“I could basically do Lord of the Rings on a laptop right now.”

- Academy Award winning visual effects artist Jim Rygiel, remarking at PopTech on the rapid advance of computing technology.

Ok – here are my first few tries at using an infrared filter on my new camera.

Genzyme building on Soldier’s Field Road, Sunday evening 10/17.

Wide shot
Brighter shot

Barnum & Bailey train stopped on tracks in Cambridge, 10/17/04:

Strange Train
More Strange Train
Even more strange train

check the nature

This year’s Halloween costume.

Is it Halloween yet?

How ’bout now?

Why are carnivals so freaking creepy? Discuss.

Today drove an Audi RS6 and a Volvo S60R. The RS6 is a totally amazing automobile (drawback that it’s an automatic but dear GOD trust me when I say it doesn’t matter, especially with the tiptronic paddles). This is a true supercar… and at $80k++ it ought to be.

The Volvo is very nice, but the S4 is superior in almost every way. There was a touch more headroom in the front of the Volvo, but the rear of each felt equally tight. Basically, with the front seat in my ideal driving position, there was precious little legroom in the back of either car. This is, for all intents and purposes, a very minor issue since no one is going to be back there 99.9% of the time, and I can move my seat forward and live with the pinch when there is. At least there are four doors. Read the rest of this entry »

50/50 is the best case scenario for Kerry tonight

Took an Audi S4 out for a nice long drive tonight. Wow. Like a little blue pill, except not so little. How long until I’m supposed to call the doctor? Four hours? Or six? More later.

Car hunt update.

The current short list:

• Audi S4
  
• Audi RS6 (if found within rea$on, but my recent research indicates that is unlikely)
  
• BMW 545i 6-speed (would prefer AWD, though – but am going to drive one anyway – a truly great sedan)
  
• BMW M5 (again, if found within rea$on, but I don’t like the electronics in the older ones [02-03] and the new ones are not out yet and way more than I want to spend)
  
• Volvo S60R (would love to test drive one if just one of the dealers I’ve contacted (Dalzell, 128 Volvo, and Boston Volvo) would respond to my multiple e-mails)
  
• Mercedes E500 – while a great, powerful sedan, it only comes in an auto and I fear it is too middle-agey in character. Although they look younger in person…
  

But I am definitely accelerating the hunt. I had set a target date of February or March but I don’t think I’m going to make it… my instinct says the moment is nearing. I can practically smell the seat leather (don’t tell the dealers this). Accordingly, I will be test driving a 2005 Audi S4 tomorrow. My main worry about the S4 is reliability – I remain a little concerned as to whether Audi have pulled themselves out of their late-90s quality funk. The last few years of reliability numbers indicate that they have done so, and well. The S4 is an aggressive racer and all-around rocket ship – yet has the maturity of a stable, 4-door sedan. I like its look, its power, its stance. Originally I thought they might be too small, but sat in one a few months ago and was very impressed – seemed every bit as roomy as my i30. So, the size issue is off the table. Now, to drive one. To really drive one. I pity the sales rep, should they choose to accompany me.

Advice welcome.

Yes, I know I blogged this back when it happened. But back then, I only had the text to share with you. It’s so much better when you see the video.