Nick's Blog

Nor-Cal Life and Adventures in Entrepreneurship

Entries for February, 2009

Girl Scout Cookie Conspiracy

Sure, Girl Scout cookies are delicious.  But are they more delicious because they’re only available for a limited time each year?  Scarcity, whether manufactured or real, helps give an item value.
Take diamonds, for example.  A large, perfectly cut stone is extremely rare, so it commands a high price.  Or the Nintendo Wii, which has sold [...]

Mercedes ML320 = Ford Escape?

I believe the ML 320 debuted in 1997, while the Escape came out in 2000.  Did Ford copy the Benz?

And Just to Make it Interesting…

I thought this was a funny Far Side comic of God creating the world, even though I haven’t really had any bad jerk interactions lately.

Actually our neighbor’s son has built a quarter-pipe bike ramp in their garage.  Which would actually be kind of cool if it didn’t back up to our kitchen and shake the [...]

For People With Money To Burn

Economy schmecony!  For the low low price of $5,000, Zero Gravity Corporation will put you on a plane for a series of parabolic flights so you can experience weightlessness.

I suppose it’s much cheaper than actual space tourism, but in terms of dollars/hr, that’s pretty expensive entertainment.  I’m not saying it wouldn’t be awesome though.  [...]

Spin-Offs

I’ve been trying to think of examples where the spin-off is better than the original.  This idea came to me while enjoying some delicious White Cheddar Cheez-Its.  Way better than regular Cheez-Its.  Most of the examples I came up with where food, although downhill skiing is far superior to the original cross-country form.
Double Stuff Oreos [...]

Committed

Yes, I probably should be committed.  I just completed my registration for the San Francisco Half Marathon.  Thankfully I have until July 26th to train.  I needed to register early for the motivation to start running.  At least I’m already more aerodynamic, and that’s a good a start as any.

The route is really cool.  It [...]

Amazing Race Defeat

I don’t watch a lot of reality TV. Actually I don’t watch a lot of regular TV either.  But I do love The Amazing Race, and can’t believe it’s been on 14 seasons.  For aspiring world travelers, there is no better show for getting trip ideas and creating your must-see list.
I was hoping to see [...]

Science Bowl-ing

The Northern California Middle School Science Bowl Regional Championship took place Saturday at Las Positas College.  Why do I know this?  Bryn and I experienced the drama and excitement up close and personal as event volunteers.
The Science Bowl pits 4-member teams against each other and tests their knowledge of science and math.  Following a round-robin [...]

Bryn and Mochi Rocking Out

We should have a caption contest for what Mochi is thinking.
“Hit the whammy bar, mom.”
“Star power READY!”
“OK, my turn.”

Griffey Homecoming

Like most Mariners fans, I was happy to read this morning that Ken Griffey Jr had signed on for one more season in Seattle.  Although he’s past his prime, he’ll definitely help sell some tickets in what looks like another “rebuilding” year for the M’s.  And like former teammate Jay Buhner said, “Griffey IS the [...]