dickdavid

Sharpie Liquid Pencil

2010-08-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

When I first heard about the Sharpie Liquid Pencil, I was both curious and skeptical. When you really think about it, it's basically and erasable pen that just happens to use liquid graphite instead of ink. Paper Mate has been doing erasable ink for years with it's Eraser Mate.

What interested me was Sharpie's "Pencil" spin on the concept. Instead of competing in the same erasable market against Paper Mate, they decided to take on the mechanical pencils of the world. The idea of never needing to reload a broken lead is amazing to think about. I also read that after a few days, the liquid graphite becomes permanent - another brilliant concept. You get the freedom to change your mistakes as they happen, but you get the benefit of long lasting ink.

I finally got hold of one and here are my thoughts. My first impression is that it doesn't write as smoothly as other pens. I had to shift my perspective and compare the feel to a mechanical pencil instead. It actually writes smoother than most consumer grade mechanical pencils. The liquid graphite erases really well - almost better than traditional graphite. Unfortunately, it doesn't erase as well after only just a few hours on the page.

Another benefit with the liquid graphite is that it doesn't smudge like regular graphite. I haven't given it a proper drawing test, but if this proves to keep my hands cleaner, I would completely convert over.

One final observation is that, although it wasn't very expensive ($4 for 2 with extra erasers), the quality and feel was a bit flimsy and cheap. I particularly didn't like the looseness of the eraser end once the writing head is deployed. You'd think that a rock solid brand like Sharpie would have figured out a better solution for that.

Overall, I'm going to wait until the novelty of this product wears off a bit before I make a final judgement. For now, with the exception of the build quality, I'm pretty happy with my Liquid Pencil.

dickdavid Grill Badge Day - I missed it last weekend

2010-07-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

Back in 2007, my friend Jack Rowland proclaimed on his blog that July 18 was the Official dickdavid Grill Badge Day, and I've been celebrating it ever since.

I'm A Closet Tour de France Fan

2010-07-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

Ask my wife, and she'll tell you that I'm not much of a sports fan. I like to watch, but I don't usually have the time or energy to follow close enough to really care. The same goes for the Tour de France. Sports cycling is something that I don't do, but knowing what riding takes out of me to make my little commutes around town, I really respect what those riders can do. I especially appreciate the athletes that ride in the Tour.

Up until this year, I've either missed or wasn't able to get access to watch the Tour de France, so I would find out the results much later. This year, the stars have finally lined up and through the magic of the internet and cable TV, I'm able to follow along this year.

At first, I wanted to watch because it's Lance's final year. But, I've seen so many great contenders in just the first few stages, that I've become hooked.

How About Some Bike Eye Candy

2010-06-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of bikes on my radar lately. For some reason, utility bikes have captured my interest.

CIVIA Loring:

Trek Bikes (From the Gary Fisher Collection) Transport:

2011 JCW MINI Cooper - Eye Candy

2010-06-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

MotoringFile just released information on the refreshed MINI Cooper line. I'm pretty fond of the NEW JCW. The red contrasting roof on black looks pretty AWESOME.

MINI VS Porsche

2010-06-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is obviously a publicity stunt on MINI's part. It's still pretty fun and the graphics are incredible. I think what makes this so interesting is Porsche's snooty response to the challenge.

Eye Candy

2010-06-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

MINI has introduced the limited edition JCW WC-50. Go to MotoringFile for more info.

I've Got To Get One Of These

2010-06-13T16:31:00.001-07:00

Motoringfile just announced that MINI might produce a limited edition of these, and that there are actually a few produced already. I NEED THIS for my extensive mini MINI collection.

Apple Does It Again

2010-06-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

The new 4th Generation iPhone is yet another great piece of technology that I REALLY WANT, but can't afford. Not so much the unit, but the monthly service charge. Hopefully, the new design and technology will make it's way to the iPod Touch.

For now, I'll just have to be happy with my current iPod Touch - especially once iOS 4 is available.

Metroplex MINI Show And Shine Today

2010-06-12T04:04:00.001-07:00

This will be the second annual Show And Shine for the Metroplex MINI car club. This year will be at the Frisco Roughrider's Dr Pepper Ballpark. Go here for details.

LEGO Millennium Falcon

2010-05-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

I know I'm letting my Sci-Fi geek side show when I admit to this, but I would love to have a LEGO Millennium Falcon. I'd get one, but keeping it away from my son would be impossible. It would end up as scrap in his bin of LEGO parts.

Wild Ride Pics

2010-05-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'll post a review of the event later. Until then CLICK HERE or on any of the pics below to see the pics from the 2010 Wild Ride.

New Kicks From Chrome

2010-04-30T04:31:00.000-07:00

Back on March 18, I read a blog post from Pedallas about a promotion from Chrome out of San Francisco. It was called Turds For Gold and to explain the promotion, here is a quote from their Facebook page:

Hey Everyone! We're doing a "Turds For Gold" Shoe Exchange and, starting RIGHT NOW, we're sending a FREE PAIR OF CHROME SHOES to anyone that sends us a crappy, worn-out pair of kicks. The exchange is two days ONLY and packages MUST be postmarked by 3/18 to qualifiy. In your shipment, please include a return shipping address and shoe size info.

Of course, since it was the last day of the promotion, I had to scramble to dig up my lucky pair of "Chucks" from the closet, toss them in a box and ship them out to San Francisco (thanks goes to my wife for making the trip to the post office).

While I was waiting for my new kicks to arrive, I read all sorts of news about the promotion. Apparently, they took in over 5,000 pairs of used shoes and shipped out as many new ones. The cool thing is that they didn't just toss out the old shoes. Instead, they donated them to those in need on the streets of San Francisco as well as to Haiti through Soles4Souls.

Today, I got a great surprise. My brand new pair of Chrome shoes (Midway Cordura Grey) arrive in the mail. I have to say, free or not, these shoes are AWESOME! The style is cool, but not trendy with a hint of ol' school wrapped up in a hip, urban design. They've really captured today's cycling culture with these slick skids and I'm glad that I have a pair.

They're also very comfortable. To me, these have a design similar to ol'school Converse Chuck Taylors - but much cooler. Because of that, I assumed they would have the same, notorious low comfort level as the "Chucks". Was I ever wrong. Of course, these would never replace a good pair of fitted cross-trainers, but I could see myself sporting these all day or even on a nice spin around town.

I'm glad I stumbled upon this promotion. Thanks Chrome.

Drool

2010-04-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Redline Urbis.

Like I need another blog

2010-04-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

This time it's actually work related. I'm starting up a FREE service for graphic designer (like myself), where I'm posting pics of blank t-shirts, billboards, bus panels, packaging, etc so that they can be used to show visual ideas in context. The site is called For Position Only.

So the next time an art director is asked to show what that outdoor board layout looks like in the real world, they can download a blank template and add their work.

Now it's time to start shooting content.

MINI Takes The States 2010

2010-03-26T19:04:00.001-07:00

It's coming back for another year. From MotoringFile:
This summer MINI Takes the States is meeting in the middle (well kind’a , sort’a ) for a fun-filled weekend in Denver, Colorado, August 13-15.

This MINI weekend is all about motoring, fans, community and fun as MINI Takes the States in 2010. This year’s event will kick-off with 5 big rallies from Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago as motorers and enthusiasts rally with the all new MINI Countryman to the mile high city.

Mark your calendars and hold on to your seats as MINI Takes the States in 2010.

Pics From SXSWi 2010

2010-03-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the rest.

Heading down to SXSWi 2010

2010-03-11T09:33:00.001-08:00

Hope to see you at SXSWi.

Launch Wins Some Addys

2010-02-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

Launch left this years Addys with 2 Gold, 4 Silver and a Bronze.

It's Snowing In North Texas

2010-02-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we had a record snow fall, with about 10 inches in 1 day. It was beautiful, but it ended up doing some damage to our trees.

The snow also damaged some local transformers giving us a black-out for a few hours. Fortunately, it was restored before the house got too cold. Here's a pic taken at about 9:20 pm on a street that's usually pitch black. That glow happened while one was shorting out.

Apple Does It Again With The iPad

2010-01-28T04:10:00.001-08:00

They've made some other fantastic device that I don't need but really want.

Apple introduced the iPad yesterday. Retail starts at $499 - pretty sweet.

Go watch the Keynote.

NEW MINI R60 Teaser Video

2010-01-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

Got this from MotoringFile:

Meet Tex

2010-01-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well hell has frozen over.

I swore after losing my dog Andy, 7 years ago, that I would never want to go through that again. Having to watch him suffer, then eventually having to make the decision to have him put down was one of the hardest things to ever go through.

But what can I say. We're dog people and there are lots of dogs out there who need good homes.

Tex is a rescue that we adopted from Operation Kindness. He's a pit bull mix with the sweetest disposition. He just wants to love and be loved.

Star Wars Burlesque

2010-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

You've gotta love the creative efforts of theming a burlesque show after Star Wars. Click here to read more.

BikeDFW Traffic Skills 101 Course

2010-01-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

BikeDFW will have League of American Bicyclists certified Cycling Instructors conducting a Traffic Skills 101 course. For the small fee of $65 you can take part of a 2-day course that will give cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail.

Date: Jan. 16th and 17th, 2009 (Saturday and Sunday)
Location: Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven Road, Dallas , TX 75087
Registration Fee: $65.00

CLICK HERE for details and to sign up.