Just For Fun Database | AdamFaragalli.com

Owners Review 2008 Lexus LS 460

The last time I wrote a review about a car was back in 2012. It was my black on black 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. In most ways, that was a very good car. But I grew bored of it, mostly the lack of steering feel. Great power, looks and value, but not a drivers car. What was a drivers car, was the Honda s2000 that I bought after selling the Sonata.

The Honda s2000 will always have a special place in my heart. And since writing this, I had to sell it to get the Lexus. But fear not, I have plans to purchase another one, one that someone poured a good $15,000 into to unlock that cars full race potential.

So now I own a 2008 Lexus 460LS. Its black on tan, and has 80,450 miles. It is in very good condition. Well, take a look.

This car is very, very good. In fact, I am really struggling to find a fault. You see, I wanted a luxury car that had some style, but was also reliable. I read into Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche and Infinity. I really liked the Mercedes CLS500, and the E39/E40 BMW M5. But, unfortunately, they both require at times major maintenance as they age, and apart from some exceptions like the E39 BMW, they don’t hold their value. A good 15-20% less then a comparable year and model Lexus.

So once I settled on Lexus I started looking. It was between the IS350 and the LS 460. But once I found a local LS460 car available that was in good shape and had low mileage, I really started to dig into the car. From the YouTube videos to the other car reviews, everyone said positive things. And they are holding their value.

I have put about 1,000 miles on the car now and I have to say it is very smooth, quiet, and one comfortable car. Its also very fast, and believe it or not, it would destroy my S2000 in 0 to 60 times and highway runs. Also most surprising, considering the 8 cylinders making 390 pounds of torque, and 340 horses, I am getting 24 miles to the gallon.

The remarkable reason that it can get that kind of fuel economy is one, I drive it smooth, and two, it has an 8 speed automatic transmission. That’s one more gear than even a Mercedes S class. And wow its been hard to go from an S2000 that would do 4,000 rpms at 80 to this Lexus, that does it at 1,900 and is whisper quiet.

The interior is exceptional. Everything its laid out well, and is powered. Bluetooth for photo, key-less start and entry and seat adjustments take the cake with me.

I am impressed with Lexus. And I am impressed with this car. I have to recommend this car to anyone looking to get into the Luxury market. I did not pay all that much either, less than a new Honda Accord.

The few plans I have for this car are wheels and front LED light additions. That is really all this car needs. A set of 22’s on these Convex wheels would do it for me.

This car is also great for business. It says yes I am successful, but I am not screaming it. So far so good.

To more good things in 2015…

Adam Faragalli

Why I Ride Motorcycles | plus My Picture Timeline Experiences Thus Far

I think when it comes to riding a motorcycle, you either loved it or hated it. If you have tried, you quickly learned to deal with an army of naysayers, bad drivers and road conditions, so best learn to love riding quickly. And in this hobby, there is no room for error. After all, “motorcycling is not, of itself, inherently dangerous. It is, however, extremely unforgiving of inattention, ignorance, incompetence, or stupidity.”

Doing what you like is freedom, liking what you do is happiness.”

When I was 25, I got the bug to ride. It would be a lie to say that my father was not a large factor, but in the end it was my decision to start. Among many reasons, I heard a quote that inspired me; and while I don’t quite remember that quote word for word, it went something like this: “Am I afraid of dying on a motorcycle, well, in the end, I am more afraid of not truly living.”

They say, “Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul.”

Continue reading Why I Ride Motorcycles | plus My Picture Timeline Experiences Thus Far

Real Advice About Improving Your Businesses Web Presence

Over the past many years I have written thoughts about so many topics. This blog started as a college blog for social media and digital marketing and then added some of the web’s best financial articles and information.

Recently, making my Tennessee based internet marketing business Titan Web Marketing Solutions thrive has been top priority. I’m proud to say that we are now working with some powerful businesses and have tackled some real challenges in web design, search engine optimization, graphic design and social media.

This blog is about some of the critical areas of knowledge I have learned in developing a businesses local web presence.

Please note* “NY Pie” in Nashville, TN was used for specific examples because the owners Greg and Jessica are wonderful people and were great to work with last year.

As of the end of 2012, the business of helping market businesses on the web has boomed. It is so very important to get your business on the web. At the least, it is important to understand where your business is on the web and what, if any, feedback people have provided about your business. And while this guide does not do everything, it will sure help you get started on the right path!

The following is a step by step guide to exactly what any business owner needs to do to start their web presence.

Step number 1 | Build a Local Web Presence

Continue reading Real Advice About Improving Your Businesses Web Presence

Thoughts on Ford

Before I start, who knows what may come out. Blogging is writing on digital paper, with an eraser and spell check too. (thank god for that!)

Those who read my posts and comment- thank you, getting to know some of you has been great. So- if you are interested in buying Ford stock, or a Mustang, or maybe even just a little curioius about the current market and how Ford might react, this could help. You be the judge.

I would bet if you watch TV you would have seen the commercials about the automotive company Ford switching cars with random customers. They have been running this for some time now. I believe they called this advertising campaign (take) “The Ford Challenge.” In my experience, I never had a good chance to develop a first hand opinion of a Ford car.

I suppose, before saying anymore, one word that would sum up my thoughts on Ford is respect. Not only do we owe the Ford Model T changing who can afford to drive a vehicle, but Ford in recent years turned down (by seeking private funding) of the governments public takeover of their debt. In fact, G.M and Chrysler have not yet repaid their loans and are still under governmental supervision. —- (G.M is close and is near an IPO offering AND with all that exposure in China, I could see a huge new middle class their make that an attractive long play with G.M-maybe. Ford does not have the exposure but that could always change.)

Ford on the other hand has not performed better in decades. Ford stock is up 40% since 2009 lows and I believe their is still room for growth after this market stops moving sideways. Although, some would not recommend auto companies as long-term investments. This is somewhat because it is very hard to produce (and market) a car with a competitive enough of an advantage to make people take on credit to afford it. And also way too much of a changing business environment (demands of consumer, re-tooling factories, etc).

Now my daily driver car is a 97 Honda Accord sedan. I love this car. The Accord’s cockpit is open, body is nimble and light and it’s above average on gas mileage, a good mix between power and fuel economy.

The commercial tag line”you know someone who loves a Honda” is true, for me. This car is 13 years old, has 99,791 miles on it and runs better than ever. You could say I baby it. Full syn oil, detailed washes ever few weeks, driving it with intelligence, etc. This Accord is a 4 cylinder, 2.2 liter engine, plenty of power for me. And it gets 30 mpg on the freeway, another 26 in town. So I am not complaining. Over the years, custom suspension, high performance tires (3 sets), intake, exhaust, engine tune and a bumping 1,000 watt 4 channel amp for door/rear custom speakers with two 12’s on 1,600 watts. Took me many years to afford all this but hey it was worth it.

But, back to the the Ford talk. I would like to shift gears and talk about the Mustang V8. As I wanted to share my thoughts about the Mustang in this post. I drove the 2007 Mustang GT Premium, black, with custom exhaust.

I guess I have never driven a real V8 car before. Yes, I have ridden in many, and had the opportunity to drive a few SUV’s with these big engines, but never a Ford Mustang GT with the 4.6 300 hp 320 lb-ft torque V8.

When it comes to cars, I am all about tuning small engines, forced induction and light weight bodies, three things the Mustang is not. For example, if I put, some how, this massive engine in my Honda, it would never be able to get traction in the first few gears. However, driving the Mustang GT, if I turn TCS (traction control system) off, I can barley get this heavy thing lose. It perplexes me that they would design a sports car with such excess weight. But I suppose that is the true muscle car heritage, heavy frames to handle the big engines. Nevertheless, if it were possible to strip about 400 pounds off the frame it would scream with the stock engine and a few minor modifications.

Now the engine is the best part of the Mustang GT, probably the best part of any Mustang. The engine just has this sound, that Mustang pitch of three valves per cylinder combined with all those cubic inches. Fuck, it just oozes sex, and power.

First time my good friend Jason sat in it, first words out of his mouth, man this thing sounds mean! One should experience the sound sometime. Also, this particular Mustang has the Ford Racing pipes installed, so it’s a more intense version of whats already golden.

Unfortunetly, the 2007 Mustang is quite non-ecofriendly, which lets face it, leads to this being an expensive toy. Not a car that is meant to be a daily driver to work. But the new Mustangs are looking real good on performance, looks and fuel costs.

Check their new ad out.

So to wrap up this post and my thoughts. I like the Ford Mustang, alot. My roommate has been driving the 2009 Mustang convertible for some time and we love it. I am even considering buying one next year. And if I were you and had some risk capital, I might consider buying some Ford stock. It could even drop below 11 dollars again in this market.

Hope some of this in some way helped someone. Please, let me know if it did by commenting. Thank you.

Ford Stock in real time.

Adam Faragalli (.com)

This blog post is not an offer, or solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell any security or other product. Information contained in this communication is not an official confirmation of any transaction or an official statement from Adam Faragalli. Adam Faragalli receives no compensation for this blog and has not affiliated with any authors, publications or companies cited above. Adam urges everyone to understand the risks involved with investing and can not be held responsible for any losses accrued from investment advice cited.

Financial and Investment Book List for Advisors or Investors

Navigating the markets these days is an interesting process. If you still have a thriving financial practice or capital to invest after the August 2007 to mid-2009 market fall out, great for you. However, I would make a bet that you took a sizable hit to either your clients or your own personal portfolio. Thus, I am creating this post containing a book list because I believe there are always ways that we can be better investors and better financial professionals.

For those of you interested to know, the process to become a financial advisor is down right challenging. It is full of hurdles that happen well before you ever solicit any type of securities products. First, there is the process of making the decision that your heart is truly in this career decision. Because if it ain’t, you will fail. Then, there is research and reading to both see if you have the skills necessary and where you need improvement. And trust me, as a rookie seeing Wall Street and the industry from the outside, very few go into this business without needing improvement. Or maybe you could be the investor looking for the right financial professional. I guarantee in any market that there is at least several firms and hundreds of professionals that can meet your needs.

So- have said that, I decided to write this post about some of the books that have helped me become much better educated about not only the markets but the business of the money culture. In fact, almost all of these were recommendations from the dozens of financial professionals and investors I have spoken with over the past many months. In many ways these financial related books helped me understand the business, give specific information about how to start, expand and some really fascinating and sometimes hilarious stories along the way.

In addition, if you have very little interest in working in this industry but want some information to help you make better financial decisions and/or learn about the shenanigans that goes on at times, I have divided this book list into two categories. One category for the Financial Advisor and one for interested individual investors looking for a good read. And probably the best part is that I have linked each of these books to Amazon.com so you can read reviews and buy new or used copies. I highly recommend Amazon to purchase used books as many of their sellers are reliable and you just can’t beat the price. I have given a small and very short summary about a few of the books I really enjoyed as well.

Click continue reading if on the home page. Thank you.

Continue reading Financial and Investment Book List for Advisors or Investors

Three iPhone/iPod Games I recommend

There needs to be something said about the quality of the iPhone/iPod games. However, not all of them are without flaws, and some are just not worth the money. I decided to share three games that I have been playing in my limited spare time. If you like these three game types in general, you will enjoy playing these three games. I have picked one game from sports, strategy and music. They are all from EA publisher.

Continue reading Three iPhone/iPod Games I recommend

Thoughts on Apple iPad

Having followed the Apple iPad since the Cali based tech company first released word they were working on something fresh, here are my thoughts as they stand today.

This is my personal site, so naturally personal bias and opinions are sure to jump in between facts and relevant concerns. It should be known that I currently use an iTouch. This is the only product I currently use from Apple other than iTunes. It is my second iPod and I cannot be happier with this version, and to tell you the truth, my older iPod Video 30 gig is still going strong.

I bring a balanced perspective to any discussion about technology. Over the years, I have embraced many product manufactures. I’m not one of those die hard Apple aficionados that will pay through the roof for the latest and greatest, generally glitch prone new Apple product.

If you somehow missed the Apple iPad release video with Steve Jobs, please go here and watch, http://www.apple.com/ipad/. Also, if you would like to read one of my older post about the iPad, to help get the historical perspective before the official release, you can just click here.

Continue reading Thoughts on Apple iPad

ESPN to launch 3D network in June

According the the USA Today Article, “ESPN is going 3D. The venerable sports network will launch ESPN 3D on June 11 with a World Cup soccer match, creating what it says will be the first all three-dimensional television network to the home.”

This could be the future of watching sports. I have some questions on exactly how the technology works to create 3D images on a standard TV but I’m game.

According to the USA article:

“There are challenges. You may need a new set-top box to watch 3D. It’s unclear if you’ll have to pay a premium. ESPN says it expects deals with distributors will be in place prior to launch.”

“Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro says the ESPN 3D announcement parallels where HDTV was six years ago. “This is a turning point for 3D,” he says.”

Sounds very interesting. I would love to watch my Titans in 3D.

Happy new year,

Adam Faragalli

Skype HD: 720p videocalling from PCs or directly through LG & Panasonic HDTVs

From engadget: “Skype has already made an impact on the home phone, mobiles and PC desktops (couldn’t do our podcast without it) and now it’s taking on the living room. LG and Panasonic are already lined up to deliver new HD webcams for their internet connected plasma and LCD HDTVs that will enable living room-to-living room calling in 720p.”

To see pictures and read the full post, click here.

I think this is a brilliant idea. Many of us, myself included, use our LCD and Plasma TV’s for Skype right now. I run my XPS lab top to my LG TV with an HDMI cable and can see my caller practically life sized and clear.They might as well be sitting on my table. But add better quality and remove the lab top, even better. Cheers to LG and Panasonic for the idea.

Happy new year,

Adam Faragalli

Pranav Mistry, Inventor of The SixSense technology that will change your world

At TEDIndia, Pranav Mistry demos several tools that help the physical world interact with the world of data — including a deep look at his SixthSense device and a new, paradigm-shifting paper “laptop.” In an onstage Q&A, Mistry says he’ll open-source the software behind SixthSense, to open its possibilities to all.

http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html

Enjoy, this in incredible. I know I will be recommending sponsor IBM’s stock and any other company that decides to move forward with this technology.

Adam Faragalli