Featured on The Conservance

I sent an email to an old friend about my solution for economical heat, and he featured it on his blog.  Check it out.

I was at : Cemetery Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026,

Dear scratch on Anthony's nose...

Dear scratch on Anthonys nose,

Please heal soon.  Yes, I know you were self inflicted by Anthony hitting himself in the face with a piece of metal.  But between you and me, he isn't too smart sometimes and doesn't need to hear the jokes from all his co workers.  Thank you much.

Sincerely, Anthony's Ego



I was at : 8079-8081 Plain City-Dublin Rd, Plain City, OH 43064,

Made In China

On a trip to the mall today while doing a little christmas shopping I stopped into some old stomping grounds.  I used to manage a shoe store years ago and I heard an old co manager was back with the company.  I went in and chatted with her for a few minutes.  Good to see her again.  I got to looking around and noticed that they had a nice pair of Dr. Martens boots on sale.  I needed a pair of boots.  After a few minutes schmoozing I got an employee discount on top of the sale price.  


Dr. Martens are known for their quality made shoes and boots made in England since Dr. Klaus Martens started tinkering with making his own boots in 1947.  I was glad I had I had another trusty pair of "docs" UNTIL I GOT HOME.


I removed the laces and was lacing them up the way I prefer, and was dismayed to see the label under the tounge read "Made in China" 


Upon research here I confirmed it.


"On 1 April 2003, under pressure from declining sales, the Dr. Martens company ceased all production in the United Kingdom,^[1] with production moved to China and Thailand. "


I inspected the boots a little closer, and the quality still seems to be the same.  The materials, stitching, and rivets look the same.  


But for some reason, I just don't think they will ever feel as good under my feet as they used to knowing they came from China and not Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Somerset.  Pity.

THE SNUB.

THE SNUB.
Made famous in this clip.






So I was walking into the local Wal-Mart and on my way in I spotted a young woman walking near the building on her way in too.  You know that thing where you can recognize someone from behind just by their walk, stature, clothes.  It was that kind of thing that made me double take her.  She seemed strangely familiar.  I kept on my path glancing over until at about 30 feet I knew it was her.  It was decision time.

It was seven years ago now when I met her in school.  I always had a liking for this little doll, she knew it, I knew it, it was no secret.  I did my best.  But to no avail, alas she was too into the bad boys, the hipster trendy rock guys with loads of flair and storied upbringings.  I think I was too bland, too predictable, too honest and transparent for her.  We had been in contact on and off over the past seven years, and in some moments, I thought she might give me a chance.  I met her family, she met mine.  But , wrong again, no dice.  sorry kid.......come back another day.

So my mind started racing on what to do.  I slowed my walk and even for a second considered turning around until I was clear of her, but I kept on.  I sped up my pace with continued glances at her.  I was trying to convince myself it wasn't her, as its been probably 2 years since I've seen her last.  At about 20 feet from her, she glanced up, and I met her eyes for about 1 second, I could see her searching her mind trying to convince herself it wasnt me.  It was a long second, but I looked away pretending to be looking through her and not AT her, and I sharply turned in the door when she was within 15 feet.  I heard a faint "bonacci!"  I kept on, never looked back.  I didnt seem to conciously make the decision, I just followed where my legs seemed to be taking me.  I WANTED to stop and chat with her, see how she was doing, but I didn't feel she deserved the satisfaction of knowing I was happy to see her.  She cut me out of her life, it wasn't my decision.  The funny thing is that if she called me today and wanted to get together , I would in a minute, we just got on that well together.  I think I was almost embarrased to see her, as I wouldnt be able to keep the straight face she deserves, I would fold my hand down on the table and smile.  So I did the only thing I could, pretend not to see her.  That's what she wanted from me anyway, isn't it?

It's a shame really, things could have been so much different.  Maybe its not the last chapter in the book, I don't know.  But I do know that in the past 7 years she never gave me a chance, so on this day, I didn't give her one.

In Rememberance - 3 Years Later

RIP my Brother

Corporal Kevin W. Prince

13 July 1982 - 23 April 2005

Whew!!

Been busy!! Whats going on?? Well, I am starting a new job on the 21st. I was offered a decent gig at a local business called Auto Additions. They install all auto accessories, from leather upolstery to navigation systems, sunroofs, dvd and multimedia and audio systems and more. I think I will learn a lot there and have a unique skill-set to bring to the shop.

The blue Focus svt is almost done, I need to finish taking everything off it this week. All I have left to pull is the motor and transmission. I spent the day today fishing out the wiring harness from the engine bay, and getting ready for the pull..... Think thats about it!!

I have a few pictures here of some stuff I painted this week at work and home.

A really big Wendy's Sign.

Max and Erma's Resturant Sign

Some Doodles..



Some new headlights and wheels on the hocus focus... front grill and bumper are on a plane coming from europe!!!

SNOWED IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think the pictures speak for themselves. I estimate about 12-14 inches here with 30-40 inch drifts.....

Things happening faster than one can type....

Ok, to sum a lot up very quickly. I got my old job back at a sign company painting. I am much happier back there. Last weekend I learned a very expensive lesson. Trust is earned. I lost about one thousand dollars worth of eletronics by letting 2 people I shouldn't have into my apartment. I filed all approiate paperwork with the authorities, but they must be too busy making money by giving out seat belt tickets to look into this for me. I have begrudgingly replaced my computer and digital camera and am back up and running again. And my project svt focus has come along nicely. I bought this car totalled in the back end with full intentions to "part it out", sending the desirable parts all over the country to fellow enthusiasts. The car will profit very well for me when done, and that is with me keeping about 1k worth of parts as well. I might be selling the remains of whats left to a guy from MI next weekend. A few pics..

The new job... Marble and Granite Works

I hate it, but an thankful to have a job at all.

Well, just the words marble and granite evoke a few things. Power, prestige, and a sense of accomplishment, success, and finality. There is nothing more pure than mining a piece of naturally formed solid rock out of the earth, trimming and polishing it, and installing it as counter tops in your house. It is absolutely beautiful material, varying in color, visual texture and brightness.

The manufacturing is not so glamorous. Everything is done wet to promote the removal of cutting, grinding, and polishing dust. This ends up completely drenching the shop and workers. In a shop in winter, this can become quite cold. Wearing full raincoats, and hand and eye protection really limits your working flexibility and feel. It is unbelievably hard and precise work. Edges have to be sanded and polished mirror smooth in material that is only topped in hardness by diamond. I am afraid this job is not a diamond though, and will be soon looking for a different opportunity locally.

New job!

 I have accepted a job at a local Marble and Granite company. They are only 4-5 miles up the road, and have good benefits. I am going to try it out for a while and see what happens. Visit their site if you feel so inclined.
http://www.marbleandgraniteworksinc.com/

My Top Ten

I have composed my top 10 favorite companies/businesses/organizations I have grown fond of in the past few years. These are not solely based on sales figures , but real world service, company vision and philosophy. By Anthony Bonacci

1. Apple - http://www.apple.com/

Any company that can develop a recognizable, "iconic" product, has a huge advantage. All you have to see are those little white cords and ear buds, and you know, iPod.

Apple up until 1995 was doing very well. They had a considerable market share in the PC field, with substantial numbers in corporate America and education facilities. In 95-96 a series of unsuccessful computers, OS problems, and misguided management almost put them under. Gil Amelio and Steve Jobs saved the name with some corporate restructuring and the roll out of new, cutting edge reliable products and software. Mac OS 8, the iMac and following iBook were hugely successful. The first iPod rolled out on October 23, 2001 and over the next few years, the iPod changed Apple, the music industry, and the world. Apple stores came to a mall near you, hardware and software was built and an image was born. Mac now is a "cult" brand that has STRONG loyalty that is very rare in today's markets. I don't soon foresee a shortage of those little white ear buds in your local coffee shop anytime soon.

2. Dell http://www.dell.com/

1984 - Your 19, you are a freshman in college and studying to be a physician. In your spare time you build personal computers and sell them to make extra cash. Light bulb. You drop out, start a company.

Flash-Forward to 2004. Your company has worldwide sales $49 BILLION this year. Good decision. Michael Dell and his company is VERY good at what they do. They get you the best PC, tailored to your needs and budget. End of story. My one suggestion, order over the computer, unless you are good at interpreting Indian accents if ordering over the phone. Isn't outsourcing great??

3. Chipotle http://www.chipotle.com/

You can't eat out and get a decent meal anymore for $5 . You could go to any big-box chain hamburger joint, get half a pizza, or a pile of "who knows what it really is" Chinese food. There are countless places to get good, quality food, but get out your wallet. A steakhouse, and good Italian restaurant, or likewise will cost you $10-$30 a pop.

Chipotle is different. Sean Sweany said it best.
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The choices are simple. Fajita or burrito? Black beans or pinto? Chicken, steak or carnitas? Hot, medium or mild salsa? Sour cream, cheese or lettuce? Perhaps a splash of guacamole for extra flavor?The result is delicious. A personalized, mouthwatering Chipotle creation made from fresh ingredients right in front of your eyes. For those who have enjoyed Chipotle food before, a description and thoughts of such a meal may cause a rumbling in the stomach. For others who have not experienced the joy of a Chipotle meal, this may sound like unnecessary hype and praise for such a seemingly simple thing as a burrito.

The secret to Chipotle's success, however, is quite simple. As soon as diners walk in the door, they know that they will receive fresh, quality food with no frills, obnoxious advertising or grotesque pictures of clowns or other cartoon characters everywhere. Rather, the setting is trendy and varied, eclectic music tracks set a mood conducive to relaxation and peaceful dining.The food itself is the true gem of the restaurant and the one-pound burritos make a perfect meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Every time I limp out of Chipotle I'm not sure weather I'm in Heaven or Hell. I'm about to explode all over the parking lot because I just ate a burrito as big as my head in 10 minutes, but I'm so happy I didn't buy another crappy burger around the corner.

4. American Apparel http://www.americanapparel.net/
The name says it all.
Downtown LA - Everything from concept, manufacturing, and marketing happens under one roof. They employ mostly immigrant (100% legal) workers paid the highest wages in the garment industry worldwide. They have many benefits over and above the average, and the productivity of the company shows this. They make high quality, simple, NO BRAND (no logos) clothing at competitive prices. The marketing does not hide the leftist LA lifestyle that might some bother parents between the coasts, but its definitely nothing worse then modern PG13 movies or mall windows.
5. IKEA http://www.ikea.com/
This is quite possibly one of the most simple success stories out there. Simplisticy modern, quality furniture at moderate price. Often fucky in design and color, the items from ikea could be picked out of a lineup. They are recognizable. They are ....... cool, to put it simply. Only one major drawback to this great company, locations. There are only currently 29 in the lower 48. And 8 are in California. So thats 21 stores over 47 states, so the chance that there is an Ikea in your area is pretty slim. If you locate the nearest store to you, a weekend trip with a truck, a shopping list and a sense of adventure might be fun. Check out the site, and thank me later.

6. Google http://www.google.com/
Simplest, fastest, most accurate, comprehensive search engine ever. I use nothing else. Only suggestion: never type in a search for your own personal info (ie ss number, cc number etc..) Every search is saved and analyzed. Big brother is watching.
I wish I had bought their stock.

7. YouTube http://www.youtube.com/
Well, chances are if you have a computer with a high speed internet connection, you already know about youtube. It is the leader in online video sharing. The numbers are simply staggering.
Lee Gomes from the Wall Street Journal dug up some fascinating data...
* In a single month the number of videos on the site grew 20% to 6.1 million
* YouTube has some 45 terabytes of videos
* Video views reached 1.73 billion
* 70% of YouTube's registered users are American, roughly 50% are under 20
* The total time people spent watching YouTube since it started last year is 9,305 years

8. Toyota http://www.toyota.com/
What Toyota (and Honda) has been able to do is simply mind bending. It is very hard to get a "general concensus" of a company from the public. They have somehow managed to do this. Everyone thinks "toyotas last forever." Well, the truth really doesn't matter, car sales do. And in a market that is becoming more and more competitive and stagnant with every passing month, they are doing considerable better than the domestic makers. The only nitche I never see them breaking is the full size truck market. The farmers in da middle sure do like dem' Ford trucks, whether or not they last as long as the Toyotas.
9. Myspace ( do I really need to give you the link?)
Haha, myspace.... Where do I begin? The concept is pretty simple. In a straight forward, navigationable system they have created a social calendar. You have a list of your friends, which everyone can view, and see who they know. Add in the Motion Picture, Music, and just about every other business you can think of, and you have one unique place to visit.
Everyone tries to create a "cooler" page than the rest, adding a billion pictures of their own sheep-selves doing wild and goofy things. I am so very proud of them. And the girls pages crack me up the most. I found an old ex-girlfriend from high school, so I requested her as a friend and she soon accepted. I looked through her page about her husband and her little girl, read all her writing, and then looked at her pictures... There was so much skin in those pictures that I am sure it would be classified as illegal in some countries. I sent her a very polite message saying I hoped everything was going well in her life, that she always was and is a beautiful woman, and she didn't need to prove it to the world via her myspace album.
I never heard back from her. Guess myspace is pretty true-to-life.

10. Craftsman www.sears.com/craftsman
There only a handful of places that I love to go shopping. Car dealerships where I will never be able to afford the cars I'm looking at, eletronic stores, and tool stores. Craftsman is the official tool brand of Sears. They are absolutely fantastic tools at moderate prices. Now, if you want to buy your nephew his first wrench set at his 10th bitrthday, I would suggest staying at your local discount store. The tools are not cheap by any means, but when compared to the top shelf Mac and Snap-On brands, they are a steal. You can't beat the lifetime warranties either, of which I have only used once.