Toy Review: Playmobil “Knight Rider” Car and Figures

 

“Knight Rider”

K.I.T.T./Figure Set
Playmobil

Our Score 4 out of 5 stars

“Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law. “Playmobil adds yet another classic vehicle/figure set to their ever-growing retro line of toys with the addition of everyone’s favorite talking super car “Knight Rider”. Joining the ranks of previously released vehicles and figures from such classic 80’s films as “Back to the Future “and “Ghostbusters” to television series such as “Star Trek” and “The A-Team”, K.I.T.T. and his dapper navigator Michael are right at home.

Much like every other kid who grew up in the eighties “Knight Rider” was easily one of my favorite shows. Long before Siri could answer all your questions with the click of a button there was K.I.T.T. The snarky, ever loveable mobile companion to the uber cool Michael Knight. Playmobil has captured all that charm and nostalgia with their latest release. Included in the easy to open, displayable packaging along with Michael Knight and Kitt are figures of Devin Miles and Dr. Bonnie Barstow who come with a bevy of accessories to help keep Kitt and Michael going. From Devin’s desk and computer to Bonnies mobile diagnostic lab and tool set this set spares no details. The Michael figure even comes complete with his communicator watch and signature upturned collared jacket. I mean how cool is that?! The real gem in the set much like in the television show is K.I.T.T. From its jet-black exterior to its highly detailed dash and tan interior to its removable roof, flip up headlights and rotating license plate Playmobil nailed it but, that’s not all! With a touch of the hood, you get six different voice and light sequences which only add to the products over all entertainment value. I believe my son and I had just as much fun cycling through the different voicings as we did playing with the set as you never knew what K.I.T.T. was going to say next.

Playmobil continues to outdo themselves with every release and the “Knight Rider” set is no exception. From its eye-catching packaging and easy assembly to the high level of detail included in each piece this set is perfect for both display and or play. Though we did find the front light to be a little too bright for extended play and the volume of the voice sequences to be quite a bit lower than in previous released vehicles we still had a blast playing with the set on its own and integrating it in with other Playmobil products. The easy to open packaging, detailed directions and solid build quality make for a great purchase that will last for years to come. Parents, pop that collar, que up your favorite episode from the television series, grab your youngsters and let “Knight Rider” and imagination do the rest.

 

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Filed Under: Misc, Toys Tagged With: car, figures, knight, playmobil, review, rider, ...

5 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, some people do not understand the importance of working with a lawyer after a car accident. If you are injured in an accident due to some else’s negligence, the at-fault party should compensate you for the damages caused.

An Austin car accident lawyer, who has a great deal of experience in handling car accident cases, would advise that if you are ever in such a situation, hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you should be the first step you take. A good lawyer will help you create a strong claim and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?

1. Well-Versed with State Laws

To win any case, you must understand what the law says about your situation. Many people, even lawyers in the other fields of law, do not necessarily know what the law requires for car accident claims.

Therefore, you need to hire a car accident attorney because they have knowledge and experience in accident cases. They will advise you on the best time to file the claim and come up with the traffic rules violated by the other driver. With such a foundation, you have better chances of winning the case.

2. Calculate an Accurate Value of Your Claim

Valuing a car accident claim without prior experience is challenging. In many cases, clients undervalue their claims. If the insurance company realizes your naivety, they will hurriedly compensate you because they are in the business of making money.

However, a skilled lawyer understands the different aspects to look at before valuing a claim ensuring that you get fair compensation. When valuing a car accident claim, some of the important factors to consider include medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, cost of damaged property, emotional cost, and future medical costs.

3. Gather Significant Evidence

Like any other lawsuit, you need to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the damages suffered from the car accident result from negligence. Coming up with the facts that connect your damages and the accident is not easy. Many clients representing their own case lose at this point.

To save you this stress–and additional losses–hire a reputable accident attorney who will go to great lengths to collect evidence for your case. They will collect evidence from the police reports, eyewitnesses, expert witnesses, photos from the scene, access security cameras around, and gather other pieces of evidence that are difficult to obtain.

4. Advise You on What to Say

After a car accident, the police and the insurance company at fault will ask you to give your statements. The things you say, especially to the insurance company, can be used against your case. With that in mind, do not say a word before consulting a lawyer.

He or she will advise you on what to say. They will help you understand the trick questions from the insurance company. The insurance company will go to all lengths to make it look like it was your fault.

5. Fight for You

In some instances, car accident claims are smooth, especially when both parties are cooperative. However, some claims are settled in a fight, and your lawyer must be willing to fight for you.

If a lawyer realizes that they will not settle the case through arbitration, they will take the next step of taking it to court instead of settling for the unfair offer.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today

An experienced car accident lawyer will help you with all the above. They will handle the stress and dirt of your case as you concentrate on recovery.

Remember, you have nothing to lose by contacting several car accident lawyers because they offer a free consultation.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 5, accident, car, hire, lawyer, reasons, ...

Tips on Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can be a devastating event, both mentally and psychologically. After getting involved in an accident, you may start to wonder how you will recover damages caused by the other person’s negligence. There are many car accident attorneys in the United States and you will need to be extra vigilant to select the best attorney. Your chances of getting a good settlement lie with a strong representation

Accidents in the United States happen quite frequently, and if you happen to be in one, you might need an attorney to represent you. Choosing a car accident attorney is very important. You want an attorney that will represent your best interests as you focus on getting better. There are many qualities of a good car accident lawyers, and during your initial contact, you can easily identify them:

Excellent Communication Skills

An attorney-client relationship is one that needs constant communication for it to prosper. If your attorney barely answers your calls or replies to your message, then there will be a break in communication. 

You want an attorney that will call you with updates about your claim. Attorneys are usually busy, but they always try to return calls they missed. 

Experience

When in the first meeting with the attorney, ask them about their experience. Before you leave their office, make sure you have confirmed they have worked on numerous car accident cases. They should also have experience in litigation because your case might have to go to trial. Some attorneys have websites with their track record; you can visit their website and see for yourself if they have an excellent winning record. 

Legal Fees

Many people believe attorneys are very expensive and will only visit them when they have nowhere else to go. Most attorneys are affordable, and many of them work on a contingency when it comes to car accident cases. 

Contingency means that your attorney will get paid if you get the compensation by deducting legal costs, including their fees. Do not worry about paying out of pocket before the attorney accepts your case, but make sure you discuss legal fees before you agree to hire them for your case. 

Good Negotiator

Insurance companies have a notoriety of offering meager compensations and playing hardball until the claimant accepts it. A good attorney will spot the low offer from a mile away and demand a better settlement. 

There will be some back and forth between your attorney and the insurance company; hence, having good negotiation skills will increase the chances of receiving the insurance company’s best settlement offers. 

Use Referrals

When looking for an attorney to represent you, one of the first things you may consider doing is asking your friends or relatives if they know an attorney who can help you. At times, a family member or friends might have had a car accident a few years back, and a good attorney helped them get good compensation. Visit all the recommended attorneys and select the attorney you think will best serve your interests. Personal recommendations are good because you get to hear their experience instead of reading a client’s testimonial on the attorney’s website. 

You can also check their personality; see how they interact with other people in the office. Your attorney should be a person you can get along with without any friction. You will spend a lot of time interacting with them, therefore do not choose someone with a horrible personality.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: accident, attorney, car, choosing, tips

Book Review: “Get in the Car, Jane!”

GET IN THE CAR, JANE!

  • Author: Billy Van Zandt
  • Publisher: Van Zandt/Milmore Productions
  • Paperback, 248 pages
  • Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I first flew to Los Angeles in 2015. After I landed I picked up my rental car and headed to a restaurant to meet Billy Van Zandt.

38-years earlier, Billy Van Zandt did the same thing. Only instead of heading to lunch, he headed to Lucille Ball’s house. Ms. Ball wasn’t home. Billy was informed of this news by a butler who proceeded to slam the door in his face. But fate soon lent a hand and, before he knew it, he and his then-girlfriend Jane Wilmore would soon embark on an amazing four decade journey through Hollywood.

Brilliantly written, “Get in the Car, Jane!” is a hilarious look at what goes on behind the scenes in the wonderful world of television. From wide-eyed kids who wrote their own theatrical shows and aspired to be actors to show runners of their own shows, Billy and Jane’s adventures will keep you in stitches as they work their way up the ropes, rubbing elbows with many of the greatest performers in history, including  Lucille Ball, Brooke Shields, Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles, Martin Lawrence, Andrew Dice Clay, Richard Lewis, Bob Newhart, Jamie Lee Curtis, The Wayans Bros., Richard Mulligan, Alan Arkin, DL Hughley, Dorothy Lamour, Elaine Stritch, Olympia Dukakis and Penny Marshall,

Billy and Jane’s writing samples earn them a spot on the writing staff of “Newhart” and soon they begin working on and writing shows for many of the popular television series of the 1990s, including “Anything But Love,” “Martin,” “The Wayans Bros,” “Suddenly, Susan,” “Yes Dear” and “The Hughleys.” All of these tales are terrific. The pages dealing with the birth, and death, of the Don Rickles/Richard Lewis series “Daddy Dearest” is worth the price of the book alone.

Sadly Jane Wilmore passed away earlier this year but Billy Van Zandt is still writing and still knocking them dead in the aisles. Today’s times require a healthy dose of laughter to help get us by and “Get in the Car, Jane!” is the perfect prescription!

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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Books Tagged With: book, car, jane, review

Travis Barker Presents: MUSINK a Three-Day Tattoo Convention, Car Show & Concert

TRAVIS BARKER PRESENTS: MUSINK

THREE-DAY TATTOO CONVENTION, CAR SHOW & CONCERT
MARCH 17, 18, 19 AT OC FAIR & EVENTS CENTER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
WITH PERFORMANCES BY NOFX, THE USED, BAD RELIGION, PENNYWISE & MORE
TICKETS GO ON SALE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 10:00 AM PT
WITH SPECIAL $35 SINGLE DAY TICKETS, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
The 10th annual MUSINK, presented by Travis Barker, is set for March 17, 18, and 19, 2017 at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, CA. The three-day tattoo convention, car show and concert is America’s largest tattoo and music festival, featuring hundreds of world-renowned tattoo artists, Famous Stars and Straps presents the Low and Slow Car Show, a vendor village and music from headliners NOFX, The Used, Bad Religion, Pennywise, and more.
A limited number of discounted early bird tickets for MUSINK will be on sale this Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00 AM PT, while supplies last. Single-day, full weekend 3-day passes, and a selection of VIP ticketing options will also be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased and additional ticketing information can be found at http://www.MusinkFest.com.
MUSINK producer Travis Barker says, “Stoked to be bringing in the 10th year of music, tattoos and cars with such legendary bands as NOFX, Pennywise, Bad Religion and The Vandals.”
NOFX’s Fat Mike explains, “When I have a cold I like to listen to Muse and take lots of Zinc. So when I heard of the MUSINK festival I got stoked! “We gotta play it!” Unless of course, I get sick.”
Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise says, “Couldn’t be more stoked to be back playing MUSINK, one of the best festivals in Southern California, if not the best! Tattoos, music, cars, bikes, and never ending booze? How can it get any better? Always an insanely great party with good friends, awesome tattoo artists, and some of the best bands on the planet. It’s a no brainer! See you in the pit, fools!”
Dan Whitesides of The Used comments, “Hey everyone! We’re so excited to be playing MUSINK in 2017! Travis Barker and company have been so kind as to ask us to play and we couldn’t be more pumped! MUSINK is our first show back from being in the studio where we will be recording our new album. We love Orange County, LA and the surrounding areas so much, so please join us and get yourself a USED tattoo on your forehead while you’re at it. See you soon! Love, Dan”
The current music lineup for MUSINK is as follows:
Friday, March 17: NOFX, The Vandals, Lagwagon, A Wilhelm Scream
Saturday, March 18: The Used, Glassjaw, Goldfinger, Story of the Year, Hell or Highwater
Sunday, March 19: Bad Religion, Pennywise, Swingin’ Utters
The MUSINK tattoo convention will feature hundreds of world-renowned tattoo artists. Specific tattoo artists that will be inking are viewable at http://www.MusinkFest.com. In addition, the MUSINK vendor midway will include dozens of vendors.
MUSINK attendees are invited to check out Famous Stars and Straps presents the Low and Slow Car Show, which will display some of the best American classics and lowriders in Southern California, including some from Travis Barker’s own collection. Daily tattoo contests will take place during the car show as well.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Early Bird Single Day: $35
Early Bird Weekend Pass (3-Day): $99
General Admission Single Day: Starting at $45
General Admission Weekend Pass (3-Day): Starting at $120
VIP Front Of Stage & VIP Lounge:
$129 (per day, only sold as a single day option)
– 1 VIP Admission Ticket to day of choice, which includes access to: Music Concert, Tattoo Convention, Car Show, and Vendor Midway
– Access to Premier VIP area near the front of the stage
– Access to the Exclusive MUSINK VIP Lounge (21 & over only), which includes: complimentary beer & signature cocktails (while supplies last), several shaded areas to sit and relax, additional food & drinks available for purchase
Travis Barker Ultimate VIP Meet & Greet:
$299 (per day, only sold as a single day option)
– 1 VIP Admission Ticket to day of choice, which includes access to: Travis Barker Meet & Greet, Music Concert, Tattoo Convention, Car Show, and Vendor Midway
– 1 VIP Travis Barker Meet & Greet Laminate
– Access to Premier VIP area near the front of the stage
– Access to the Exclusive MUSINK VIP Lounge (21 & over only), which includes: complimentary beer & signature cocktails (while supplies last), several shaded areas to sit and relax, additional food & drinks available for purchase
– Travis Barker Meet & Greet Includes: Group Meet & Greet with Travis Barker, one on one photo, and one signed item (at designated time), limited edition MUSINK poster, one pair of exclusive Travis Barker Drum Sticks
All ages are welcome, and kids 7 years old and under get in free.
MUSINK hours are 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Friday, March 17, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Saturday, March 18, and 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Sunday, March 19.
MUSINK 2017 is produced by Bill Hardie, Travis Barker, John Reese of Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), and Sean Akhavan.
The OC Fair & Event Center is centrally located in Southern California, just off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. The venue is convenient to all in Orange County, as well as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. John Wayne Airport in Irvine, CA is also easily accessible for those traveling from other parts of the U.S. and the world.
For more information on MUSINK, please visit:

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Filed Under: Music, Music Headlines Tagged With: barker, car, concert, convention, musink, presents, ...

The Rods’ Dave “Rock” Feinstein and Carl Canedy talks about new song “Great Big Fake Ones”

Media Mikes had the great pleasure recently to speak to not one but two legendary heavy metal musicians. Dave “Rock” Feinstein and Carl Canedy make up 2/3rds of the band The Rods a band which has been carrying the flag for heavy metal and hard rock since the late 1970’s. Both members have new solo albums out along with a newly released Rods single titled “Great Big Fake Ones” and we spoke with the guys recently about these new releases and their plans for the coming year.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the decision to re-issue “Heavier Than Thou” and
“Hollywood”?
Dave “Rock” Feinstein: “Heavier than Thou”, and the “Hollywood” albums have been albums that wanted by the fans for a long time.  We felt that now was a good time to re-issue them.  They are both slightly different than a traditional RODS album, so I think that’s what makes them so interesting to the fans.
Carl Canedy: We’ve been in the process of re-issuing a lot of our back catalog that we own the rights to. These two CD’s in particular were something the fans had not had a chance own in a re-issued, re-mastered format. Fans have been emailing us for years asking when they’d be available. So like Dave said it simply was time.

AL:  What can you tell us about the newly recorded Rods track “Great Big Fake Ones”?
DF: There are many words that have been used to describe the song, but when Carl brought the song in, the three of us just felt that it was so funny, and just different enough to make the fans want to hear it.  You have to take it for what it is.  It’s not a traditional RODS song, but it is a very catchy tune that should make you laugh.
CC: The guys have been really cool about doing a song this since I initially brought it to them. It’s clearly a “one-off” type of song. The fans who’ve heard love it. I think as long as you realize it’s “tongue-in-cheek” you can enjoy it for what it is. Personally I love it and think it’s quite amusing. I gave it to the guys and when it came time to record it was done quickly. Rock and Garry really nailed the vocals.

AL: You both recently released new solo albums. Can you tell us about those and some of the guests who appear on the albums?
DF:  “Clash of Armor” is my forth solo release now and was done mostly by myself and Nate Horton. On my previous releases I have had quite a few guest performers. In the past guys like John West, Michael Butler, Jeff Howell and Matt Barnes have all come in to help me on various tracks as has Nate. On the song “Bitten By the Beast” from my 3rd solo release I had Carl and Garry come in. I played guitar and Ronnie James Dio did the vocals.
CC: On my CD, I have John Hahn, a Leviathan artist who is a Mike Varney discovery. I’ve known John for quite a few years as I played on his first solo CD in the “90’s. Mark Tornillo has 3 vocals, Joe Comeau has 2 vocals and David Porter has 2 vocals. Chris Caffery came in and did some soloing on 2 tracks as well as several other artists who graciously brought their talent to this project.

AL: With a career spanning multiple decades what do you find these days to be the most rewarding part of being a musician?
DF: It’s rewarding to still be able to create new music.  Of course playing live is the ultimate rush, and to know that there are still fans around the world checking out our music and wanting more.

AL: Are there any plans to perform this new material live and what type of
plans do The Rods have in place for 2015?
DF: I think I can speak for the three of us that we love to perform live, and if a song of ours merits being performed live, then we will do so.  Right now for us we take every request to perform seriously, and try to do as much as we can to make these live appearances happen, For us and for the fans as well.
CC: We do have a few dates in the works that are not yet confirmed and we have confirmed the Defenders of Old Festival in March with Exciter. We’re excited about this show as it’s the first time in years we’ve been to the NY area. Also, I love the band and the guys in Exciter so I’m looking forward to the reunion.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: albums, big, canedy, car, dave, fake, ...

Blu-ray Review “H.B. Halicki’s Original Gone in 60 Seconds: Car Crash King Edition”

Actors: H.B. Halicki, Jerry Daugirda
Directors: H.B. Halicki
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Anderson Merchandisers
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Run Time: 98 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Many probably don’t know but the 2000 action film, “Gone in 60 Seconds” with Nicolas Cage & Angelina Jolie, was actually a remake.  H.B. Halicki was the man behind the original 1974 “Gone in 60 Seconds”.  This film gave birth to the car-chase film genre and stars Eleanor, the only Ford Mustang in history to receive starring credit in a movie! This movie also prides itself on wrecking over 93 cars within it’s extremely long 40 minute chase-scene!  This film is the real deal, no CGI, when cars were crashed it was real.  If you are a car buff, then you have to check out the amazing driving and stunts in this film.

Official Synopsis: THE ASSIGNMENT: to steal 48 muscle and exotic cars! THE CHALLENGE: avoid getting caught! ELEANOR: She’s one fast and furious Ford Fastback Mustang– a superhero of car chases…buckle-up as she slams through 5 cities, cops after cops can’t touch her…wrecking over 93 cars in Eleanor’s 40 minute Chase-Scene! It slams you on a full-throttle ride you’ll never forget!

H.B. Halicki’s Original Gone in 60 Seconds comes in a sweet Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack. The film is restored in widescreen and digitally remastered in 5.1 Dolby & DTS Surround Sound. This film has never looked or sounded better. It also comes packs with a great collection of bonus features. “The personal life and times of H.B. “Toby” Halicki, the Car Crash King” looks into the creators legacy. There is an interview with Denice Halicki on the set of her filming the 2000 Remake of Gone in 60 Seconds, which starred Nicolas Cage & Angelina Jolie. There is a rare interview with the “Father of the Ford Mustang,” Lee Iacocca. If you are a commentary, there is a track from Jack Vacek (Director of Photography) & Warner Leighton (Editor). Lastly there are three featurettes “Cut to the Chase” including information about the real accidents caught on film!

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 60, bluray, car, crash, edition, halickis, ...

DVD Review “Revenge of the Electric Car”

Directed by: Chris Paine
Narrated by: Tim Robbins
Starring: Elon Musk, Carlos Ghosn, Bob Lutz, Greg Abbott, Dan Neil
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: New Video
Running time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you are aware of the film “Who Killed the Electric Car?”, directed by Chris Paine, then you should known about this one. It is his follow up film focusing on the return of electric cars. The film is definitely interesting and shows a lot of great points. There are celebrity appearance from Danny DeVito, Jon Favreau and Arnold Schwarenegger. I enjoyed the flow of the film and I felt that it kept my interest from beginning to end. Docuramafilms is one of my favorite sources for choosing really great documentary subjects. It is rare to find that you are that entertained from a documentary especially about electric cars.

The film starts off around 2006 after the electric cars where destroyed, now they are back and want revenge. The film is narrated by Tim Robbins and follows GM and Elon Mush as they bring the return of the electric car. The film shows what the future of the car will be and how it is back faster, furiouser and cleaner than ever. The fighters to bring the electric car are Bob Lutz from General Motors, Elon Musk from Tesla Motors, Carlos Ghosn from Nissan, and Greg Abbott, an independent electric car converter. The director, Chris Paine, did a great job and is definitely on my radar now. He knows how to take a topic and turn it into a great documentary.

The extras on the film are really decent and impressive. There is a Tribeca Film Festival Talk which runs about 35 minutes. The panel features Elon Musk, Dan Neil, Carlos Ghosn, David Duchovny and director Chris Paine. There is about 20 minutes of additional bonus footage, definitely worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. If you enjoyed the celebrity interviews in the film, there are about 25 minutes of additional interviews. Lastly there is the theatrical trailer and Nissan Leaf promo trailer also included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: car, dvd, electric, revenge, review
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