Thursday, December 31, 2009

"Vespa Pizzeria" in South Carolina


The Post and Courier newspaper carried a review of a new restaurant called Vespa Pizzeria in South Carolina. The restaurant is supposed to use a "pizza garage" theme.If you find yourself in the Daniel Island area, check them out:
224 Seven Farms Dr # 101 Daniel Island, SC 29492-7974
Phone: (843) 881-0102

Sunday, December 27, 2009

iPhone App: Rat on a Scooter XL



I was scanning the iTunes App store and happened upon Rat on a Scooter XL which seems to be a rat ridding a scooter on an obstacle course. Download it for your iPod or iPhone for 99-cents.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Les Nereides- Scooter Necklace

Thanks to Lara who forwarded me this tip from the Frisky on this quaint, but pricey scooter necklace from Colette. It will run you about $122, but is a unique piece.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Add your Flikr scooter pics to our pool

If you are a Flikr member and post scooter pics, why not share them with other Flikr scooterists by adding them to the Scoot! Magazine Flikr pool? I just tagged my Taiwan photos so that other members could see them. Add yours!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Little Ceasar is Italian


And I have photo proof that he rode a scooter.



-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

Friday, December 18, 2009

Bell Sports Helmets Lambretta Animation

I was looking up some info on Bell Helmets and noticed that they have an animation of a guy riding a Lambretta. Cool! There are several Flash animations, of which this is one.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Cannonball Route

Just got this info from Bagel:

Vancouver, BC to Portland, ME - 3270 miles
13 states, 3 border crossings

ROUTE MAP

Day 1: Vancouver, BC to Grand Forks - 325 mi
Day 2: Grand Forks to West Glacier - 331 mi
Day 3: West Glacier to Lewistown - 314 mi
Day 4: Lewistown to Bowman - 347 mi
Day 5: Bowman to Ortonville - 369 mi
Day 6: Ortonville to Ironwood - 362 mi
Day 7: Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie - 311 mi
Day 8: Sault Ste. Marie to North Bay - 270 mi
Day 9: North Bay to Lake Placid, NY - 365 mi
Day 10: Lake Placid, NY to Portland, ME - 276 mi

This year it is the high route, with crossing into Canada!
Who is up for it????

Friday, December 11, 2009

Looking for the Most Scooter-Friendly College/University

Scooters are ideal modes of transportation for students. They are economical with fuel, maintenance and are easy to park, making them perfect for parking on and off campus.

We're looking for the most scooter-friendly campus in the US. I'd like to do a story on what makes it so well-suited for scooters, with hopes to inspire other schools to embrace and encourage scooter riding.

Want to nominate your school? Send a 100-300 word essay extolling the school's benefits to scooter riders. Be sure to not only consider just easy parking or a discounted permit. We want to know of the general attitude towards scooters. How many scooter riders are on campus? Have any facilities, rules or accommodations been made just for scooters? Is there a local scooter club or place where scooterists congregate? Consider all the angles when drafting your nomination. Send your submission to April (select Interested in Contributing).

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bajaj to Exit the Scooter Market (?)

Just saw this article in the Business Standard of India, which says that Bajaj will exit the scooter business in favor of trying to overtake the small motorcycle business that Honda has been dominating. Sad! According to the story:
The decision to move away from scooters, according to Bajaj, is pegged on three reasons. One, the company is seeing good profitability in selling strong brands like Pulsar and Discover 100cc motorcycles.
“Our EBITDA margin for the second quarter of this year stands at 22 per cent, which is the highest in the auto industry so far. For the third quarter we hope to do better.” Vaishali Jajoo, analyst at Angel Broking, said margins derived from selling Pulsars were above industry average, at 15 per cent.
Secondly, he thinks the worldwide motorcycle market is growing faster than scooters. “There is enough headroom for growth both in the domestic and the export markets. Currently we manufacture around 50,000 units of Boxers in China, which are sold in the export market.” The Boxer is sold as Platina in India.
Lastly, address the top end with KTM motorcycles. The company has a 31.72 per cent stake in Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, which manufactures motorcycles of 250cc configuration.
“So, we make more money by being focused as motorcycle specialists rather than producing everything and making no money at all like the Chinese manufacturers,” Bajaj added.
So has everyone abandoned the Vespa-styled manual shift scooters? Sad! Sad! Sad!

"The company is putting in all of its resources towards becoming the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the world." Anyone want to take bets on how that will shake down?

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

My Taiwan Flikr Set



As usual, I have come down with a cold after traveling. I tried to do everything I could to avoid it, including bringing nose spray to keep my sinuses hydrated. However, my plane from Tokyo to San Francisco was so dry that I ende up getting dry eyes. They felt like sandpaper! Will I ever win?

Anyways, the downtime has given me an opportunity to upload my photos to Flikr. Some have captions, some don't but you can get an idea of where I went. I also took tons of video of scootin' action, but will need to edit that *after* I get the next issue to design. My work is never done!

Check out my Taiwan 2009 Flikr set.


Tuesday, December 08, 2009

My Fave Scooter-Riding Sleuth

If you haven't caught Hetty Wainthrop Investigates on PBS' Mystery! series, you are missing out. Not only does actress Patricia Routledge do an excellent job inhabiting the spunky and no-nonsense female detective "of a certain age" but she also does so sometimes from the back of a Lambretta.


The series has Hetty starting her own investigation agency at the age of 60, when she determines hat she has a knack for ferreting the truth.  She is assisted by her sidekick Geoffrey, played by Dominc Monaghan (from Lord of the Rings films and Lost), pilots the scooter and helps Hetty with her investigations. Not every episode has a scooter, but you'll find it interesting nonetheless if you enjoy the sort of programming that Mystery! brings.



You can get the first season at Amazon for a discount, but it looks like some independent sellers have it at a nice discount.  Go Hetty!

Friday, December 04, 2009

Shopping Day in Taipei!

I have visited two night markets since coming to Taiwan; one in Tainan the other in Taipei. The markets are like our Flea Markets with vendor tables selling all sorts of clothing, jewelery, shoes, housewares and especially food. My gluten issues have taken the tasty baked goods off my list but last night I ate some tasty fried sweet potato chunks in a sweet crispy sesame seed glaze. Yum! Ate it straight from the box with a toothpick while walking the market.

Here you can see a few scores from the market:






The pink thing is a fashionable face mask which does not have a scooter, but the cute packaging does.

Today the serious shopping begins. It is my first and only day to wander around on my own. I am on a mission to try for a new camera and (of course) get more scooter stuff.

-- Post from my iPhone, out-n-about...

NSR: Mr. Hankey Cookie DIY Video

This is almost scooter-related since I shot the video, the cookies were made by a scooterist and the idea for the cookie cutter was devised by another scooterist, but let's not split hairs (or get them in the dough).

Just in time for Christmas...How to Make Mr. Hankey Cookies

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Paper Scooter Models

Like to make paper models? Here are some online sources for patterns:

Pizza Delivery Scooter


Bajaj Ape/Tuk-Tuk

 

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Holiday Gifts for Scooterists

Don't forget about the Sur la Table scooterist kitchen towels! $8

GQ Picks Vespa S for Gift Guide

American men's magazine GQ has picked the Vespa S150 as one of their 50 gift suggestions for this holiday season. Of the scooter they say:
We love motorcycles, but we don't know many guys who want to attempt balancing a dozen eggs on the tank of a Ducati. When you're running errands in the suburbs or commuting on congested city streets, there's nothing better than a Vespa. This S150 has the lines of the classic models from the 1970s, enough zip to shoot the gaps in moving traffic, and room under the seat for a six-pack. Your commute will never be the same.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Cool Animated Gif



Saw this fun animated gif on the DeviantArt profile page of cinslalucria. I like the color combo and the swirling pattern. Neato!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Sims 3 Expansion Includes Scooters



A few weeks ago, EA released The Sims 3 World Adventures expansion pack. I was so wrapped up in getting the last issue out that I completely forgot to order my copy! I placed my order this morning as soon as I realized my oversight. When I get back from my trip to Taiwan, I expect to spend a good amount of time tucked away in my room playing, especially since this expansion has scooters in it. See the screenshot below. From what I understand, the scooters are available when you go to France (why are scooters always associated with France?) and the Sims can use them autonomously. I can't wait to get my copy in the mail!




Sunday, November 29, 2009

College Creating More Scooter Parking Due to Demand

The University of Maryland's Department of Transportation will be creating more scooter parking spaces due to high demand according to an article in the student newspaper, The Diamondback. Scooters are an affordable way for students to get around, and their small parking footprint makes them ideal for overcrowded school parking lots.

Starbucks Gift Packs

Starbucks is selling boxed mini coffee packs. This one is $13 and has the Italian Roast Lambretta pack among others. Cute! Wish they sold them individually. I have seen a smaller package with less coffees that still has the Italian Roast package.



-- Post From My iPhone

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Holiday Gifts for Scooterists: ETSY

If you want a unique and handmade gift for your scooterist pal but can't make one yourself, check out Etsy.com where independent craftspeople can sell their own creations. Etsy has lots of cool scooter items. here are some of my faves:

This greeting card has a button for the face which your recipient can wear or just leave as-is. The buyer can choose from different head pins.  $4.50





A fun key chain or a fob to add to your bag to make it standout. Measures about 3.5" wide and 2.4" tall and stuffed for a 3D effect. $14.50

  
I covered Circa Ceramics in a past Scooter Collector column. Their mini tea cup is cute.  $18.





 A small print that you can nab for just $2.50. Custom ink/paper selection.


 There are lots more scooter-inspired items on Etsy.com. Check it out!












Friday, November 27, 2009

Easy gift for scooterists...Scoot! Magazine

A reminder about our holiday gift subscription special:

Perhaps you can't afford to buy your friend a perfectly restored TV175, but can you afford a magazine subscription? You can now if you take advantage of our limited time holiday subscription offer. For just $34.95 you can get:

  • A six-issue subscription for yourself
  • A six-issue subscription for a friend
Two subscriptions would normally cost you $49.90, but now get the gift subscription for half off! Get more info and Order by December 15th, 2009 here.

If you just want to buy a gift subscription you can do it here. Just indicate your info on the billing section and enter the recipient's address/info in the SHIPPING section.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Motorsport Scooters Clearance Sale



Looking for a Buddy top box? An Aprilia Atlantic 500 exhaust? How about Faco "Robot Mirrors"? Well, you are in luck because Motorsport Scooters has some tasty deals on their clearance page. Maybe you won't need any of the items, bt if you do count your lucky stars for these prices.

Scoot! Magazine #52 Shipping Next Week

Scooter shops should get the magazine by Dec.11. Subscribers should have theirs by Christmas as long as the post office isn't buried under gifts.
In this issue:
  • The Ninja Rabbit: totally cool custom!
  • Project Ruckus Begins
  • Review: The California Scooter Company's "Classic"; KYMCO Yager
  • Scooter Collector: tons of gift ideas
  • Terri Campbell's cross-country journey
  • Four Readers Rides
  • Rally Reports
  • A slew of Product Revews
  • and more!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Karl Lagerfeld Scooter Helmets



I once got the hard-sell from a helmet manufacturer who told me that it was important that the vents and ornamentation on the outside of a helmet easily be removed, so that when in a crash, the pieces would fly off rather than create a bump that the helmet could catch on. So when I saw this helmet from Karl Lagerfeld I wondered what the "slidability" was on that thing. Nevermind that it is hideous. I think it might also be dangerous. Oh, and dangerous to your wallet: "Find them at Colette in Paris, of course, and at other specialty retailers, for just $1,805 to $6,837." According to New York Magazine. Thanks to Nancy for sharing!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Save on Personalized Stationery



I'm a fan of the sister-run RockScissorPaper. They used to sell several scooter-themed stationery items, but I think the last of the line is their personalized stationery. I own two boxes and use them for special correspondence with folks who would appreciate the cool retro style and the cute Vespa.

For a limited time you can get this stationery (and many other themes) for 20% off. Follow this link to see all of the possible sets. But do it quickly as this sales only lasts through Thursday!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Attention Scooter Artists!


Our most recent Scooter Art issue...

I'm gathering submissions and information for our next Scooter Art issue. If you haven't seen it before, we invite artists to submit examples of artwork that uses scooters as an inspiration, or as a theme in the art. Artists that have given actual scooters an artistic treatment (such as a mural, or creating an "Art Scooter" are also invited to participate). Along with the art, we run brief artists bios and info on how to contact them. We hope that it connects artists with art buying scooterists and that it supports the scooter artists in the world.

If you are an artist that uses scooters as inspiration or if you know such an artist, let us know. Email me via the Scoot! site and select Interested in Contributing.

Lucky me!

New single from GoGo13. Thanks to Parker for sending!




-- Post From My iPhone

Friday, November 20, 2009

Cute Scooter Illustration



I remember seeing the flyer that bore these illustrations when I volunteered stuffing Scoot! magazines before our team bought the magazine. Follow the link above to visit the Nerfect site and see all of the image. You can also download desktop icons of the characters. Cute!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Vespa of Los Angeles Grand Opening This Weekend


Just got an email from Vespa of Los Angeles which is holding its grand opening this weekend, Sunday, November 22 from 1-5pm.
From what I hear local clubs will be in attendance. There will be food, giveaways and attractive sale prices.

Vespa of Los Angeles is located at:
301 S Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel. 213-620-0022
Open 10am-7pm, Closed Tuesdays

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Another Scooter Toy Run: San Diego, CA



Motorsport Scooters in San Diego, CA is holding a toy run which benefits the San Diego Center for Children. Meet at Motorsport Scooters at 9:30am, ride leaves at 10:30am. 
Motorsport is located at:
4225 30th St.
San Diego,CA 92104-1234

Monday, November 16, 2009

Amerivespa 2010 Website Debuts


This past July the Vespa Club of America announced that the 2010 Amerivespa will be held in San Antonio, Texas. The website for the event went up today. The event runs from May 27-31st and you can see the itinerary as it stands. You can also sign up for a newsletter and become a fan on Facebook.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

EICMA: New Lambretta?


We've heard the "new Lambretta" story a million times, but look at this prototype revealed at Milan's EICMA show. I've had my heart broken several times before, but...is it too late to dream again?
Images from motoblog.it, thanks to Alex for sending the link!

Let the Toy Runs begin!

Some upcoming Holiday Toy Runs:

San Francisco Scooter Girls
Date: Wednesday December 9, 2009
Time: 7-10pm
Meet: The Homestead, 2301 Folsom Street (at 19th) San Francisco, CA
What: Enjoy hot, meaty, delicious firehouse chili prepared by San Francisco Fire Dept, Station 7, and sweets provided by members of the San Francisco Scooter Girls! Bring a new, unwrapped toy & receive a raffle ticket! Weather permitting, we will also lead a leisurely holiday group ride--stay tuned for more details.

The Whichita Twisters had their toy run on Nov 1st. See photos here.


Blog entry soundtrack: "Watermellon Man" by Herbie Hancock

Friday, November 13, 2009

Is your club organizing a toy run?

If so drop me a line with the brief particulars and I'll post them on the blog.
You runs are a fun way to create some wintertime scooting fun while helping a great cause.

You can leave a comment here with the info or drop me a line.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

CSC Out- --> Piaggio In

Piaggio announced that they are no longer using Canadian Scooter Corporation as a middleman, and is now going direct to dealers in the Great White North.


NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2009 Piaggio & C. S.p.A. (Piaggio Italy), the builder of such leading scooters and motorcycles as Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, and Derbi, announces that it has terminated its exclusive distribution agreement with Canadian Scooter Corporation (CSC). The company is preparing to launch new business operations in the Canadian market allowing dealers to enjoy a direct relationship with a company of the Piaggio Group. Confirming Piaggio Group's commitment to the Canadian market, Piaggio Italy has called upon Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. (PGA), to develop and support a Canadian dealer network equipped to increase market share and provide the finest product support in the industry.


Read the entire press release here.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Scoot! Holiday Special

Perhaps you can't afford to buy your friend a perfectly restored TV175, but can you afford a magazine subscription? You can now if you take advantage of our limited time holiday subscription offer. For just $34.95 you can get:
  • A six-issue subscription for your self
  • A six-issue subscription for a friend
Two subscriptions would normally cost you $49.90, but now get the gift subscription for half off! Get more info and Order by December 15th, 2009 here.

Blog entry soundtrack: "World Where You Live" by Crowded House

Monday, November 09, 2009

Going to Taiwan...

After Thanksgiving, I am going on a media trip to Taiwan to learn more about the country's motor manufacturing business. Looking forward to presentations by SYM and TGB. Wonder what cool models they may have that us USA scooterists will/will not get to try.
Never been to Taiwan before. Looking forward to it!

Blog entry soundtrack: "Torch" by Soft Cell

Sunday, November 08, 2009

International Motorcycle Shows



The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows are making their way around the country. Last year, Scoot! had a booth at the San Mateo stop, but we won't this year. Josh and I will be walking the floor, meeting with manufacturers and checking out the new products that are available.  The dates & locations are:
  • November 13-15, 2009 Dallas Convention Center Dallas, TX
  • November 20-22, 2009 San Mateo County Event Center San Mateo, CA
  • December 4-6, 2009 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
  • December 11-13, 2009 Qwest Field & Event Center Seattle, WA
  • January 1-3, 2010 Rock Financial Showplace Novi, MI
  • January 8-10, 2010 Carolina First Center Greenville, SC
  • January 15-17, 2010 Washington Convention Center Washington D.C.
  • January 22-24, 2010 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York, NY
  • January 29-31, 2010 I-X Center Cleveland, OH
  • February 5-7, 2010 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, MN
  • February 19-21, 2010 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Chicago, IL
The show is also offering builders and owners of custom bikes to display their best at the show:

If you have a custom cruiser or custom sportbike and want an opportunity to display it in front of tens of thousands of attendees, e-mail your name, contact information, and photos to Kurt Whittington at kwhittington@advanstar.com. Put 'Custom Showcase' in the subject line. After we review your information you'll be contacted with additional information and instructions on how to participate in this exciting opportunity.
Would  be great to see some awesome custom scooters there!

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

"New Moon" star now a scooterist

MTV News asked New Moon actor Kellan Lutz about his new scooter purchase:
Q: Have you bought anything exciting yet with your "Twilight" earnings?
Lutz: Yes, I bought a scooter! It was amazing. I had no idea, but there are pictures [out there of me on it]; someone was taking pictures. I bought this way downtown, and I didn't see this paparazzi guy — I don't even know how they do what they do. It's so random, but there are dead-on pictures, where I should have been scooting up to them and seen them do it. ... But I love the scooter. I get, like, 100 gallons per mile on it, and it costs five bucks to fill the tank! So that's like a gallon-and-a half, and I go 150 miles. With my car, it's like 15 to 16 miles, so I take that anywhere and everywhere. I live in the Valley, so I can take that anywhere and everywhere [in Los Angeles], and it's fun zipping in and out [of traffic]. It's cool.


photo from JustJaredJr. 
 

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Scooter Ornaments

Next on the holiday gift post thread...
One may say that posting about scooter ornaments on Nov. 3rd is a bit premature, but when you are bitten by the scooter bug, it is never too early to start. Besides, you want to get them before anyone else does!


Not sure if we can trust Walmart on this, as the photo is errible, but they are advertsing a Hand-blown Duck on Scooter Glass Ornament for $10.It looks as if there are pedals on that front wheel. If anyone finds this in the stores, let me know.Walmart also sells the repro elephant on a scooter for $48.





This Santa on a Scooter is cute, but is he $63 cute? According to the Table & Home.com website:
...these intricate handcrafted collectibles are mouth blown, hand painted and decorated by highly skilled artisans. Each glittering ornament features a small coat of arms charm identifying it as a Reed & Barton original, and is presented in an elegant keepsake gift box. Inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas. Comes with special imprinted gold hanging ribbon. Decorated with authentic Swarovski stones.

You can also buy it for $70 at William Glen.Too rich for my blood, indeed!

Scooterworks still has stock of the Hallmark Santa on a Vespa. This is one awesome item that I highly recommend that collectors get. It is a great recreation of a scooter. The headlight lights, Santa waves, and it plays "Here Comes Santa Claus" if you pull on the present in back. If you missed it the first time, get it now for $24.95.

While it may not be an ornament, you could make one out of the Genuine Buddy model that Scooterworks sells. The 1:12 scale models have a real spring for the rear suspension, vinyl seating, and real rubber tires. Only $14.99 and in a range of colors.


Chistopher Radko makes collectible glass ornaments. This "Roaming Holiday" has Santa on a nicely detailed blue scooter. It retails for $50. Pricey, too but I am considering it. You must purchase through a retailer which you can find my visiting the site.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Mark Ronson rides Vespa GL



I really dig Mark Ronson's music and now I only like him more after discovering he has a Vespa GL. I am a fan of that trapezoid headset! The above photo of him and his sister Samantha is from Celebrity Gossip.net.

Old Scooter Bits


Came across this Flikr collection of old scooter accessories. Many are quite desirable. Fun to browse through. Harby Harby's "Old Scooter Bits."

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Holiday Gifts for Scooterists

In the build-up to the December holidays, I thought that I would start creating themed lists of cool scooter-themed gifts. I'll periodically post them through the end of the year. If you want to see past entries, search under "gifts" in the search bar, or click on the "gifts" link in the keyword listing in the lower right section of the blog.

Scooter-Related Books


Vroom with a View is the story of Australian author Peter Moore's mini midlife crisis that inspires him to go to Italy, buy a scooter that was made the year he was born, and ride around in search of the heart of Italy. Moore is a funny character and his journey is a kick to tag along on. Scooter content: 7 out of 10 stars



Gregory Edmont moves to France and discovers that the one sure thing to melt the frosty French heart is a dog. He decides to deliver his Dalmatian for studding from Paris to the south of France via Vespa. I'm not sure how he got a Dalmatian to patiently sit on the floorboards, but it's a fun story nonetheless. Also has lots of French food talk. Scooter content: 5 out of 10 stars



Graphic novel from San Diego scooterist Chynna Clugston (who also penned Blue Mondays)which has the Ace Face reduced to a Zero when he falls for a scooter girl. Scooter content: 7 out of 10 stars



English food writer eats his way through Sicily via Vespa. Lots of talk of scrumptious Sicilian food, but only a little scooter chat. Scooter content: 4 out of 10 stars



Fat, 480+ page book tracing the history of the Vespa. Not complete, but enough info to keep you plenty busy. Scooter content: 10 out of 10 stars



Before he wrote The Last Unicorn, Peter Beagle rode a Heinkel (yes, Heinkel) across the US, coast-to-coast. It was 1963, what else was there to do? Just kidding! A fun book to read. Scooter content: 8 out of 10 stars



A *must* for Lambretta fans. Lots of great info and photos. Fun to watch the recipient open the package & then start to drool.



You may be only able to get this used, but it is a great comic for fans of post-apocalyptic worlds and scooters. Lots of great scootin' action and an engaging story. Scooter content: 8 out of 10 stars



Better known as the artist of Watchmen, Gibbons gives "back to the future" another meaning with the very 60's feel to this futuristic story. The bikes are hover scooters!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I hope these frames were bent...


I appreciate the idea of taking polluting vehicles off the road, but I really hope that these scooters were hopeless wrecks and not just sliced up daily riders.
From inhabitat.

Blog entry soundtrack: Teenage Kicks by The Undertones.

It's My Birthday!

A recent injury has kept me from scootin' but everything is still looking AOK. Hope to get some scooting in this weekend. On deck for today:
  1. Sleep in
  2. Finish some articles for the next issue
  3. Get a mocha (I have been drinking lattes, lately)
  4. Go out to lunch with Jon
  5. Get my car detailed (as a present to myself)
  6. Buy a lottery ticket (can't hurt)
  7. Re-plant some of my cacti (winter is around the corner!)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Vespas in the Classroom


Checkout this inspirational article in the New York Times about a middle-school teacher from Eastchester, NY who had his students learn about mechanical fundamentals by restoring a vintage Vespa.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

My Where's George Stats

If you don't know about WheresGeorge.com, it is a free site where you can register your US paper currency and track the bills as they travel around the world (or neighborhood as it may be). I like to load up on marked bills and take them on scooter rally trips in hopes that they will be picked up, entered and set free again. My current stats are:

You have entered 210 Bills worth $1,770
Bills with hits: 21 Total hits: 22
Hit rate: 10.00% Slugging Percentage: 10.48% (total hits/total bills)
George Score: 544.79
Your rank (based on George Score) is #9,466
(out of 52,192 current users with a George Score. [81.9 Percentile])
Your State Rank in California is: 751 out of 12,400 [93.9]

I hope they improve as I am now using a stamp from Stamp-Connection.com. I bought his stamp:


which works great for $1 bills but not so good on others.

It's a fun hobby, but not for the impatient. It take a while to get a hit as many folks don't pay attention the their bills or just don't care to enter the bill in. If you find one make sure to enter it. You'll make someone's day!