Author: Dan

Back from the shop, but the noise remains

Post author By Dan
Post date April 25, 2005

Damn, I was so jacked too! It was hoped that replacing my resonators on the M3 would cure an annoying metallic ‘rattlesnake’ like sound that I get on deceleration, but unfortunately, it didn’t. However, the Stromung sounds amazing and the tips are gorgeous! The new euro-spec headlights are much improved and look extra sexy at a glance. Plus, the tires got replaced at the same service, and along with an alignment, and new rear control arm bushings, the car has never felt more solid. Two thumbs up to the guys at Autohaus. Hopefully I can get the car back to them soon to re-diagnose the problem that persists.

Another big Thank You to Clayton and Joyce who let me stay an extra night to get new tires put on — and at a price that I didn’t think was possible — But I should’ve known that the best bargain hunter in the universe could put it together, even after a night of decadence 😉 Thanks again for your hospitality guys!

Tech Archive

Computer Tips in 2005

Post author By Dan
Post date April 19, 2005

1. Why aren’t you using Firefox yet? Firefox is an internet browser that is being independently developed and is far superior to Internet Explorer in many aspects. But most importantly, it isn’t a target for hackers and spyware, and most of those nasty security exploits can be circumvented by simply not using Internet Explorer. Get Firefox and surf safe!

2. Keep up on Windows Updates. This is critical as another patch usually comes out every week, sometimes several in a single week. And most of these patches are necessary to plug holes and exploits within Windows that makes it easier for hackers to infect your system with viruses and spyware. Keep up to date by turning on automatic updates.

3. Keep your virus definitions up to date! What’s the good of having a virus detection software if it can’t scan for the latest threats? It differs from software to software, but if you’ve kept up on your Window’s updates, you’ll notice that service pack 2 now has a virus protection monitor that keeps tabs on your virus software to make sure it’s up to date.

4. Invest in spyware protection software. It’s no longer a matter of just staying off those websites with questionable content, spyware comes from the most unsuspecting of sites these days to help the host recover costs. And unfortunately, redundant spyware software is the recommended way to catch it all. But if you’re going to buy just one, I recommend Webroot’s SpySweeper (~$30) and Microsoft’s Antispyware software (recently acquired from Giant, one of the best).

5. Tired of spam? Be careful when you sign up for anything online. Are you sure they need your email? Make one up if they don’t 😉 Also, if your email is published on a website, plan on it being harvested by bots for use in spam. If you’re getting hit with hundreds of spams a week, you need a new email address and/or some strong spam software.

6. Does your computer feel slow even though you’ve scanned it for spyware and viruses? Windows XP is a huge application and I now recommend at least 384mb of RAM and 512mb is recommended. Also, is your hard drive full? Make sure you have at least 500mb available on the hard drive at all times.

That’s all for now, but as I think of more, I’ll add to the list.

Personal and Family

Sergeant First Class Bojonowski

Post author By Dan
Post date April 19, 2005

A couple of weeks ago, an old friend was in town and Paul and I were able to meet up with him briefly for lunch. But alot’s changed in ten years! Scott is still married to Janet and they now have two boys – both following the standing Bojonowski tradition of looking like their father. Sharp too, the little guy is quiet, but he’s listening to every word!

But as good as it was too see Scott and his family, he was heading back to Iraq to finish up his time there, which is about 6 more months. Scott is in infantry and pilots the Stryker:

To say he’s close to the action is an understatement. He was at the base that was attacked by the car bomb just after Christmas. You’ll probably remember the incident because it was a surprise to our forces how the car bomb got so close, exploding in the cafeteria. Here’s the story.

Here’s the video that was recovered by the military that the terrorists put together documenting their attack.

It’s frightening how big that explosion was, and I can only express how amazed and happy I am that Scott and most of his crew are alive. Scott said it was a 5000lb load. He said he couldn’t hear for a few days, and that just following the explosion they were under attack for a couple of hours requiring air support to finally put an end to the chaos.

Talking with Scott has been a real eye opener for me. I have been decidedly naive and ignorant about our involvement in Iraq, and I disapprove of our presence there. But I support our troops 100% in their efforts.

Thank you for being so brave, Scott. Come home safe soon!

Automotive

BMW Love!

Post author By Dan
Post date April 19, 2005

The Bimmer is going up to Portland for some quality time with the guys at Autohaus Bayern. Control arm bushings are being replaced and that should help with the rear end shudder when transitioning off the clutch to gas. Also European lamps are being fitted. The beam pattern is so much better. After switching with the old 337, I’ll always try to make this upgrade with any of our European cars. And lastly, a new exhaust is being fitted from Stromung. My current exhaust is coming apart from the inside out and makes the car sound amazingly cheap and busted. This should cure that handily 😉

Automotive Personal and Family

Quick Trip Up the Coast

Post author By Dan
Post date April 13, 2005

Last Sunday I was inspired. No, I was on a mission! Saturday we sat around on the couch and blew away an entire day. Literally, we did nothing! It doesn’t happen very often and I thought we’d enjoy it, but at the end of the day it felt like a waste. So Sunday, we were going to do something!

Shana wasn’t exactly on the same page, but we settled on a drive somewhere we hadn’t been before. I suggested Crater Lake, because Shana’s been on my ass to go there since we’ve been dating. And it figures, I’m finally excited to go, and there’s still snow there. We also recognized we’ve never been to Astoria before and figured, why not?!

After a late start trying to get Sleeping Beauty out of bed, we hit the road about 10:00am (Those of you who have been to Astoria can just figure this as foreshadowing…) We decided to take the scenic route via highway 22, to a small stretch of road called Little Nestucca River Road, that ends up just outside Pacific City. Along that stretch we took these pics of the M3. Turned out pretty good considering we used the snapshot camera w/o a tripod, at noon, in hazy conditions, within about 15 minutes.

Anyway, we stopped at the Pelican Brewery for lunch in Pacific City, a favorite spot when nearby. After filling up for $2.70 a gallon for super (Way to go W, looks like that little war is working out great…), we continued our trip. After getting through Tillamook we realized the Northern Oregon Coast is nowhere near as nice as the Southern Oregon Coast. And the farther we got, the more it rained. And it was slow going and pretty gray. Before too long, it was already 3pm and considering how long it would take to get back, we bagged it.

Guess we’ll have to finish that trip another time. But I needed this post as an excuse to post up the M3 glamour shots, hehehehe…