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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

Samsung 4k Ultra High Definition LED Monitor U28D590D Review for Gaming

Hi there my name is Adam and appreciate you stopping by. Hope you like the review and find something here that helps you get your 4k setup perfect. This article involves all my favorite stuff, badass PC’s, new gaming hardware and lets not forget this new 4k Ultra High Definition Monitor.

This article is from the point of view of a gamer. Video games have been a pastime for me since I was about 4 years old. I really got hooked with Road Rash and Joe Montana Football on the Saga Genesis. And lets not Forget Starfox on the Super Nintendo! Point is, I’ve been gaming for some 25 years. And what do all gamer’s want- better hardware, better graphics and a better experience!

So if your up for my thoughts on this Samsung 4k Ultra High Definition monitor, here goes. If you unsure which model I am referring to, see Amazon.

First, a few pictures of this beauty. This 4k monitor is really a thing of beauty. Features brushed aluminum on the back, and a polished metal around the edges. Very subtle yet attractive. My kind of look.

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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 Playing an Instrument

Many of you do not know that I am a percussionist, also known as a drummer. But I don’t really need a drum set to create a musical beat. I don’t really need anything other than my voice, aka beat boxing. As John Lennon once said, “I’m an artist, give me a Tuba, I’ll get you something out of it.” Now I am no John Lennon, but what he said should forever ring true.

“A musician does not just play an instrument, he manipulates the frequency of energy waves, developed within the human mind a power to create sound the universe has never heard. It is a magical expression of self.” Adam Faragalli

My goal for this post is to encourage you to think creatively through music. Understand, learning an instrument is no easy feat, achieved by few individuals. Think about it, how many people do you know that call themselves musicans? I am not talking about someone who took piano lessons for two years, or guitar lessons in the six grade. I’m talking about individuals who have spent years mastering their own musical brand.

Continue reading Thoughts on Playing an Instrument

How Electric Cars May Change the Landscape of the Automobile Industry

I am happy to introduce a guest writer Angela Brown from London, an alumni of Oxford. Need more proof that this site attracts visits from all over the world?

Angela contacted me to write an article about financial matters. I though a bit about what may interest my readers. I suggested an article focused around the new Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf and ultimately how these innovations will change the automobile industry, the financial markets and any other thoughts. Here is what she came back with with some thoughts of mine interjected. May you too find it interesting. In any case, I’m very excited about these electric/hybrid cars and the changes they may bring. (changes desperately needed)

How Electric Cars May Change the Landscape of the Automobile Industry.

The introduction of the new electric and plug-in cars is definitely going to have a great impact on the whole of the automobile industry, the associated economy and the stock market. For example, Chevrolet’s Volt and Nissan’s Leaf electric car are the most discussed about cars. The city governments too are bringing in the battery chargers and Obama too has promoted the technology.

nissan-leaf-interior — Nissan Leaf Interior Picture

Impact of the electric cars

Electric cars can save you money on gasoline. But can they save you money in the big picture? Today’s electric cars are more subsidized and so buyers may be able to get enough tax breaks. For example, the Nissan Leaf – a four-door hatchback car has the base price of around $32,780. However, it is eligible for $7,500 federal tax credit. The Chevy Volt, coming in just over $40,000 also qualifies for this discount. This makes the car cheaper than other vehicles. It is also cheaper than any other electric vehicles in the market. But lets be realistic, $40,000 buys you a nice luxury car from Lexus, Infinity or BMW too. In any case, it is nice to know you may be able to save thousands of dollars from the federal government if you buy an electric car.

According to Mark Duvall, the director of electric transportation for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the price of gas is $4 a gallon but a plug-in hybrid car can save a person about $15,000 to $18,000 over his life, on the assumption that people drive 1,000 to 1,200 miles per month.

Continue reading How Electric Cars May Change the Landscape of the Automobile Industry

All Natural Diet & Supplements that Changed My Life

This is a post that has been some time in the making. On the one account, I could say I have suffered from a case of writers block. I have been writing for over three years on just this site alone. On the other hand, offline life has been really demanding. Call it lack of time, lack of energy, lack of inspiration, it really does not matter what you call it, but lets just say I am trying to write again.

With such a demanding life, realized I needed to make a change in my diet. I also wanted to impact my appearance, but my main goal was to have more energy and been all around healthier. So I went on an all encompassing diet plan and workout program. Please understand, this is not a post where I introduce a brand new workout or diet program. No, this is about what has worked for me from what is already been created by nutrition, supplement, and exercise professionals.

For about the past five years, I have remained a very workout centered individual. I actively attended a gym, lifted weights, did cardio, avoided fast food, and related things. In fact, I actually got into lifting weights, put on about 20 pounds of muscle when the time I graduated college. Still, I’m an endomorph, so for me, it is easier to put on muscle, much harder to burn fat and look lean. An endomorph is someone who is genetically prone to store fat easily due to a slow metabolism. Endomorph body types are usually, but not always, large-framed with medium to large joints.

Naturally, especially for those that know me, I love a challenge. When it suddenly struck me that I desired to take my body to the “next level” of fitness, I knew I needed to make some serious changes. That is exactly what this post is all about.

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Nashville Flood, what you didn’t see or hear

Great video about what the national media did not report. I live less than two mintues from neighborhoods that are still cleaning up. I hope this in any way can get us more assistance.

-Adam Faragalli (.com)

Fast Company: From “Top Kill” to “Dead Man’s Switch: “What BP’s Oil Spill Lexicon Reveals About Its Brand”

Jamey Boiter on Fast Company’s site wrote about how B.P’s mismanagement of core oil fundamentals has ultimately, in my opinion, also sunken the B.Ps brand under a mile of water. If a company cannot fix a hole a mile under water then how can they justify drilling one in the first place.

The following paragraph made me laugh, and then it made me sick. The public continues to hear about the “solutions” but when you place their actual terms (and see B.P’s thought process)- I seriously question their ability to end this diaster. Any doubt that it will go down in history as the worst ocean oil disaster in history? In conclusion, if you own B.P stock, get out while you can! I would wait on the sidelines to see what eventually happens in the long term. B.P could fail just like all their laughable attempts at a solution. The well, MC252, has lead to a disaster that will forever stay in my memory. This travesty also serves as a first rate national crisis failure. I won’t get into politics in this post. However, Obama’s speech yesterday sums it up well, check it out below.

“Strategies to stop the leak are named “Top Kill,” “Top Hat,” “Hot Tap,” “Junk Shot.” They’re using something called “Corexit” as the oil dispersant. We have heard that the explosion was caused by “dead batteries in the dead man’s switch.” What is up with these heinous words being spewed about like oil leaking into the Gulf? Who came up with these names? I know what a “dead man’s switch” is, but given there have been 11 fatalities in this disaster, one would think BP would be more considerate about what they are saying. Or is “spilling” everything just part of their M.O.?

You could certainly argue that names don’t matter–that they can call their fixes Little Bo Peep as long as they do something that actually works. But it’s hard to fathom why BP isn’t branding the possible solutions to this crisis with more positive names that resonate a good outcome, even if it’s only their hope. Where is the crisis management group, and why aren’t they working with the same brand geniuses that brought us the Helios House and the beautiful iconography to at least make us feel a little better about this debacle?

I suspect there is group huddling as we speak, with marketers clicking their gooey, tar-ladened heels together and saying, “There’s no place like home.” Sorry, BP, you’ll be living with what may be the worst man-made environmental disaster in history for a long time.”

May god forgive us for our sins against mother nature.

-Adam Faragalli

Questions and Answers, The United States Census

Today I decided to write about the 2010 United States Census. I was inspired by an article in the Wall Street Journal called, “Republicans Fear Undercounting in Census.” I have more personal experience with the census than most Americans because this year I have applied to be a supervisor for the Davidson (Nashville metropolitan) county zone. I thought many of you who read my posts might be interesting in learning a little information from the inside. Here is the 411 on the census, questions and answers.

Continue reading Questions and Answers, The United States Census