Starting To Feel Like Christmas

Nancy and I went shopping at the new Kohl's store tonight. Kohl's had their grand opening today, so they kept the store open until midnight. I'm sure the sales associates loved that. The new Kohl's is just a short distance from the house and it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood. They have some good sales and Kohl's provides seniors with a discount on several days of each month. Practically all of the retail stores in our area have already started, and in some instances finished, decorating for the holidays. With Thanksgiving only a week away, "Black Friday" is right around the corner. I'll have to wait until I see the ads as to whether or not I'll venture out at some crazy hour Friday morning. If the deal is good enough, I just might.

2008 Honda Accord Sedan

The first thing you notice immediately about the 2008 Honda Accord is how much larger the car is than last year's model There is a significant difference. The new Accord dimensions are that of a full size car and this certainly holds true when you enter the driver's seat and sit behind the wheel. This is unlike any Accord that I have ever experienced. It appears to be as large, or larger, than a Camry. Whether this increase in size will appeal to the typical Accord buyer remains to be seen. I can't see Honda returning to a smaller sized Accord, so it looks as though they are betting all their marbles on a size that competes more favourably with the Camry.

I really like the interior. It has a nice Navigation screen and lots of other options to keep pace with all of the new technology that is available for cars in this class. However, the size of this new model really surprised me, even though I was alerted to this change for 08 via the numerous car magazines that I have subscriptions to. I'm still somewhat undecided as to just how well I like the new Accord. I'll wait until I can test drive one to make a final decision. You can see the Accord's interior to the right and at the bottom of the blog page.

Microsoft Sync

While attending the Sacramento Auto Show, I saw a presentation about the new software (Sync) that Microsoft has developed for vehicles and is currently being installed exclusively in select models of 2008 Ford and Lincoln products. The technology uses voice commands for the various programs in Sync. Ford and Microsoft have created an interesting display screen to be used at their exhibits, with touch control, to assist the viewer in learning more about this innovative software. Below is the link to a video I recorded from the display. The video demonstrates how the music component of Sync works by simply speaking voice commands. The operator can select music (by voice) from several devices and then create a music library from which the music can be played by artist, genre, track or even an owner created play list. This is very cool stuff and raises the technology level of Ford and Lincoln products to a new level. Check it out!

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=MicrosoftSyncWithTitles.flv

Not Many On The Road

Today's post shows a picture from the Sacramento Auto Show of a vehicle that has not gained all that much popularity in America. It's a Korean made vehicle - the 2008 Kia Amanti. I've yet to see a 2008 model on the street. When they first arrived, a few years ago, and before the Hyundai Azera was added to the dealer showrooms, they were a more common sight. Since the Azera, which according to the car pundits, is a better choice, Kia has not really done much to make a challenge and has all but forgotten it's marketing plan for the car . The styling has changed a little this year, particularly with the taillights and the rear end of the car, but the look is not to every one's taste and it is now looking somewhat dated - compared to other vehicles in this class. It list (MSRP) for around $32,000 (loaded), but for that money you can choose from quite a number of cars. The interior has also changed somewhat from previous years, but to date, unlike the Azera, you can not get a navigation screen, nor a connector for your iPod or Mp3 player. So, again - compared to several other vehicles - it not only looks dated, but it isn't as well equipped technologically.

On the plus side, it does have a comfy ride (I've driven an earlier model) and a more robust engine than in previous years. And, of course, it has that great ten year/100,000 mile warranty. According to Consumer Report, that is probably a good thing, because you may have more than a few occasions when you just might need to use that long warranty.

To me, it's the kind of vehicle that if you were to find a low mileage used Amanti (they depreciate rapidly), or an extremely discounted new one, it might be on your list of vehicles for consideration. I kind of like the odd styling, and to some extent the interior, but with so many other vehicles in this class, I doubt that I could be swayed - even with a great deal on the price.

Raining In Sacramento

The only time I left the house today was to go to Daphne's - to pick up our dinner (Greek food). Daphne's chicken and steak kabobs are delicious. We've had rain since early this morning. Not real heavy, but steady. Nancy and I had a quite day at home. I watched the Ohio State vs Illinois game. That one was a real nail bite-er. My neighbor Tom has to be very upset, as he is the university's biggest fan and Ohio State is no longer undefeated. Too bad Buckeyes.

I just started processing my Auto Show pictures. Today I posted a picture of a very stylish, but somewhat impractical (at least to my way of thinking), vehicle. It's the Mercedes CLS550. Mercedes describes it as a four door coupe. Coupe normally means only two doors, so... go figure? Anyway, it looks neat, but after checking out the back seat room I don't think anyone over six foot would be very comfortable as a passenger. So, sometimes this car would be a ninety thousand dollar luxury automobile, that would not be very suitable for a long trip, if you have friends who are too tall for the car's back seat. Interesting design! I do like the lines of the car, however.

I've also posted a scanned label from a dessert that I just tried. As I've mentioned previously, it isn't easy finding tasty desserts with decent nutritional data. This one is not bad in that regard, plus it taste good - like ice cream. They have various flavors and it is reasonably priced. I plan to purchase some more.

Auto Show Starts Today

I got up early today - to go to the Sacramento Auto show. The auto show is an annual trek that I make, to see all the new models for the coming year. I usually spend about six hours taking pictures and videos of all the exhibits and this year was no exception. I'll share more pictures and videos after I get a chance to catalogue and edit the media that I shot. My first picture, showing a Chevy Camaro - with a young boy eye balling what he may see as his future wheels - is posted to the right and at the bottom of the blog site.

Video Clips

I decided to check on some video clips that I shot a while back, to see if there were any that I might want to post to the blog. Today's post has a link to a video clip that I took a few months ago, when I visited Louisville, Kentucky. While attending the Kentucky State Fair, I viewed numerous exhibits. This video shows one of the many aquariums that were on display at the fair. I happen to like aquariums, although I don't have one at this time. I've had a couple aquariums over the years, but that's been quite a long time ago. I used my mini Samsung video recorder to record the footage. I haven't edited the sound yet, so you will hear the background noise from the people viewing the exhibit. To see the fish aquarium, click on the link below:

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w275/jimdaviselkgrove/?action=view&current=FishAquariumWeb.flv