Author Archives: Cam

Security Bugs (Me)

Posted on by

Sometimes security “features” perplex me. For example, last week I wanted to change my user name on eBay to “utahcorvette.” To my dismay eBay informed me that me user name couldn’t match my email address (my user name @gmail.com).

Supposedly the theory behind this is that eBay is protecting me from spammers. Theese terrible spammers could  add common email extensions (i.e. @gmailcom, @yahoo.com, etc) to my user name  and send me email! As much as I appreciate big brother looking out for me I wanted “utahcorvette” as my use name and I got it.

For those of you who don’t know, Gmail has a pretty cool feature: you can actually add extensions to your email address. Just use the “+” sign after your real user name and then add extra text. For example, let’s say your email was corvetteman@gmail.com and you wanted your eBay user name to be “corvetteman.” You’d simply change your email address with eBay to something like “corvetteman+ebay@gmail.com.” Gmail will ignore anything after the “+” sign (your email will be delivered normally) and eBay will let you use the user name you want (“corvettecam”) since it’s  not the same as your email now. Win!

Sometimes security measures bug me, but if you look hard you can usually find a way around them.

Posted by Cam, July 18, 2011

Zombies Ate My Brains… Sort Of.

Posted on by

Anyone else play Plants Vs. Zombines on the iPhone? It’s incredibly addicting!  I love tower defense games to begin with but Popcap’s version has so many extra elements and such polished gameplay that it outshines it’s rivals. If you haven’t tried it yet I’d suggest you get a copy (it’s only $2.99 in the app store).

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the game the premise is simple: Zombies are trying to eat your brains. They attack by making their way across your lawn (and later your back yard and roof) toward your home. If they get inside your house you’re done for. Luckily you have plants you can use to stop the zombies from reaching your brain. You strategically place your plants on the lawn and they attack the waves of zombies. If the zombies are successfully repelled then you win! That’s fun, in and of itself, vut Popcap has loaded Plants vs. Zombies with power ups, achievements, mini games and even a Zen garden in their latest update. Lots of replayability.

Luckily there hasn’t been a update recently so I’ve got things under control. That means I’ve completed all the achievements, won all the mini games, bought all the powerups and even completed my Zen garden. I confess that I spent a fair amount of time on the garden. I actually did a lot of Googling to see if I could find a few pointers and tips about the iPhone Zen garden, but I came up dry (in fact I didn’t find any completed iPhone Plants vs. Zombies Zen gardens). That being said, I wanted to post pics of my Zen Garden and answer the questions I had. Maybe it will help someone else.

Q. What is the Plants vs. Zombie Zen Garden?

A. One you have beaten Plants vs. Zombies  it unlocks a Zen garden where you can collect plants from the game. There is a section for regular outdoor plants, a section for mushrooms and a section for aquatic plants. The mushroom and aquatic gardens must be purchased.

Q. Where do I get plants?

A. You can occasionally buy plants from Dave (the gifts) but they also appear randomly while you play the regular game or bonus games.

Q. Which plants do I need to get?

A. Take a look at the images below to see what plants you need to complete your garden. There are extra spaces in all but the mushroom garden. If it’s not in the picture don’t expect to get it. As an aside, you can make a ton of money growing plants and them selling them to Dave (check out my moola cache!).

Q. Is there a faster way to get plants? I’m sick of waiting for the present to respawn.

A. Patience is Zen virtue. But yes, there is a faster way…

Once you have all the plants you can get you’re rewarded with the “Enlightened” achievement. I don’t know why I care, but getting this made me really happy. So there you have it- my Plants vs. Zombies Zen Garden for the iPhone. Check it out!

Posted by Cam, July 7, 2011

 

A Bright Idea: Flashlights

Posted on by

At work we’re always looking for products to expand into. One of the things that we’ve really enjoyed are Flashlights. The other day our Fenix flashlight rep asked us if we had any flashlight related domains or websites. I had casually looked, but we really didn’t have any good solid flashlight web domains. I’m a big believer in virtual real estate and moonlight as a domain buyer/seller so I made it my personal mission to get some good flashlight related domains (in case we ever decided to open an online flashlight store). I’m not going to discuss strategies for getting domains in this post, but you do need a small fortune to hunt down good domain names.

Overall I think I did pretty well. In a strange twist of fate I was actually able to procure fenixflashlight.com and fenixflashlights.com. Now they redirect to the Fenix flashlights for sale on our website (a fair amount of visitors comes from this kind of direct traffic). I also secured ledflashlights.com,  flashlightblog.com (we run knifeblog.com so it was a good match) and flashlightsforsale.com (we also own knivesforsale.com, so another good match).  On a whim – and because it cost next to nothing –  I picked up ledlightblog.com; LED technology seems to be the direction all lights are headed.

Slowly but surely our flashlight sales are picking up. We recently became an authorized dealer for Surefire and Xeno flashlights. The world of flashlights is actually pretty big – maybe rivaling the knife industry in size. Maybe.  Full speed ahead.

Resources: LED flashlights, Fenix Flashlights, Flashlight Blog, Knife Blog, Surefire Flashlights, Xeno Flashlights, flashlights for sale.

Posted by Cam, July 7, 2011

Home Again

Posted on by

The move is complete! Last time I wrote I had the car moved, but there was still a lot of work to do. Now I’ve got all my stuff from work (cleaning supplies, car jacks, tools, boxes, etc) moved to my garage. I confess that I was really concerned about space, but everything fits pretty well. I even have enough room to jack up the car to change wheels,  perform maintenance (i.e. oil changes) and even do washing & detailing.

One secret to cramming everything into my garage was the extra space from new shelves. Specifically the black Whalen shelves offered by Costco (about $60 each). Even though they aren’t necessarily designed for it, you can stack them three sections high pretty easily (check out my above pic, right side).  We have a 10′ ceiling in the garage and so that gives me a ton of storage space (space that would otherwise just go unused). That’s right- adding things can make more room.

I also ran power off a plug in the ceiling (the plug for the garage door opener). I used a splitter and ran two extension cords across the ceiling to two corners of the garage for my battery charger, shop vac, air compressor and anything else I might need it for. It was a really cheap/easy way to get power where I needed it.

So that’s it- the move is oficially done (the area at work where my car was is already filleed with shelves!) So far having my car at home has been really nice. I can make quick little trips without having to make a detour over to work to switch cars. Also, it’s nice to have all my car stuff in one place (specifically cleaning supplies). And I think the more limited space will keep my junk level in check and keep me from doing too many uncessary projects too. Now I just have to get things organized and finish settling in…

Posted by Cam, July 3, 2011

Will the Real Knife HQ Please Stand Up?

Posted on by

I recently came across a funny post about knife hq. Part of the post reads, “At first it seemed as though there was a dispute over who owned the actual knife hq. I saw a blade hq as number one when researching knife hq, but how can the blade hq be number one? As I delved further in to my research I found there really is only one knife hq… if you do the research you will find that Survival Knife HQ is the real Knife HQ and that simply put, the others don’t even come close.” 

I just though I’d take a moment to answer the poster’s question and correct his misconceptions. Quite simply put- bladehq.com is knifehq.com.  There’s no dispute over who owns knife hq or which company is the “real” knifehq. Furthermore a quick visit to both websites in question will leave you with little doubt about which one doesn’t “even come close.”

Speaking of survival knives– if you’re actually looking for some you can buy check out a knife hq owned website called survivalknives.com! We sell- wait for it- survival knives. I guess, given the evidence, you could say SurvivalKnives.com is the “real” survival knife hq.

Posted by Cam, July 3, 2011

Odd Years Bring Tears…

Posted on by

2011. Odd year. By odd I don’t mean strange, I mean it’s not even. Every odd year I need to get my emissions & inspection done for the state of Utah (my car is a 2007 model). No sweat, right? Ha ha…ha…

Safety inspections are no problem. Everything on my car is in tip top shape and I even have legal tinting. I will confess that I have legal tinting now because I had to rip it off two years ago for the safety test. But I digress… It’s the emissions that kill me. If you know anything about OBDII emissions testing you’ll feel for me shortly.

Emissions testing used to be done by literally measuring the emissions output from your car. However, newer cars can actually monitor their own emissions. When you go for an emissions test in Utah they just plug a computer into your OBDII port (usually located under your steering column) to see if your car passes or not. The car has a series of onboard emissions tests that it runs while you drive (checking the O2 sensor, fuel system, catalyst, misfire monitor, etc- it varies from car to car).  If your car successfully runs the tests (you can have one “incomplete” test in Utah) and your MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp, also called the “check engine light”) is off then you’ll pass your emissions inspection. If your car doesn’t run the tests or fails them then you have a potential problem. And a quick side note- disconnecting your battery will erase your test results! Don’t change or disconnect your battery right before an emissions test.

My emissions test was due at the end of June. Luckily I decided to take care of things at the beginning of June so I had some time. Anyone can check and see which emissions tests have run or not run. You just need an OBDII scanner tool (you can actually go to an auto parts shop like Auto Zone and they will let you use one while you’re there). I have a mini laptop with a copy of HP Tuners that I can use to see if my tests have run or not. I’d been driving around for the last six months with no problems so I was very surprised to see that every test had an “inc” (incomplete) result. It’s very unusual for the tests to remain incomplete after so long. Just to be sure I did a GM drive cycle to see if the tests would run. Nothing. I racked my brain- it had been two years since my last test when there were no issues. What was preventing the tests from running?

And then it hit me- my tune! I checked pending error codes and found a P0103 code. This particular error code has to do with a malfunctioning MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor. However, my MIL was off. Generally error codes like was I was seeing cause the MIL to come on. If the MIL is on then generally cars won’t run their onboard emissions diagnostics. I called my car tuner, Marc,  to see if he had any insight.

Sure enough, it was the new tune that was interfering with the onboard emissions tests. Usually cars use a MAF  sensor to determine the right amount of fuel to deliver to the engine. But my MAF just wasn’t up to the task so we switched to a two bar tune using a MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) sensor instead. When you make this change you have to tell the car to ignore the MAF sensor and this throws an error code (the P0103) resulting in the MIL coming on.  But Marc had programmed the car so that when the code was thrown the MIL stayed off (even though the car thought there was a problem).  Net result: The emissions tests didn’t run and weren’t going to run with the new tune. I was going to need an “emissions tune.”

I took my car back to the Marc and he created a new tune that used the MAF sensor (so no error codes). And then it was just a matter of driving until the tests ran. Since this was a “down and dirty” tune the car runs like caca. If you load and unload the engine quickly the car tends to die (this happens when you’re turning or stopping). And there surging issues,  rough idle and jerky acceleration. Luckily it only took two drive cycles to get the emissions test to run (well, all but one; I have never seen my EVAP test run on any of the Vettes I’ve owned).

After the testes ran I got the emissions inspection done, took the emissions & safety documents to the DMV and registered the car, and then took it back to Marc to have the old tune put back on. The car is now registered again, has the old tune and I don’t have to deal with this crap for another two years! Hooray! Sometimes I wish they’d go back to the old way where they just measure your tailpipe emissions… well, no- I’m sure that wouldn’t go well either.

Posted by Cam, July 1, 2011

Helpful Links:

Utah Safety & Emission Info

GM Drive Cycle information

My Car Rocks (How to Get Rocks Out of Your Body Panels)

Posted on by

This is a post about rocks. Tiny rocks that get stuck between body panels near the rear tires. If you have a C6 Corvette chances are you know what I’m talking about. I’m not sure if this is a design oversight or if I just live in a place with way too many tiny rocks (and I will state again for the record that Utah roads are awful!). Anyway, here’s a quick little guide to get rid of your rocks so people don’t make fun of you!

The area where I see the most rock buildup is near the rear tires. Rocks actually get shot up over the wheel well casing, into the side wheel panel and drop down, getting stuck between the two body panels. Luckily getting them out is pretty simple.

Grab your socket wrench and a 9/32 hex head bit.  Carefully loosen the screw shown (it’s the one opposite the rear wheel) and pull it out.

Gently pull out the body panel, separating it from the panel below. This creates a nice gap and you can use a toothpick, flat head screwdriver (anything, really) to carefully push out the rocks.

I usually have quite a few rocks (this is about two months of rock build up and I drive my car maybe100 miles a week). After you get everything cleaned out just push your panel back, put the screw in and voila! Good as new. Repeat on the other side.

Posted by Cam, July 1, 2011

A New Exercise Concept

Posted on by

I really enjoy running. Sometimes it almost feels like I’m floating along and as the runner’s high washes over me everything seems perfect. But some days each step feel like an impossible trek through shin pain and mental exhaustion. I decided that if I was going to keep up my rigorous exercise campaign I needed some variety. After some research I decided that a rowing machine was the way to go. And after more research I chose the Concept 2.

My Concept 2 shipped from Massachusetts the same day I placed by order and took about 6 days to arrive. My unit shipped in two parts. The larger box was well packed  but the smaller box (which contained the legs) had parts protruding. Nothing was broken so it wasn’t a big deal but it could have been packed better.

Setup was really easy. Most of the machine is assembled and you only have to put on the legs, the monitor mount and make some small tweaks. The unit is composed of two parts that lock together where the feet strap in. The two pieces can be taken apart and reassembled in just a few moments (great for storage, if needed).  The overall quality of the Concept 2 machine is excellent. All the instructions and illustrations are clear and easy to understand- which is good, since there’s a fair amount to learn.

There are a bunch of different rowing machines types- some use hydraulic pistons, other use magnets and even water. The Concept 2 uses air resistance against a flywheel. The rowing motion is quite smooth and the workout can be as hard or easy as you make it (based on rowing intensity). The flywheel is reasonably quiet and I’m able to comfortably hear my television.

The Concept 2 computer is also well designed (mine came with a PM4- the computer you get depends on the model you purchase). The PM4 keeps track of all your rowing sessions and gives you details about your distance, calories and even watts that you generate. There are preprogrammed workouts and even games where you can link up with other players and race. What I like most about the PM4 is being able to keep track of my workout and then re-row them to try and beat my old time. My only regret with the computer is that you can’t directly input your weight; the PM4 will give you a calorie burn benchmark and you have to enter that, along with your weight, into a calculator n the Concept 2 website to get your actual calorie burn.

As I mentioned the overall quality of the machine is great. The adustable stirrups and straps lock the feet securely into place and the assembly is rock solid.  The seat is pretty comfortable, although during longer rowing sessions I sometimes wish I had a bit more padding. The rowing bar is very comfortable although I have gotten a few blisters on my hands and fingers (the instructions tell you not to hold the rowing bar tightly and I don’t think I have, but my fingers seem to disagree). My only real complaint with the design is this: If you’re rowing withyour shirt untucked it can get caught in the seat rollers when you’re sliding back. Be sure to tuck it in!

As for the actual workout- it’s fantastic. Initially it’s a little hard to get the rowing technique just right. And rowing can be hard on the back at first too (my back complained mildly for about a week). One you get into the swing of things though you realize that rowing is nearly a full body workout. As much as I love running, it doesn’t do much for my upper body. With rowing I can get a solid arm, chest and back workout in addition to hitting my core and legs. And because you’re sitting and pushing and pulling there’s very little impact and it’s not as jarring as running.  Sometimes I stand up after a rowing workout and it just hits me all over.

I don’t burn as many calories on the Concept 2 as I do when I run (it’s close though), but I really like the variety. And more importantly I like the ability to workout my upper body and give my legs a break from running. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a low impact exercise, a full body workout and a way to quickly blast calories then I can wholeheartedly recommend the Concept 2 rower.

And as a quick follow-up, I am now well into the 230’s. Success is close at hand!

Posted by Cam, May 30, 2011