The Scion Complex

Just got back from a meeting with Scion. I've been tapped to work on design and development of one of their online initiatives (can't disclose much more at this time). This is the 3rd year that I've been working with the guys over there under my Racing Code brand. We've done a few collaboration tees, designed the exterior graphics of their airstream trailers, and few other projects. What I've noticed is that Scion is focusing more of their efforts on the racing front, which I think is a good move. Scion is pretty much known for their independent art/music scene, which they will continue to support I'm sure. Honda has tried, unsuccessfully, to capture this lifestyle with their Element/Fit ad campaigns. With the Nissan Cube and SOUL from Kia (see photo) coming online soon, Scion needs to stay ahead of their competition and motorsports seems to make sense.


As with most car enthusiasts, the clubbing lifestyle is okay but not enough to influence me to buy a car - the brand must have some credibility in motorsports (either SCCA or racing leagues). Right now, Scion has presence (team sponsorship) in drag, time attack, and of course drift. It's sort of a dual personality thing - is the brand representing artist/musician or motorsports communities. I guess they're not trying to convert a DJ to suddenly appreciate drifting, but it opens up a new market of potential customers who thought Scion cars are only for the starving artist-type. To really push me over the edge, I would need a RWD Scion coupe.

Review: Callpod Chargepod

A few weeks ago, I was browsing at a local Sharper Image store that was going out of business. I saw this charger kit for cell phones, iPods and other gadgets, it was reduced 30% so I decided to pick one up.

The package I bought came with cables for PSP (which I have), any USB device (I used initially for my iPhone), Motorola phones (I dug up my old RAZR to see if it works), Samsung phones (don't own any) and Nokia phones (haven't owned one in a long time). You can charge via a regular plug (it looks pretty generic for a company that is perceived as design-centric, Apple has spoiled me when it comes to even a plug - I expected collapsable prongs at least) or you can charge via a car charger. Lastly, you get a carry case. The bulky wall plug won't fit into this bag, so I assume they made this for the car charger, but it would have been nice if the wall plug could do some funky transformation to fit.


I later went to their website to order additional cables for my iPod and another iPod cable for my iPhone and a Nintendo DS Lite cable. Each cost $9.95.

After using it for a few weeks now, I definitely think it does cut down on cord clutter. And instead of six plugs going to the wall, I just have one. This is the nicest aspect of the Chargepod. Also, I don't have to look for my charging cable on the floor (which usually happens once I unplug a device that's on my desk) when I'm ready to charge my devices. One problem that it doesn't solve is desk clutter. From the photo, you can see that it still takes up quite a bit of desk space. I wonder if there is a way to make it have a smaller footprint, perhaps some kind of shelving system? Overall, I'm very happy with this product.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Nokia's Human Breakout Game

I was checking out FWA a few days ago for some design inspiration and noticed this cool site for Nokia's N-GAGE. It's pretty much a short movie (all done with stop motion technique, like what we did with clay animation in Junior High film class) with a hilarious interactive "human breakout" game towards the end of the film. It's quite a long download but worth it for a few minutes of diversion in the middle of the day. Enjoy. Check it out.

My New Weekend Car

Recently I purchased a 07 RX8 to replace my 99 Miata. It's in Galaxy Metallic Grey - fully loaded with navigation and the works. For those not familiar with the RX8, it's a rotary-powered (with a 9k RPM redline) 4-seat sports coupe with trick half rear doors.

About a month later, I added the necessary upgrades to increase airflow in and out of the engine. The usual cold air intake and high-flow exhaust. The Mazdaspeed sports exhaust is a nice looking piece (with bronze finish at the tips) and has a pretty aggressive sound (and loud when you rev the engine above 5k RPM, not the intensity I expected from a factory-backed exhaust, but I'm not complaining).

What kind of frustrates me about this car was the stock suspension. The suspension setup had way too much body roll for a sports car. About a month ago, I put in lowered springs/shocks and anti-sway bar front and back to dial down body roll. All Mazdaspeed parts. This car now corners flat and lane change at highway speeds is quick and stable, but it's not harsh. This should have been the stock suspension setup on a car like this.

More photos to come soon. And more about the departure of my previous Weekend Driver (The 99 Mazda MX5) in my next blog.