Das Boot!

Well, what everyone was telling you when the iPhone originally came out was true; Apple has finally released its 3G version of the smartphone which claims to have 3 times faster internet speed at a fraction of the cost.

How cheap are we talking here?

Well, Steve Jobs says the 8gb version will house a price tag of just $199… while the 16gb will represent a $299 price tag.

Jobs also stated that the prices will hold true across many countries.

Many critics are skeptical of how Jobs and co. could slash prices so much while offering more. Are they cutting into their margins?

Either way, this proves to be a great purchase for those who did the smart thing: Waited to buy an iphone.

Ladies and gentleman, the wedding circuit is almost upon us.

For our first stop, we have Phil Brown and Roxy Colin’s wedding on the 14th of June in Holland, MI

Next, we have John Koenig and Melissa Mann’s wedding on the 28th of June in Novi, MI

Then rest… and in Sept we have Chris Tilley and Jen Howell’s wedding.

This isn’t your normal marathon ladies and gentleman. These are all Very close friends, which means it’s going to be one wild ride either way you look at it!

Wish me luck, and CONGRATULATIONS to all!

Well it looks like my buddy Brian Stojak did it again when his theatre group (Theatre Seven) put on one of the best shows this summer called Boys and Girls.

This is a show compiled of two short set plays called “Never Swim Alone” and “The Shallow End”, and after its initial opening date of May 16th, the critics are already raving.

Here are some quick quotes:

“seriously funny…frighteningly comedic” – Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune

“richly observational…impeccable timing” – Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune

“dynamically orchestrated” – Lawrence Bommer, Chicago Reader

“sharp focus and keen, spare theatrics” – Christopher Piatt, Time Out Chicago

This is definitely something everyone should take a look at, and it’s running until June 15th.

For tickets, drop me a line and i’ll put you in contact with Brian Stojak.

Rating:

So a lot of you out there are speed and flight junkies just like me… Have the urge to go skydiving, base jumping, you name it.

Well I came across this video on youtube that a company called Flomerics put together - It’s a simulation (mixed with real footage) of a wingsuit that lets you glide incredibly like a bird while free falling!

Why so cool you ask? Well watch the video, and notice how close the man gets to the rocks and ledges.

After seeing that, the first thing I thought was how is this possible?

Well first off, the wingsuit was designed with the help of computer aided engineering.

Flomerics measured the lift and drag forces allowing this incredible flight with their computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Basically, this software calculates the fluid flows and pressure, and shows it in a 3d visualization that looks incredible.

Air flow isn’t the only thing these guys look into though. Something interesting I learned on their site was the valve analysis. It helps engineers determine flow rates, flow capacity, reduce pressure drop in things like valves for your vehicle, faucets, etc. Also, electronic system simulation which provides solutions for design problems associated with the cooling of electronics and selecting correct electronic cooling fans.

One of their top products is FLOVENT

FLOVENT is a powerful Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software that predicts 3D airflow, heat transfer and contamination distribution in and around buildings of all types and sizes.

Keep an eye on this company, as it’s doing some SWEET things over there in the UK.

So its time for a new vacuum cleaner. That’s right folks, the old Hoover died on me last week… In the most horrendous way.

After not vacuuming my place for about 2 months (gross, i know, thats why i was vacuuming, lay off!), I decided to clean up the place before my parents came over.. Mid way through the living room, I heard a loud boom sound, smelled rubber burning, and all of the dirt spit over the carpet that was in the “bagless chamber”.

I proceeded to use a hand dust buster and decided it was time to get a new one.

After seeing refurbished Dysons on Woot, I thought i’d do some research. Sure they were cheap on woot, but I want a new one. No used vacuums here please.

Dyson is by far the best vacuum there is out there. It’s pretty much indestructible. Problem is I wasn’t going to spend $650 for a vacuum at this age!

Turns out, they have a handful of different models and different prices, all sporting the same technology. I shopped around at 1AwsomeVac online and really fell in love with the Dysons they had.

I gotta say… I’m hooked.

Take a look at some Dyson vacuums here.

And be sure to let me know what you think once you buy one!

Disclosure

So my colleague Brian Stojak is a founding member of the chicago theatre group Theatre Seven, and their most recent play opened up last week to amazing reviews, including a shining one from the Chicago Tribune. I felt that I needed to help in any way I could, so I attached a piece of the press release, and included information about the play below. Be sure to check it out!!

-Arun

Theatre Seven produces new plays, Chicago premieres and forgotten classics that ignite imagination and explore the complexities of human nature. In 2007, the company made a critical splash with productions of resident playwright Marisa Wegrzyn’s Diversey Harbor and Killing Women. This production launches the company’s second full production season, which will later include one Chicago premiere, one world premiere and one forgotten classic in productions at the Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Dramatists. See more about Theatre Seven and their 2008 season at www.theatreseven.org.

Boys & Girls

Venue: Studio Theatre at the Chicago Cultural Center

Preview: Thursday, May 15 – 7:30 pm

Press Opening: Friday, May 16 – 7:30 pm

Run: May 16 – June 15

Days & Times: Thursday – Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 3:00pm

Closing: Sunday, June 15 3:00pm

Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

$12 for students & seniors.

$10 for industry and groups of 7 or more.

Ticket Office: 312-742-TIXS or www.dcatheater.org

Never Swim Alone

Playwright: Daniel MacIvor

Director: Margot Bordelon

Cast: Rebecca Buller, Brian Golden, Brian Stojak

Run Time: 45 minutes

Synopsis: Who’s got more cash? Who’s got the better pad? Who’s got the bigger thing? Two old pals play a deadly game that’s more than just a game in Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor’s Never Swim Alone. MacIvor blows the lid off modern masculinity by examining the story of two lifelong friends chained together by one tragic childhood day at the beach.

The Shallow End

Playwright: Wendy MacLeod

Director: Meghan Beals McCarthy

Cast: Olivia Cygan, Lindsey Lyhus, Zoe Levin, Emma Jane Hostetler, Hannah White, Sydney Lynch, Sophie La Cava, Ilyssa Ernstein

Run Time: 20 minutes

Synopsis: Chicago favorite Wendy MacLeod returns with The Shallow End, a clever look at three teenage girls whose friendship is put to the test over the course of one summer. While Teresa and Becca are busy planning tricks on the class oddball, Addie’s at the snack bar trying to figure out if the new girl in town is as weird as everyone says she is. And why is Marjorie spending so much time talking to the boy with cancer? Not just another summer hanging out at the city pool…

Set: Charlie Olson

Costumes: Brenda Winstead

Lighting: Justin Wardell

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Disclosure

Looks like we lost another one to the dark side.. Jusssst kidding guys:) Congrats on the big engagement news!

Looks like the summer of 2009 is already shaping up to be a crazy one, with a few of my weekends spent in Michigan for weddings.

Phil and Roxy get married this June, as to John and Melissa. Then we have Chris and Jen in September…

Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know who didn’t know, and say congratulations one more time!

Hey everyone, I’m playing around with some new logo designs and images for the blog, so bear with me while it gets a little dusty in here!