Monday, November 30, 2009

We Need to Dance

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After the Miami Heat intro vids and The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings: Ninth Edition.

**** Dwyane Wade, Number Three Guard. Highly unexpected set from an alto player best known for his pitch-perfect standards and ballads. Here, Wade stretches out in various spare trio settings. With piano and drums, he sets up dense thickets of squelches and squeals; piano and bass bring out his deliberate, elegiac side like never before; in the more conventional sax/bass/drums format, Wade tears through angular post-bop originals like a man pushing his creative capacity to the point of exhaustion, even collapse.

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*** Udonis Haslem, Forty Forward. Haslem had always been a sturdy pianist in the Bobby Timmons vein, but when got the chance to record for Blue Note, he took advantage of the extra rehearsal time and created something far more ambitious. Sticking to the standard soul jazz trio, and finding himself constantly returning to its cliches, Haslem nevertheless aims high with these forty short pieces about his conversion to Islam and travels in the Middle East. Engimatic bassist Babar, making his only appearance on record here, is the only one whose solos consistently realize this exalted mood.

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***1/2 Mario Chalmers, C-H-A-L-M-E-R-S. There were plenty of other trumpeters around New York with the same slashing tone, technical facility, and knack for heady skeins of harmonic sophistication. Sons of Miles and Dizzy alike, they were a dime a dozen, each more impressive than the next and thus somehow bringing the whole bunch down. What makes Marion Chalmers's debut so remarkable is that not only does he capture a moment, he transcends it due in no small part due to the fast company he keeps.

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***** Michael Beasley, Forward. Beasley was a prodigy in the truest, and most unfortunate, sense. He was barely in his twenties when this masterpiece was recorded, and already had several standards to his name. Forward was unlike any other jazz being made at the time, and it remains elusive to this day. Employing a crude form of multi-tracking, unorthodox combinations like flugelhorn, banjo, and bagpipes, and sometimes changing instruments mid-improvisation, it's nevertheless Beasley's raw, vibrant piano that steals the show.

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**1/2 Carlos Arroyo, Number Eight. Blue Note rarely attempted to cash in on trends, but one of its few truly venal records is also one of the strangest. Arroyo was a largely forgettable salsa pianist with progressive tendencies. Cutting Latin versions of the music from the then-obscure British television series The Prisoner falls somewhere between crass opportunism and off-beat pop culture plundering. Arroyo is all over the place, sometimes solemn, oftentimes festive, as if he were at once trying to take the material too seriously and reject its source. A curiosity worth hearing.

*** Quentin Richardson, Five. An oddly iconic title for such a workmanlike set. Richardson's trombone can be heard on a slew of other recordings from this period, ranging from proto-funk to cerebral cool. He's the sort of player, and writer, whose solos and compositions typically include at least one passage of utter ingenuity and another that borders on pap. Five is his only solo effort. While far from the archetypal quintet outting, it's nevertheless admirable from start to finish.

** Daequan Cook, Number Fourteen Guard. Cook was a sporadic, slapdash drummer best known for his hi-hat flourishes and otherwise low-key timekeeping. This is the kind of record that should discourage drummers from ever thinking they can take the lead in the studio, even if the label's put them up to it.

Something to Smile About

Tail wags, dear readers. It's me, Stormy. Today is Monday, and ... well ... let's just say it really FEELS like a Monday here, if you know what I mean. Not wanting to dwell on that, I thought I'd get caught up posting about a couple really sweet things! We received two awards lately and wanted to thank the friends who gave them to us!

Our handsome kit-cat friend Ginger Jasper gave us this award:

Thanks Ginger Jasper!

Thank you so much! We consider your friendship a lovely blessing!

Ginger AND our sweet friend Twix gave us this award:

Thanks Ginger Jasper!  And Twix!

We feel quite honored by you both; thank you so much for thinking of us!

We'd like to pass these along to anyone who has been whomped upside the head by Monday. Now ... doesn't that help?

DSCN2862_2 Stormy

At least a little bit?

Tail wags,
Stormy

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Serene Scenery Sunday -The Whole Family Edition

Tail wags, pups and kit-cats! It's me, Stormy! Nothing makes our pack happier and more serene than a walk involving the whole family. I thought I'd share a few pix with you that Mom took the other day out on one of our walks. Care to come walking with us?

Dave and I thought that just for a few minutes, we'd let the redheads get ahead of us. You know - it has to do with that whole "unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes" thing. Here's Mom's view:

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I don't think this is such a bad view, Storm!
It's OK for a few minutes. What's over there?!?

And here's our view:

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Not bad, but I need to be in the lead. Mostly because I am the leader, plus there's always a lot of this that goes on:

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Hey! Any of you squirrelly-squirrels out there?

He does like to stop and enjoy the scenery!

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Really! Anysquirrel out there?!? It's me - Zim!

We don't have squirrels right by our house, but Zim knows where they live and likes to stop and commune with then when we're out in their part of the neighborhood. Or anybunnies... or our kit-cat friends. Anyway, if you're the "keep going!" type, you don't want to get behind the Z-man.

Mom took lots of pix of us walking together on the way home. You can check out our latest
FlickR images, if you'd like, plus I put a collage together for you:

CollageAo4WalkThanksgiving09

We sure enjoyed our family walk. And once we got home and had a round of zoomies, we were all quite serene! Thanks for coming with us; have a lovely Sunday!

Tail wags,
Storms

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Tales - And Tails - From the Weekend

Ha roo, pups and kit-cats! It's me - Zimmie! Storm said I should fill you in quickly on what all we did for Thanksgiving here at Ao4 HQs. Let's get busy!

We did a lot of giving thanks to God for all our blessings - health, home, family & friends, our US Armed Forces, and many, many other things ... then we did the following:

IMG_4554 Zim
Ooooh, a green pea!??! I love those things!

I got to have THREE frozen peas. They were incredible! Storm and Dave got a couple, too. Ammy gave hers to me and got an ice cube instead.

Then we did this:

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Mmm... Sweet Potato Pie! Mom, don't you need to leave the room?

Sadly, Mom wasn't as forthcoming with the pie as she was with the peas. We moved on to doing this:

IMG_4548 Snooze fest
Stormy in the back, Dave on top of Mom's leg

Then we all did a lot of this:

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Left to right: Me (Zim), Dave, Ammy and Storms

Oh! And Mom has moved on to this stage in her Super-Secret Project:

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She said she's getting there but still has a long way to go!

What all did you pups and kits do over the weekend?

Play bows,
Zim

Friday, November 27, 2009

Photo Finish Friday

Ha roo, pups and cool cats. We were out running an errand together, just me and Mom, when I saw this:

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Sonic!

I started concentrating as hard as I could. "Frozen Hazelnut Latte. Frozen Hazelnut Latte...."

I think my powers of sending mind-meld messages are slipping, friends - she kept on driving. Can you believe that?!!? I think I need to get Storms to give me a refresher course.

Play bows,
Zim

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving 2009

As we stop to give thanks to God for our many blessings this year, we here at Ao4 Headquarters never forget to give thanks for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform.

For our international readers, we encourage you to click here to learn the history and true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!
The Army of Four

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan The first vehicle to be equipped with the new system “Forest AC”

2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

The interior of Fuga is garnished with a nice blend of leather and and wood grain panels coated with genuine silver powder, which gives them an immaculate mirror finish. It features a new “Forest AC air conditioning system that creates the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting.
2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Nissan has revealed their latest innovation in air conditioning systems - and it's a good one. The "Forest AC" controls the aroma and humidity to help create an optimal interior environment for the occupants. The system uses a number of advanced technologies and is designed to recreate the refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings. It was developed based on the results of a joint research study with the Tokyo University of Science on the effects of aroma on human mental activity.
2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Along with the air-cleaning and temperature control effect of conventional car air conditioners, the new Forest AC system offers additional control of air flow, humidity, aroma and other ambient factors that can influence the physiological state and senses of the driver and passengers. This is the first automotive system in the world created to make driving more comfortable based on studies of drivers' mental activity.The first vehicle to be equipped with the new system is the 2010 Nissan Fuga.
2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

As we are approaching the new year, manufacturers are announcing new pricing on 2010 updated and new models. One of these new models which was unveiled at this year’s Tokyo Autoshow and received very good media is the Nissan Fuga, an Infiniti based luxury sedan which firstly will go on sale in Japanese domestic market. The car is very well equipped and comes with lots of new features starting at around $45,000.
2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Since its debut in 2004, the Fuga has been highly praised by customers for its exceptional performance, class-leading interior roominess and a variety of luxurious interior trim options. The new Fuga takes each attribute to a new and higher level.
The new Fuga features a revised model lineup, a redesigned exterior and interior, Nissan’s new VQ35HR and VQ25HR engines and the world’s first*1 Distance Control Assist (Intelligent Pedal) System*2, among other refinements, the combination of which further advances the car’s all-around qualities as a premium sports sedan.
2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

Living up to its marketing tagline of “SHIFT_luxury,” Fuga transforms the traditional notion of a luxury car. Fuga is available in three grades (GT, GT Type S and GT Type P) for three engine variations (V6 2.5-liter, V6 3.6-liter and V8 4.5-liter). 4WD version is available for 350GT.
2010 Nissan Fuga Priced Sports Sedan

The new Fuga announces its substantial presence and premium class image with a new “look” featuring redesigned headlights, grille, front and rear bumpers and rear combination lamps. Making even more of a statement is the GT Type S model, with an exterior styling package that includes new side sill spoilers and a “smoky chrome” finish to the inside of the headlights.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

2011 McLaren MP4-12C Super Sports Concept Car pure McLaren, Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8 litre, V8 Engine


2011 McLaren MP4-12C

The independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England,the McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive.The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world's best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.
Through a rich modern history, McLaren's automotive division has already built the world's most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the world's best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.
At its heart, the McLaren MP4-12C features a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis structure, the Carbon MonoCell: the first time a car in this market segment is based around such a strong and lightweight racing car engineering solution and the first time any car has ever featured a one-piece carbon fibre structure.
2011 McLaren MP4-12C

Martin Whitmarsh : "McLaren has for years offered a potent mix of race car and road car technologies. This combination of McLaren's performance heritage, and future demands on what is expected of high performance sports cars in the 21st century, gave us a head-start when we embarked on this project. The 12C, and future variants, draws on the spirit of Formula 1 and delivers real-world technological advances."
The first car from the new company, the McLaren MP4-12C, is a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the 'core' sports car market segment for cars costing between £125,000 and £175,000.It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011.
All the parts of the McLaren MP4-12C are bespoke and unique to this car. Everything from the engine right down to the tailor-made switches and buttons is pure McLaren: nothing has come from another manufacturer's parts bin.
The 12C is powered by a bespoke McLaren 'M838T' 3.8 litre, V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600bhp, driving through a McLaren seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). It is targeting not only new standards for power and performance in its sector, but also class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions; supported by McLaren's experience of active aerodynamics to aid cooling, grip, handling and road holding.

2011 McLaren MP4-12C

"The 12C is all about performance," said Sheriff. "And in McLaren, we have a very broad definition of performance. We don't just look at the traditional one-dimensional parameters like top speed, we focus equally on useable measures such as in-gear acceleration times, braking performance in all conditions, and efficiency of power delivery combined with the lowest possible fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Sure, 12C is very fast, but it is also the most efficient, most driveable high-performance sports car in the world.
Thorough engineering and market research led to concept development and a clear decision in favour of a mid-engined two door high performance sports car. Intensive work was carried out in the wind tunnel and the driving simulator to ensure that the new car would inherently have superb dynamic qualities.
The McLaren MP4-12C design follows similar principles to McLaren's Formula 1 cars, and the legendary McLaren F1, where everything is for a reason and all lines, surfaces, and details are designed with a job in mind as much as styled. This ensures that the 12C communicates its engineering through its styling and will remain timeless as a piece of automotive design.
"By the time the 12C is launched in 2011 we expect the economic conditions to be much improved. We have already seen significant interest in the car and the supply of the 12C will be relatively scarce; in its first year we plan to produce just 1,000 cars which represents only 3.5 per cent of the 'core' market," explained Antony Sheriff.
2011 McLaren MP4-12C

The McLaren MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8 litre 90° V8 engine - the 'M838T'. This marks the start of a new era in 'core' segment sports cars - smaller capacity, lighter weight, higher efficiency and more economical power units. The engine has the highest specific power output in its segment which, when allied to its low weight carbon composite chassis, delivers exemplary power- and torque-to-weight ratios.The McLaren engine revs to 8,500rpm, has quick transient throttle response and delivers its abundant torque throughout the rev range. A staggering 80 per cent of torque is available at below 2,000rpm, ensuring great driveability and no need to floor the throttle to deliver performance.
The McLaren MP4-12C has been designed around a demanding mechanical package that puts emphasis on aerodynamics, compact dimensions, performance and efficiency, practicality and comfort. Although the design of the 12C was driven by aerodynamics, it aims to remain contemporary and elegant throughout its lifetime as well as distinctive among its peers.
"The 12C design was therefore led by aerodynamics. At McLaren we have been able to use the Formula 1 techniques and the huge expertise that the company has amassed at the pinnacle of the sport," explained Stephenson.
2011 McLaren MP4-12C

Aerodynamic efficiency drove the 12C's design. High downforce helps maintain traction, cornering ability and stability while low drag aids top speed and acceleration. It has a completely flat underbody and smooth upper body surfaces to yield a highly effective drag coefficient and generate very high levels of balanced downforce at high speed.

Wordless Wednesday

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Play bows,
Zim

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan Aesthetics 2.0L Turbo Engine V-6, four-Cylinder.

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

Armed with turbocharged horsepower the 2011 Buick Regal, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.
"The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. "The Buick Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan."
The new Buick Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features - including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar - that aren't offered standard on either competitor.
The Buick Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia - the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Buick Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.
2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

The Buick Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.
The Buick Regal's sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick's signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.
The car's performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Buick Regal's attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.
"There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior," said Cafaro. "The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Buick Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do."
The Buick Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.
2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Buick Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.
Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Buick Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Buick Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.
2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Buick Regal.
Buick Regal's Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver.




More Work

Woo, everypup and everycat. Dave again, with a report on our work day yesterday. As you may recall, I had a full day ahead of me. I was right about here...

IMG_4449 Dave helping

...as I recall. And Mom was right about...

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...here. (That's her super-secret big project that I've been helping her with.)

I had worked so much that I sent out for reinforcements. Before I knew it - Zim was helping! Here we are:

IMG_4456 Zim and Dave - helping

Mom said we really helped a lot by running around playing zoomies and neck-grabbies and "ha roo"ing and "woo"ing at each other. So much so, in fact, that she said we could leave the Studio if we wanted to. Wow. We must have helped a lot!

Dad was home by that time, doing his work-out, so SGT Zim thought he'd hang out with him. A little "guy time".

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Hey Dad! Let's fire this baby up!

I thought Zim was crazy getting on that thing!

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Woo, Zim...

I stayed out in the Studio. In case Mom needed more of my help.

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Really! I'm all set, Dad - let's go!

After a work-out on the treadmill, Zim saw Dad doing crunchers on the weight machine. Since Zim is a drill sergeant, he went over to encourage and motivate Dad.

IMG_4468 The boys
That's it! Get down and gimme 50, Dad!

IMG_4473 SGT Zim & Mike
You call those crunchers? I wanna see those abs ready to pop! Let's go, let's GO!

Then he moved in to encourage Dad some more!

IMG_4474 Zim & Mike
Get going, mister! I'm SGT Zim and I wanna see you sweatin'! You call that...
Aw... Dad! You are sweatin'. How about a nose smoochie?!?

Nose smoochie!??! You know what goes really good with nose smoochies? Hugs. That's when I thought I'd move in and see if I could help Dad, too. I mean - hugs are my specialty!

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Woo, Dad! How 'bout a hug!?!?

Then... it was odd. It's like we had already helped Dad enough for one day, too.

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Dad? Dad? Are you in there? Zimmie went upstairs, but I'm here if you need me. Dad?

Mom said we'll be hitting the Studio again today. I hope we get just as much work done this afternoon! Woo.

Luv,
Dave