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LA Auto Show: M. Eberhard, C. Paine, D. Siry, Bob Lutz/GM, et al

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Collection: 2009 LA Auto Show

I'm sitting in an Outback Steakhouse in Glendale/CA, after leaving LA Auto Show @LA Convention Ctr, having uploaded my cellphone pics using my Macbook Pro + Sprint MiFi card.

I woke up at 3:30am this morning, just got back from the Baja 1000. Turned on the TV, & CH. 7 (local KABC station) was doing a LIVE report from LA Auto Show. Having missed M. Eberhard + A. Schwarzenegger in 2006 (?) LA Auto Show on Press Day, I decided to head on out.

Got on-site media-credentials (being w/Getty Images), but unfortunately I missed the Keynote Address by Bob Lutz/GM (who was filling in, given the recent resignation of GM's CEO). So, I headed on out to GM's booth in South Hall, to catch the Chevrolet presentation (Chevy Volt & Chevy Cruze). Got to talk to Tony Posawatz (Vehicle Line Directo, Chevy Volt, Global Electric Vehicle Development), & when I mentioned M. Eberhard (who was my office-mate in grad-school @UIUC back in summer '81), he broke into an enthusiastic mood about how he met ME at 2007 Detroit Auto Show (?). And, how he was impressed by his technical knowledge, & apparently there were some talks between Tesla & GM at the time.

After the crowd thinned out, I kept shooting (video, stills, panoramas). Lo & behold, I look over & there is M. Eberhard. I shot some video of ME talking with some GM reps. Later, ME zooms over to Bob Lutz (sitting at a table), & a crowd forms.

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Chris Paine (& a woman filming associate) show up..

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like there's a "Who Killed the Electric Car" reunion happening in an instant. Bob Lutz has to run out to get some breakfast, so we all break up to come back later. However, BL has to leave to the airport (emergency), so I am having lunch at the Chevy booth, where C. Paine & company are doing some shooting. Huell Howser (local filmmaker for PBS KCET channel) is there as well.

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I wander over to a threesome, & there is Darryl Siry! And, the woman who appeared on WKTEC, the EV afficionado.

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I introduced myself to DS, since I had recentlyi emailed him.

I proceed to the Audio media presentation, where I meet M.E. once again.

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The Audi EV (?) has "2 motors per axle", it is a HOT car!!! Beautiful.

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I shot from the Hospitality Booth, for VIPs..very nice. Very impressed by Audi's booth, they are a GOOD company. Then, headed to BMW media presentation.

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Again, a hybrid is announced, along with last year's Mini E

Finally, headed to Mitsubishi media presentation, where they announce a dual parallel/serial Hybrid.

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Forgot to make arrangements with M.E. for dinner, maybe I can do it tomorrow.

When I get home, I will get the video up of Martin E. (talking with various people).

Long day, tired as heck. But, GREAT to see M.E. for the 1st time since '81 (28 years!!). Last time we were together, both us were a couple of STUPID KIDS in college, doing all sorts of crazy stuff. I still remember him in a black T-shirt, commenting on "droopy tits" (don't ask me about context). Also, another summer intern was mischeviously squirting Martin with water, Andrew Chien (son of Dr. Robert Chien, Coordinated Science Laboratory director & Martin's supervisor). Andrew went on to get his PhD in Computer Science @MIT, & ended up a UC San Diego CS Dept. He is now Intel Director of Research & Vice-President of Corporate Technology. "Essential Computing" is his focus, as part of Intel's Exploratory Research:

YouTube - Intel's Andrew Chien on "Essential Computing" research
 
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cellphone photos & videos from Press Day #2 (Thu, 12/3) at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chimpanzee/collections/72157622924067112/

Check the video from Press Day #1 (Wed, 12/2), it's Tony/General Motors (knows M. Eberhard very well, along with other GM execs). I got a ride in a Ford Focus EV, with an engineer (U. of Michigan Aerospace Engineer, M.S. degree, who gives a LOT of technical details), check out the ride-video. I also have it on HD video, will upload it later (as an iTunes video over iPod/iPhone/iTouch). I got so wrapped up after the "Design LA panel discussion (with Franz von Holzhausen/Tesla), that I missed ALL of my schedule 4 rides/drives in a Audi TDI (clean diesel), Mercedes hybrid, Honda Insight hybrid, Ford hybrid. I was given a "courtesy" last ditch ride in the Focus.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chimpanzee/4156842607/in/set-72157622931478714/

There was a sneak-preview event Thu night, for people paying $140/head. Re-visited the Concourse area (Fisker, Saleen supercars, Spyker, Lotus, Aston Martin). Made some interesting contacts there, including some female models. Everyone there are car fanatics, pretty new experience to me (a recently converted "gearhead fanatic"). Shot some 360/180 degree panoramas of these supercars, should turn out great. Have to wait a while to see them. They will look something like:

http://360vr.com/2009/11/04-byen-sema-gumpert1/
http://360vr.com/2009/11/04-byen-sema-gumpert1/IMG_5712_pano-1000x300tn.jpg
http://360vr.com/2009/11/04-byen-sema-gumpert1/IMG_5712_pano_pano2048x1024.jpg

I shot these at 2009 SEMA a few weeks ago. Imagine seeing these on a free iPhone app called Pangea (check it out, download it to your iPhone). I.e., carry it around in your pocket, pull it out & show to friends:

"This is the New Revolution in Alternative Energy, a VR (Virtual Reality) view"

I shot a 360/180 panorama of Martin at the Audi presentation on 12/2, so you can also see 1 of M.E. Also, did one for Henry Fisker yesterday. Shot a bunch of panoramas from the drivers seat, in various "super cars" (Karma, Lotus, Spyker, Volt, etc).


More videos from 12/3 (Thu, Press Day #2) at:

2009 LA Auto Show
09laautoshow on blip.tv

Interviews with

- Johan de Nysschen/Audi U.S. President, "Green Car of the Year" Award (clean diesel)

- Michael McHale/Subaru Director of Communications, Subaru Tourer Concept Car (hybrid electric)

- Henry Fisker/Fisker Automotive, production Karma & Sunset

- Franz von Holzhausen/Tesla Motors, "Design Los Angeles: Panel Discussion [ Tomorrow's Cars..Practical Transportation or Groundbreaking Design ]"

Last 2 are being uploaded as I type, & I'm off now to LA Auto Show..again.

Spent some SERIOUS time @Fisker yesterday (in Concourse area), & will wrap up with Lotus, Spyker, Aston Martin. Then, get to Porsche. Then, take the Grand tour of South & West Lobbys.
 
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update from Fri 12/4, photos & videos

I spent a 3rd day (12/4 Fro_, the 1st day for public attendance.

Collection: 2009 LA Auto Show

See the set "Day #3".


Went back to Concourse Hall to wrap up my coverage there (still photos, panoramas, HD video, interviews, etc). I ran into a really interesting couple (2 friends, Tech industry incl Aerospace), who had an invite to Fisker Automotive booth.

Jim/TSI & Eric, Fisker Automotive booth [ '09 LA Auto Show, 12/4 ]
http://2009laautoshow.blogspot.com/2009/12/jimtsi-eric-fisker-fans-09-la-auto-show.html

I think they summarize the viewpoint of many sophisticated/well-bred TMC readers (who are Tech & Green Energy supporters). Very intelligent viewpoint & good quotes.

Lotus, Spyker, Aston Martin, Saleen were impressive again..gotta love those high-end "supercars"!!

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[ this is the Saleen model who I'm working with later on today ]

L.A. Laker Girls made an appearance at the Autotrader.com booth, for some promotion. AC Green (Laker great) also made an appearance. Met & interviewed some Laker fans, who are also Automotive enthusiasts, including families with kids.

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I am trying to project how Automotive is a family type "Entertainment Experience", not just a male-oriented gearhead specific demographic.


Checked out the large expansive Ford display (West Lobby):

1) Fiesta
"cellphone on 4 wheels", console was Tech'd out..Microsoft based Bluetooth connectivity. Amazed at how "Personal Entertainment" is being integrated into the "4-Wheel package"

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2) Mustang
maintaining the brand name, with some Tech upgrades

3) Taurus
same as Mustang. The key FOB, lets parents change the code & set the top-speed limit (to control the crazy teenagers)

4) Raptor, modified F-150 (pickup truck) for Offroad Racing fans
had a driving simulator (with complete hydraulics to simulate rock&roll), this is the niche-market I'm familiar with (see SCORE, I just got back from the 2009 Baja 1000, before I decided to do the '09 LA Auto Show at the last minute).

I know the driver for the Raptor, Rob M. (arguably the BEST offroad racing driver today, Desert or Short-Course), he drove the Trophy Truck #3 (Riviera Racing) in the videos in the above URL. Here's some sample of his driving at his previous team (Vildosola Racing/Ford, wealthy Mexicans in the Transportation Industry):

Interviews:
SCORE: Contingency, Rob MacCachren interview [ SCORE '06 Primm 300 ]
Vildosola Racing: TT #4, Qualifying [ BITD '06 Parker 425 ]
CORR Racing: R. MacCachren Pro 2 #29 (Fri) [ CORR 9/07 Antelope Valley ]
CORR Racing: R. MacCachren Pro 2 #29, practice (Fri) [ CORR 9/07 Chula Vista ]
CORR Racing: R. MacCachren Pro 2 #29, pit-area (Sat) [ CORR 6/07 Chula Vista ]

Driving:
Vildosola Racing: Vildosola TT #4, start [ BITD '06 Las Vegas 300 ]
SCORE: Trophy Truck, MM27 Lap 4 [ SCORE '07 Primm 300 ]
[ he's in the black truck TT #3 at the end of the video, FLYING thru MM25 (making everyone elses pass look like they're "standing still")

Rob M did a stint in a Jimco built TT (Trophy Truck), which was a Development Partner for Xtrac. The latter being the 2nd transmission vendor that Tesla Motors tried (this info was passed to me by M. Eberhard on 12/2, when I met him @LA Auto Show, Chevrolet booth). Xtrac is BIG into Auto Racing (Indycar, Offroad, Rally, et al), but like M.E. pointed out to me, they are not set up for High Volume mfg'ing (like a Borg Warner, who I believe is the current mfr for the Tesla Roadster 1-speed). An Xtrac offroad racing Development Partner successfully developed a multi-speed gearbox (like Tesla Motors, they went thru a difficult period of breakage in 2007), which led to a breakthrough win in 2008 (San Felipe 250)..followed up with multiple wins in 2008 & 2009. They just got 2nd in the recent 2009 Baja 1000 (missed out on the Season points championship by a few points), & I was hanging out with the team (with some killer footage). The owner is originally from Denmark (just like Henry Fisker), a very intelligent guy. He designed the hydraulic clutch as an add-on to the Xtrac transmission. The driver is a famous German rally champion, whose brand-name brought over many European based sponsors.

Lesson Learned:
"European Sophistication" is a winning package, both in Offroad & Alternative Technology (Fisker Automotive). I was VERY impressed by what I saw at Fisker at this years LA Auto Show, I think they will SUCCEED & be a factor in getting America (& the World) onto the path of Alternative Energy ("the Road Ahead, the Road Behind")

It was pointed out to me by the Houston dealer for Stryker, that the startups like Tesla & Fisker have to "get their cars out on the road, in terms of Production". This "physically-based Viral Marketing" will create interest/hype ("wow, where did you get that..I want one") & referral business:

"the best Advertising, is a SATISFIED CUSTOMER"

Fisker made an announcement about their projected production numbers for their 2011 (?) target date. H. Fisker told me he thinks Hybrids has real potential for mass-market solution. The EV solution is still hampered by stress/worry about range ("running out of juice") & re-charge times, which will require more R&D in Battery Technology.

I asked a few fans at the Fisker booth today, about why they liked the Karma. They all like the "curves", i.e., the sophisticated styling. In the end, a car purchase is made based on "Emotion" (not just practicality or Environmental friendliness). This term was used by Johan de Nysschen/Audi, to describe their EV supercar (E-tron, due out in 2012).

I like the term used by a P-51 racer (aviation):

"It's PURE SEX. Just open the throttle, & LET IT FLOW [ gas thru the venturis of the carburetor ]"

The supercars in Concourse Area are JUST THAT..Pure Sex. I met & talked with a couple of attractive women (who looked like movie-stars) checking out the cars (wealthy, who currently drive $200K price-point cars), their dress/style stood out from the crowd. You could tell they were "bucks up", their Style projected Sophistication. I heard Ron Howard made a run through the Aston Martin booth.
 
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Did the John Force NHRA autograph signing event @AAA booth (Kentia Hall)

John Force Racing/NHRA, AAA booth [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/5 ]

Right next door (looking over the AAA sponsored Sam Hornish/Penske Racing NASCAR Dodge), was Al & Eds Autosound booth. Lo & Behold.. a yellow Tesla Roadster.

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Spent a couple of hours there shooting HD video, panoramas (Tesla, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW, et al):

Tesla, Ferrari, Lamborghini @Al & Eds booth [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/5 ]

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Then, went back to Concourse Hall to finish up with Saleen cars

Collection: 2009 LA Auto Show

Click on Day #2 (12/5 Sat) to see more pics.

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I officially became a "motorhead addict" at this years 2009 SEMA show.

[ M. Eberhard was one since I knew him at grad-school @UIUC, 28 yrs ago. When he 1st came on board to our office, THAT DAY I found myself in his apartment (lined with books..he' s a great reader & book worm) courtesy of a ride in his '67 Mustang ]

It's getting worse at the 2009 LA Autho show, the supercars (Lamborghini, Ferrari, Saleen, Spyker, Tesla, Fisker, Porsche, et al) are all giving me visual orgasms.

I will go back next week to follow up with Porsche (they have a hall all to themselves). Today, it's the 12th Annual John Force Car Show in Yorba Linda..yep, more exotic cars.

http://www.johnforceracing.com/HolidayCarShow09/index.htm
 
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Off topic stuff is being moved. Yes everything is related to everthing, but for the good of the forum and its readers there has to be a semblence of organization. That should not be a hard concept to grasp.

Moderators do not have time to continually parse though to find the bits that may be on topic.



.
 
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Some VR panoramas shot on 12/3 (Press Day #2) of supercars at Concourse Hall:

Spyker:
spykerblackgirl-IMG_7893_pano6432r -360VR

Lotus:
lotusdriver-IMG_7806_panolev6432r -360VR
lotusguy-IMG_7794_pano6432r -360VR
lotus-girls-IMG_7858_pano6432r -360VR

Fisker Karma:
karma-IMG_7686_pano-lev6432r -360VR


I will update this post with info on how to view them on the iPhone's Pangea app (carry it around in your pocket).

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Download the Pangea app (free) from:

http://www.pangeasoft.net/pano/index.html

Here is the .xml file you need to enter in Pangea app (under "Enter URL" section):

http://www.jumplive.com/09laas/pano/1203/concoursehall_pano.xml

Bookmark it. Then just open it up in Bookmarks to view Panorama portfoliio (Fisker Karma, Lotus, Spyker). See above. You can zoom-in & zoom-out in the panorama (use the "finger method", like in Google Maps)

Alternate Method:

When you open up PangeaVR, click on "Browse" to access the online Pangea VR Database. The above Pano was just approved to be in this database:

"12/03 Concourse Halll, 2009 LA Auto Show"

It will be near the top, before "A" category. Click on "Open Portfolio", then click on "Bookmark it". In the future, simply goto Bookmarks to open up these panoramas.


I've also contacted PangeaSoft, to list the above Panorama portfolio in their Onine library. I even suggested they start a special section for Alternative Energy vehicles, to help these Auto Mfrs do Public Outreach/Education. There is STILL a ways to go, in getting Alternative Energy to the masses in terms of Public Perception. The Tesla Roadster (600 plus on the road) helps, as does the wildly successful Toyota Prius. Fisker Karma certainly needs a PR boost (with above VR panorama, especially on iPhone), sine they still don't have vehicles on the road.



Some panoramas of the Tesla Roadster, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW (from Al & Ed's booth) & Saleen (Concourse Hall) are forthcoming. Also a panorama of Martin & friend, at the Audi booth media presentation (on 12/2 Media Day #1).
 

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Interesting day yesterday (12/9 Wed), met an Automotive nut (admitted obsessor of cars & motorcycles) who worked in the Auto Industry (executives at major mfrs), John Savickas:

John Savickas/PVIC, Concourse Hall [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/9

[ John is a NIU/Northern Illinois Univ grad, business MBA ]

Lots of good perspective. He is not optimistic on these startups (Tesla, Fisker) lasting more than 10 yrs, the "giants" have too much muscle. They will be absorbed, bought out, etc. Like I say, I think the contribution of Tesla is their role as an "instigator & catalyst) that woke up the entire Auto Industry. Who knows, maybe Tesla will be the exception! (all other auto startups have a 100% failure rate).

Another good commentary by Dennis Glavis (Morgan West):

Dennis Glavis, Morgan West [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/9 ]

He is also an educated person (Sociology major, U. of Hawaii, PhD I think), who is also a sportscar enthusiast. His hobby became his profession!

Other videos:

Lotus booth:
Family, Lotus booth Invite [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/4 ]

[ demonstrates how Autos have a universal appeal: women, kids, families. Important, for my current NASA/JPL project, where we are partnering with an Automotive entity for the purpose of STEM/Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Outreach ]

John Force Racing:
John Force Racing, AAA booth [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/5 ]

[ same as above, Automotive is not just "motorheads", but fans (young, old, female) who like the whole "entertainment" package ]

Rick Lalor (Motorsports & Special Events Mgr for AAA):
Rick Lawler, AAA Motorsports & Special Events Mgr [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/5 ]

[ good commentary on what goes in building a successful team (or business): Passion, Dedication, Teamwork, Money, Perseverance. Just think about the Alternative Energy startups, & evaluate them on these bullet-points. ]

More pics from yesterday (stuck at Concourse Hall, the small "supercars" area):

12/9 Wed, Concourse Hall ("supercars") - a set on Flickr
 
Here's a quickie stitch of M. Eberhard (& friend) at the 12/2 Audi booth (media presentation):

meberhardaudi_sho.jpg


Sorry, it's a rough cut, but I'm out the door going to LA Auto show..

Eventually, I will get a Flash presentation & iPhone Pangea version. This will help people (like TMC members), to "get the word out:" on Alternative Energy.

BTW, the iTunes video-podcast for my "2009 LA Auto Show" got approved:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=345320182
 

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Spent yesterday (Dec 10, Thu) at the Porsche Hall, then moved to South Hall.

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To cover Shannon Brown/LA Lakers (2008 NBA Champs) autograph-session at Toyota booth.

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Then, followed him to the Audi booth, where I checked out the E-tron (2012 target date, 500 around the world, all electric Quattro drive, 1 motor per wheel)

Cellphone photo cast here:

12/10 Thu, Porsche & Audi - a set on Flickr
2009 LA Auto Show

I ran into some interesting people at Porsche Hall:

4 African-American auto enthusiasts:
Duwan & friends, Porsche Hall [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/10 ]
[ demonstration of how Autos has *universal appeal*, spanning racial barriers. Auto is a "common ground", thru which Diversity Initiative can succeed ]

Dad w/2 girls:
Dad w/2 girls, Porsche Hall [ '09 LA Auto Show 12/10 ]
[ good commentary on STEM/Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Outreach, to girls. I think Auto is a GREAT vehicle (no pun intended) to attract female demographic ]

Shannon Brown/LA Lakers autograph-session @Toyota booth
Shannon Brown/LA Lakers, Toyota booth[ '09 LA Auto Show 12/10 ]
[ demonstration of cross-over PR/Marketing, attracting future Auto buyers using a Sports brand-name. Tesla & Fisker might want to try this, to give exposure to the new Alternative Energy technology: EV, Hybrid, etc ]

Audi booth (E-tron & R8):
http://blip.tv/file/2961970
[ beautiful presentation, I thought it was the most impressive of the show. I heard others tell the Audi personnel the same thing ]
 
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More videos from 12/11 (Fri) at:

2009 LA Auto Show

Interesting interview with J. Graziani (CSULB Civil Engineering grad, who wants to get into Green Tech in his own field, as well as for his personal car), & others. Another interview w/Guillermo (IT guy who works at DirecTV).

Samantha of Chevy does a lecture on the Volt, with interesting questions afterward by a couple of knowledgable attendees (CVT, et al).

Some S. Torrance High School students give their take on cars & Alternative Tech. They are the future of this country: car buyers & possible Alternative Technology STEM/Science Technology Engineering Mathematics.
 
More videos from yesterday (12/12 Sat) from Porsche Hall:

2009 LA Auto Show: 12/12 Frid (Porsche booth)

Met many engineers here (from S. America, local guy Deputy Project Exec, African American ELectrical Eng..Purdue Univ grad, local PhD in Electrical Eng with his kids). Also, a Health Sciences middle-school teacher & his wife. Obviously, the Porsche crowd attracts a sophisticated Tech crowd.

Flickr photo cast:

Collection: 2009 LA Auto Show


Going back today from 1 last suicide run (South Hall & West Hall, Kentia Hall hopefully)

More links at:

http://www.jumplive.com/09laas/index.html

Trying to find time to LIVE photo/video blog to Kyte.tv & Flickr (& Fragmob).



Sidenote:

Here's a snapshot of my computer room, where I do the Same-Day Webcast:

Video editing bay" (quad G5 in background, Sony FX100 HDV video camera in foreground):
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2 laptops (Powerbook G4 & HP ZV6000 PC laptop):
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2 laptops (Acer PC laptop & Macbook Pro):
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DVRs (Magnavox & Phillips):
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main computer (old Powermac G4/667):
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Note the cold pizza, I haven't seen a bed in 2 days, been napping in my chair & doing uploads.

food & drink everywhere:
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"vampire wall warts" everywhere:
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digital SLR "bay" with charging station:
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More pics from "12/13 Sun"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chimpanzee/sets/72157622868093015/
 
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Sunday Flickr pics at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chimpanzee/sets/72157622996900952/

Video blog (syndicated to iTunes video-podcast) at:

http://2009laautoshow.blogspot.com


I'm posting from the Outback Steakhouse (Glendale), after the last day of LA Auto Show.

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Got tied up at Concourse Hall, where the supercars were setup (Fisker, Rolls Royce, Lotus, SMS (Steve Saleen), Spyker, Aston Martin.

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This place REALLY got my attention, in more way than one. Just like Porsche Hall. Both places attracted some sophisticates (many engineers, & wealthy people). Met a couple & 4 kids (3 sons & daughter) at the Spyker booth. Turns out, the mom is a middle-school teacher & I did an interesting interview about STEM/Science Technology Engineering Mathematics outreach. The idea is to arm some people (Scientists, Teachers, Kids, Women) with some sexy sportscars, & let them mobile-blog their lifestyle of STEM. Project this out to the world, via SN/Social Networking Viral Marketing mediums. To "capture an audience" (just like what the Tesla Roadster did, to change Public Perception), to improve Public Perception/Understanding of Science (STEM, in general). Part of the "Noble Cause", to save this country from further descent into Oblivion (Idiocy/Lunacy, in terms of Science literacy). Hopefully, this will help the Alternative Energy revolution, where STEM qualified Americans can be spotted/developed/produced. I equate it to the situation, when America was caught napping when the Russian beat USA into Space (Sputnik "wakeup cal"). America responded (in a panic state), re-educated & re-tooled..in ~10 years, American put the 1st man on the moon. I.e., just follow the initiative of M. Eberhard (Disruptive Technology via Tesla Motors)

"Be the change you want to see in the World"
-- M. Ghandi


Finally ended up at South Hall, where I got some shots of Toyota Prius (classic, plug-in version) & other Toyota hybrids. Then, wandered to Lexus concept hybrid.

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Finally, to Mini (BMW booth).

Didn't get full coverage of South Hall. Or, Kentia Hall (below South Hall). West Hall..I only covered Ford. Missed everything else.
 
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