Of course, our new president's limo has been in the news a lot lately. Now that is one sweet ride. On the other hand, it burns a lot of gas.
Kansas City's 2008 car market was a funny one. When gas prices skyrocketed, it became almost impossible to buy an affordable small car in Kansas City due to the demand. When gas prices went back down at the end of the year, lots of folks bought back their gas guzzling SUVs. What a fickle lot we are.
So with lower prices on economical cars, kcrazorback wife and I started shopping at the end of the year. After considering lots of cars, we began to focus on recent-model used Toyota Matrixes (Matrices?). We actually missed out on a couple as other buyers moved quickly to buy. (I'm the guilty party--I'm a stereotypical slow-moving southerner.)
So, within moments of the presidential swearing-in yesterday, I struck a deal to buy a 2007 Toyota Matrix--not the typical ride for 40 and over statisticians. I hope that stimulus package kicks in soon.
It's red. I mean, it is really red. Toyota calls it radiant red. I picked it up last night. Fortunately, kcrazorback looks good in red. Kcrazorback looks good regardless, but just making the point.
When gas prices go back up (and they will), I plan on saving a lot of money at the pump. Over the long haul, I hope it pays for itself.
Free Ride is playing in my mind. Yeah, I'm cool.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
a-God
Drove kcrazorback daughter to school Monday morning--first day back after Christmas break. We were running late so I decided to say our school-day prayer in the car on the way.
However, this time, she started praying. She ended her sweet prayer with "A-God." Then she said it's not about men. It's about God.
A-God.
However, this time, she started praying. She ended her sweet prayer with "A-God." Then she said it's not about men. It's about God.
A-God.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
free calculators
Again, the hp online store has some good deals. If you're buying ink cartridges or toner, get 'em with free shipping and a free calculator--either a QuickCalc or an OfficeCalc 100. Check it out here.
Oh, and, if you really don't want the calculators, just send those to me.
Oh, and, if you really don't want the calculators, just send those to me.
Friday, January 2, 2009
oh boy, oh boy
It wasn't quite Christmas morning. But, my New Year's Eve morning began before 8:00 AM when the FedEx guy rang the doorbell and dropped two boxes at the door. For this hp calculator dude it was like Christmas morning. I tore into the boxes expecting to find a new 35s in one box and a 10s in the other. hp did not disappoint. You see, I really did not miss the big sale I talked about in the previous post. At these prices, I couldn't afford not to buy (right, honey?).
After I get to know my 35s a little better, I'll give you a review of it. What follows is a quick review of my new 10s.
For a pocket scientific, the 10s seems to be everything you'd want with a few little suprises. For the price (I paid $7.99 with free shipping as part of a larger order), it's a very good calculator. Some notes:
* I really like the hard protective case and the dual power (solar and battery) feature. I bought the 10s because I needed one cheap calculator that I could carry in my laptop bag on business trips. I had been using my 33s for this purpose, but replaced the batteries twice last year after business trips. Anyway, I prefer not to travel with my 33s--don't want to lose it... Now, if I can just get used to algebraic entry while working.
* There seems to be some odd and very non-hp placement of buttons. Most annoying is the location of the AC button, which is not on an edge or near the ON button or near the = button. Hunting for it slows me down.
* The lcd contrast on the two-line display does not seem dark enough for me and I don't know how to darken it--standard tricks didn't work. Didn't try replacing the battery yet. I'll do some research and get back to you.
* The biggest of the little suprises: not only does this calculator store data and perform simple linear regressions like many other scientifics, it is capable of 5 other types of regression models: logarithmic, exponential, mathematical power, inverse and quadratic. Wow, that's all on an $8 calculator.
It's not top-of-the-line. But, to use a car phrase, it is best in class. If you can get one for $8, don't hesitate.
After I get to know my 35s a little better, I'll give you a review of it. What follows is a quick review of my new 10s.
For a pocket scientific, the 10s seems to be everything you'd want with a few little suprises. For the price (I paid $7.99 with free shipping as part of a larger order), it's a very good calculator. Some notes:
* I really like the hard protective case and the dual power (solar and battery) feature. I bought the 10s because I needed one cheap calculator that I could carry in my laptop bag on business trips. I had been using my 33s for this purpose, but replaced the batteries twice last year after business trips. Anyway, I prefer not to travel with my 33s--don't want to lose it... Now, if I can just get used to algebraic entry while working.
* There seems to be some odd and very non-hp placement of buttons. Most annoying is the location of the AC button, which is not on an edge or near the ON button or near the = button. Hunting for it slows me down.
* The lcd contrast on the two-line display does not seem dark enough for me and I don't know how to darken it--standard tricks didn't work. Didn't try replacing the battery yet. I'll do some research and get back to you.
* The biggest of the little suprises: not only does this calculator store data and perform simple linear regressions like many other scientifics, it is capable of 5 other types of regression models: logarithmic, exponential, mathematical power, inverse and quadratic. Wow, that's all on an $8 calculator.
It's not top-of-the-line. But, to use a car phrase, it is best in class. If you can get one for $8, don't hesitate.
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