to hit the city for this place...

Gaaah! :eek: I just recently finished a week from hell breaking my multi-year caffeine addiction. 9 days of almost constant headaches :mad: and quite often finding myself surrounded by people sipping lattes and cap's (luckily I made it through the grumpy http://www.iconarchive.com/icon/seasonal/christmas_by_iconstree/Grinch.gif phase without losing any friends or assaulting anyone). Now this! Here? Please, make it stop, I'm begging you!

I've only unsubscribed from maybe 3 threads at AVS, now this one might have to make that list. The wounds are still to fresh and I am weak. BTW, two of the other threads involved a wackjob who shredded expensive power cords... :rolleyes: so apologies for grouping you in with him.

Nice looking headphone amp. I have one of Ray's Hornets I use while traveling.

coffee is good for you... stop believing everything you read in the paper.

coffee is good for you... stop believing everything you read in the paper.
Straight up! Anything that looks this good has to be:

http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/5716/150x112/sjames_01.jpg
http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/5715/150x113/coffeejunkie_3.jpg
http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/5676/200x200/macchiato001.jpg

(Sorry, Jetlag.)

Ahhhh! Coffee Porn! That's it, I'm outta here

:D

:cool: :D

having some Macallan 18 right now.... :)

I am not a coffee drinker but i HATE the term Barrista! I am sure it has some real meaning that coffee fiends can explain. but to me is sounds like a name made up by somebody at starbucks who hated being called a coffee jockey!

I am not a coffee drinker but i HATE the term Barrista! I am sure it has some real meaning that coffee fiends can explain. but to me is sounds like a name made up by somebody at starbucks who hated being called a coffee jockey!

I think they found out how effective changing the words are when cornmeal mush became polenta, employee became associate and secretary became assistant.

Straight up! Anything that looks this good has to be:

http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/5716/150x112/sjames_01.jpg
http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/5715/150x113/coffeejunkie_3.jpg
http://www.coffeegeek.com/images/5676/200x200/macchiato001.jpg

(Sorry, Jetlag.)

I don't think a Z6 can do that.

I think they found out how effective changing the words are when cornmeal mush became polenta, employee became associate and secretary became assistant.

and garbage man became "sanitary engineer"

and garbage man became "sanitary engineer"

Don't forget Ed Norton's underground Engineer job..

And Hooker became Genital care technician... :D

On the Macallan note.. has anybody been to Costco lately? THey have an exclusive 19 year old Macallan single malt. It is Macallan that is Kirkland Signature branded. It blew my mind.

Speaking of high end pursuits. I recently discovered Draegers markets. That is a special kind of bay area money pit!

Dizzman that is ... simply astounding?!!

Speaking of high end pursuits. I recently discovered Draegers markets. That is a special kind of bay area money pit!

Yeah they purchase all their groceries at Safeway and then mark them up double.

they do not get the bread from safeway... that is for sure! Draegers is the type of place i go for deli, bakery wine and meat counter. Groceries is save mart!

On the Macallan note.. has anybody been to Costco lately? THey have an exclusive 19 year old Macallan single malt. It is Macallan that is Kirkland Signature branded. It blew my mind.



I'm just not sure about that right now. :confused:

Hey coffee fiends - roast your own beans! It's about the FLAVOR... not the gear ;)

- Steve O.

Hey scorch123 or Steve........are you roasting? It does all end at the flavor. The gear is a small means to a larger end. "Brothers.....give me a groove!"

Here is Saeco's new top line Coffee machine. This may be better than the Capresso's Z6. It has a built in milk container, motorized tray, color touch screen, 2 cappuccinos at once, and the so important wheels on the base. My Z6 is a pain to pull out from under the cabinet to refill beans and the bypass container for pre-ground coffee. Its also about 500.00 cheaper than the Z6.

http://www.wholelattelove.com/itemImages/1130/2278XLarge.gif

Gotta love that color touch screen. I wonder if I can control it with AMX?

what i do find interesting about the insanely priced coffee machine is that while i am not a coffee drinker, and my wife has chosen not to revisit that addiction after her week of headaches while getting off caffeine for her pregnancy... we want one.

Remember, it 's great for impressing your friends too. I always bring my S90 (a little older) on family vacations. The other family members leave as coffee junkies by the end of the week. It's too easy to hit an espresso mid-day. I've backed off to 2 in the morning max, but I still really like having it.

Nothing beats a fresh cup every time. I do usually run my cup under hot water before an Americano - don't think the $1K cup warmer will be mine any time soon.

Super autos are not the way to make excellent coffee. Its more like a starbucks, which when good is quite poor to proper machines. Even Jura z5 is very average. Yes I sent it back, too cold, brew time too long, bean grinder not up to much.
What you need is a La Marzocco GS3. You need slightly better barista skills but as high end boys we like to fiddle.
This is what you need
La Marzocco GS3
Mazzer Mini e grinder or macap mx m4
Hottop bean roaster or alpenrost
Green Hawaiian extra fancy smith farm
Green jamaican blue mountain

Plenty of books you won`t be sleeping
Italian parents we like our coffee