tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84588579854250167652011-12-22T09:46:06.599-06:00Automotive, Halo Universe, Tattoos, LifestyleKaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-63859849683625653052011-12-21T14:38:00.002-06:002011-12-21T15:22:59.648-06:00

Whoa, welcome back here!  Yeah, I've been busy and this place kind of got pushed on the back-burner.  You see, I kind of started writing for another website, VIP'D Out as well as doing a couple of features for Wheels of Thunder Magazine.  So, it's not like I completely stopped covering cars and photographing them, I've just been doing it for other people. What that means though is that over the

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-47215783628376457942011-09-11T20:44:00.000-05:002011-09-11T20:44:31.845-05:00

Okay...better late than never.  Things have never been busier here at PS117, which is a good thing.  I'm working on a lot of new projects now so expect to be seeing my work published elsewhere as well as here. Final coverage of Wek Fest Chicago.  As I mentioned the show was a lot of fun and really laid back.  Me and a friend even got to suit for a little which was a real hit with the crowd (I'm

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-90748015789469846742011-09-06T12:48:00.000-05:002011-09-06T12:48:31.052-05:00

Alrighty back with part 2 of the Wek Fest Chicago coverage.  Sorry for the lapse there, dealing with family stuff.  I promised to keep updating regularly and I'm trying hard to hold to that.  This doggy will pull through! Saturday morning came all too quick for some of us.  While a few got up bright and early, a few of us were not so keen to wake up after a night of partying and consuming adult

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-88893966294615416052011-09-02T02:33:00.000-05:002011-09-02T02:33:52.229-05:00

I have a been so busy since getting back from Wek Fest Chicago which is why the updates have been lacking.  Not only did I shoot coverage for this, my own personal blog, but a few other sites as well.  I'm going to break up the coverage into multiple parts since I'll be posting a bunch of stuff from my crew.  i'mSTANCED brought 5 cars to the show.  The show was last minute for a lot of people so

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-30548681047638637742011-08-24T01:06:00.000-05:002011-08-24T01:06:48.164-05:00

A lot has been going on lately, and I've been so busy the days have just been blurring together.  This past weekend was WekFest Chicago, which was a much needed vacation and time with friends.  I've been working on the photos the last few days and have had some time to my thoughts while editing and listening to music, and it got me thinking about the car scene (cue gay-emotional moment). I've

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-64930123435397446532011-08-12T13:59:00.000-05:002011-08-12T13:59:55.337-05:00

Couple weekends ago, I decided to swing down to Raceway Park in Burnsville, MN to check out a show being put on by Twisted Koncepts.  Twisted Koncepts is a local crew that has been around a long time, and they are mainly made up of mini-truckers.  Knowing that, I knew the show would be filled with a lot of trucks all bouncing around on air-ride.  Fine by me!  I have a big soft-spot for

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-11789058335943435782011-08-09T23:46:00.000-05:002011-08-09T23:46:42.892-05:00

August brought another amazing turn-out with awesome weather and some special cars.  The event is always great to attend rain or shine, and being a stones throw from my house helps too.  Check out the pics! Friend David just finished up his on-going E36 M3 project.  Fresh paint and a new turbo setup: Love this Rabbit i'mSTANCED tC i'mSTANCED LS400 with a little, fuzzy guy Pair of 2010

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-65187595398366611682011-08-01T17:04:00.000-05:002011-08-01T17:04:33.538-05:00

It seems like it's been forever since I've been here, and it pretty much has.  For that, I apologize.  Life has a funny way of draining your free time, and well, I've been enjoying mine...a lot.  I've been all over the place since the last update covering everything from car shows and events to furry conventions.  Life has been pretty fun, and I don't see it stopping soon.  I love hitting furry

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-33485559274108308332011-05-13T15:41:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:41:22.658-05:00

Looks like the post got deleted when blogspot was updating.  The RKC MN Monday meets are back on again at MAPerformance.  If you have free time on Mondays, come check them out.  The cars this year seem to be better.  The meets are pretty laid back, and a good way to spend an evening.  While the lot at MAP is not the best, they offered a temporary location since RKC losing their old spot.  

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-25678485628778012112011-05-09T16:30:00.000-05:002011-05-09T16:30:55.164-05:00

Well, Saturday brought out the warm sun and tons of cars to the Minneapolis Auto-Motoplex for the monthly Cars & Cafe event.  I was up bright and early to roll the LS400 out and snap some pics.  My friend Janik informed me that the MN G and Z crew were going to be out in force, and he wasn't kidding!  He was there in his G37s sedan, 6spd, and his dad brought his 09 Corvette.  Another G that was

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-38342319402498472762011-04-29T02:34:00.000-05:002011-04-29T02:34:52.577-05:00

Well, tonight marked the release of the 5th Fast & Furious movie.  With how popular the franchise has gotten, it wasn't a surprise when local shop, MAPerformance, and NOS Energy Drink got together to throw a little show before the movie.  Hosted at AMC Theaters at the Southdale mall, the event certainly brought out a good number of cars on top of the people just going to see the movie.  After

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-75269779029607594012011-04-25T01:25:00.001-05:002011-04-25T01:25:29.173-05:00

Saturday, April 23rd, brought about the annual Boost for Boobies event hosted by MAPerformance in Plymouth, MN.  For those that don't know, Boost for Boobies is a charity event to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.  The event consists of a dyno-day and car show with proceeds going to breast cancer research.  There was also food, t-shirts, as well as a raffle to help with donations.  The

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-38433933638853282532011-04-18T01:55:00.000-05:002011-04-18T01:55:08.762-05:00

Met up with my partner-in-crime Jared of JaredLevinePhotography to grab some a few pics for i'mSTANCED. We're working hard on some things for the summer to help the Minnesota, and Midwest stance scene.  Stay tuned for more updates regarding events and meets.  Jared's Infiniti will be getting some work soon while the LS is sporting a subtle change that really helped the overall impact of the car.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-18081733031034646132011-04-04T16:07:00.000-05:002011-04-04T16:07:02.756-05:00

Well, this weekend marked the first Cars & Cafe event of the year and despite the forecasts, the weather cooperated and the sun was out all day.  For this one, I rolled the LS400 out with a few other cars from i'mSTANCED, and we had a good showing.  Everyone was sporting new looks, and the cars went down a treat.  Overall, the gathering was small, but still a good turnout considering the roads

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-8010679506292212872011-03-31T22:17:00.000-05:002011-03-31T22:17:54.344-05:00

I met up with fellow i'mSTANCED members Jared and Nam for a little late-night shoot.  Nam's tc is sporting a new set of Varstoens of the 18" variety, and look great tucked up under his arches.  Jared was bustling around with the video camera while I snapped away. As for the LS, well, not much has changed over the winter...BUT...I did sort a few things.  A little teaser for now.  Look

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-81204973475874112522011-03-22T23:38:00.000-05:002011-03-22T23:38:34.326-05:00

So sorry for the lack of updates!  I'll explain in a later entry but for now, it's time to catch up.  Despite winter's final attempts here to stick around, the hills have sadly closed up for the season.  I still might take a trip out west to Mammoth to ride one last time, but we'll see what my schedule allows. However, just because it's winter doesn't mean my camera equipment stays put away.  

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-27401867634378921052011-01-31T22:58:00.002-06:002011-01-31T22:58:49.152-06:00

Well, I can't exactly remember how long it's been since I've been able to say that a project has been, "finished."  Then again, is a project ever really finished?  Surely there are things one can change for the next season, or areas that can be improved on from before after looking at the "finished" piece, but I think I can say that my 2000 Lexus LS400 is finally done.  I say that mainly because

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-53694357607528876202011-01-20T00:44:00.001-06:002011-01-20T19:46:22.344-06:00

Let's face it.  In today's world, some people take things way too seriously, and the automotive scene is no different.  Everyone should be in it for the love of the scene and enjoying the journey one takes with a car.  Sadly, there are some who just make things unbearable.  Whether they are voicing their disapproval over someone's car, or someone being too hard on him or herself for a poor

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-40726160731659876822010-12-26T00:16:00.000-06:002010-12-26T00:16:41.348-06:00

Have a safe and happy holiday and a splendid new year! Update on the newly completed PS117 Corrado VR6 soon

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-62666663868340801372010-12-21T22:37:00.000-06:002010-12-21T22:37:56.039-06:00

What happens when a group of friends get together with some camera and editing equipment with a decent eye for film?  Well, they usually end up making some videos.  With YouTube and Vimeo, it seems like anyone and everyone can "make" a video these days.  Now, some are not so bad, but then there are some that really make you stop and go, "whoa." That was my reaction when I first ran across a

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-6764467909405977712010-11-29T22:27:00.000-06:002010-11-29T22:27:50.792-06:00

I have been in the scene for what I consider to be a decent amount of time, 8 years, however I've been a car enthusiast since a little boy.  In my 8 years of being in the scene, mainly the Japanese and VW/Audi groups, I have seen a number of trends come up over the years, from the body-kitted Fast & Furious days, to the DTM/Euro look, the JDM craze, and the less-is-more Euro look, I have seen

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-30530438491153663762010-11-29T21:38:00.000-06:002010-11-29T21:38:53.437-06:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have updated anything.  I apologize for that, but there have been a lot of big changes going on mainly centered around a new job and doing a lot of photography work.  I've also been drawn back into organizing events for a few local, automotive groups next year so I do have a lot on my plate. What I wanted to share here though is some progress on my fursuits.  

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-50055909548520308122010-10-25T23:14:00.000-05:002010-10-25T23:14:57.791-05:00

Had a little get-together with some of the i'mSTANCED members on a rainy night to chill and eat some food.  Took a couple pics of member Beni's RHD Civic hatch.  This car used to belong to a good friend of mine as well, so it's been around for a little bit.  Good to see it in good hands still.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-62846811960792543262010-10-24T22:30:00.000-05:002010-10-24T22:30:58.788-05:00

Some people can just turn out feature cars like it's a habit, nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary, they just get a car and wave a magic wand, and VOILA, feature slot in a magazine or blog.  Minnesota resident Dana Nguyen is one of those people that car turn out neck-snapping cars at an alarming rate.  Since I have known Dana, he's had an ultra-clean GSR Integra, a ground scraping AR

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-63688981311326690902010-10-23T19:12:00.000-05:002010-10-23T19:12:53.520-05:00

Was hanging out at one of the local spots the other night when a rather well-known MKIV GTI owned by the one-and-only Tattoo Mike showed up.  He and I have known each other for a few years, but had an interesting way of meeting.  All that is in the past now, and he's one of the coolest guys out there and can build quite the car to boot.  We're working on scheduling a full shoot soon, so stay

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-6514496318993905972010-10-22T00:19:00.000-05:002010-10-22T00:19:19.597-05:00

That's right, we're doing it big.  Kaien (PS117) and Jared (Jared Levine Photography) are organizing a group of MN's finest, stanced cars.  Look out for big things for 2011 i'mSTANCED on Facebook!

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-50015045081728223542010-10-12T22:14:00.000-05:002010-10-12T22:14:58.822-05:00

Rolled around with my friend Ivan this weekend and his super clean, Volvo C30R.  Such a great car with very little done to it, but certainly enough to create a large impact. Such a great stance, and this is just on springs.  Coils are coming after the winter. Parked up with my LS400 And just a couple of the LS pretty much sitting where it will be for the rest of the year.  2011 will be a lot

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-6098163504981739252010-10-07T23:12:00.001-05:002010-10-07T23:13:23.115-05:00

Stopped by the MN Mazda meet this past Wednesday to hang out with some friends and other cool peeps.  My friend Eric was there with his Cannonball, One Lap of America C5 FRC.  Fully-built is an understatement.  Full photoshoot soon.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-56330133745552118312010-10-05T23:59:00.000-05:002010-10-05T23:59:46.613-05:00

Little photoshoot again with Erik A's 98 MKIII GTI, this time on his track setup; 16" Rota Slip-Streams with Nitto NT-01s.  Mmmm-mmmm good.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-38093190779503029772010-09-23T04:32:00.000-05:002010-09-23T04:32:42.779-05:00

Let's face it, in today's scene it's hard to come by a complete car.  I mean complete in the sense that EVERY part of the car was touched.  A lot of cars are built with one goal in mind; go fast in a straight-line, go fast around corners, go around corners sideways, sit pretty in a parking lot, etc, resulting in most of the go-fast cars looking stock and boring and the nice looking, sit-pretty

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-7106905741654706352010-09-13T01:37:00.000-05:002010-09-13T01:37:03.882-05:00

Late, but new job has kept me busy.  Great turnout with some amazing cars Gallery:  Photos by Kaien

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-43559355844658962532010-08-23T01:55:00.000-05:002010-08-23T01:55:41.548-05:00

Finally made it the Wheels of Italy show at Lake Calhoun.  I've known about the show for a couple years, just never been able to make it out.  I almost forgot about it this year, but found out that it was earlier today so I was able to make it at the last minute.  There were still some cool cars at the show, and even though it was hot out, it was still a good time.  I will definitely have the

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-19010222229979815202010-08-18T05:17:00.000-05:002010-08-18T05:17:27.294-05:00

Finally, some artwork of me!  I've wanted some artwork done for awhile, just never got around to talking to the right people.  ^^;  Albeit, I'm lagging on updates, these pieces are rather recent, showing the evolution of my fursona from when my friend Aetherfax first penned me with my mate. The first drawing is from my friend Carissa, or Adorable Foxie.  She's a fursuit builder and artist, and

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-74668146330360487162010-08-17T05:19:00.000-05:002010-08-17T05:19:10.447-05:00

Watching the current trends in the automotive industry, it seems people are still taking the "bigger is better," approach, even though they may change the meaning slightly.  People are going with bigger turbos, bigger motors, bigger shots of nitrous for more power and lower ETs.  Others are going lower, wider, more stretch, more camber, aiming to be the next feature on Hellaflush or Stanceworks.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-77839457235853244742010-07-27T06:23:00.000-05:002010-07-27T06:23:03.310-05:00

Two weekends ago I made a much needed trip back to Chicago to visit family and friends.  It had been awhile since I had been back that way, and with my promise to do as much traveling as I could this summer, I took a little, 5-day trip down to the Windy-City.  There was a little twist to this trip however. Remember my good friend in North Carolina, Foxglove?  Well, through him, I was introduced

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-36939936260573750842010-07-10T03:23:00.000-05:002010-07-10T03:23:12.389-05:00

It has been awhile since I've given a proper update on why things have slowed down a bit.  The most simple answer is; life got busy.  Family, work, cars, relationships, everything got hectic and I'm trying my best to hold everything together. The IS finally has it's first serious break since getting built.  The head-gasket popped between cylinders 3 & 4.  Still ran fine, just down two cylinders.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-40231531353027482352010-07-04T02:05:00.000-05:002010-07-04T02:05:46.807-05:00

Yeah, they're late, but here are the pictures from EW4.  Despite the weather, it was still an awesome show with some absolutely stunning cars showing up.  Still my favorite show to attend. Photo album:  EW4 PIctures by Kaien

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-33134335607001144192010-06-15T05:46:00.000-05:002010-06-15T05:46:53.687-05:00

Whew, what a weekend!  I experienced all sorts of new things this past weekend since it was full-up with events and activities.  Good times, with good friends, and some amazing cars. First up on Friday was the Eurowerks 4 pre-show party which kicked off with a car wash at SCI Performance followed by the traditional parking lot show at Kim Huoy Chor on University Ave.  Of course, the parking lot

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-50019501998198997672010-06-10T03:08:00.000-05:002010-06-10T03:08:03.641-05:00

Well, not the first appearance of my Lexus IS300, but it's first stand-alone feature...well sort of.  I brought the car down to Full Blown Motorsports the other day to finish up tuning it on E85.  I finally made the switch this year, and after a few minor issues needing to be worked out, the car got strapped down to see what we could make. Big thanks goes out to LJ and the whole crew at Full

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-74761080805627095802010-06-09T01:27:00.000-05:002010-06-09T01:27:23.226-05:00

Another decent turnout this past Monday.  Good weather, some nice cars, and good food afterwords at Bdubbs.  Some good variety showing up in Fridley.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-15002424707002021342010-06-03T03:40:00.000-05:002010-06-03T03:40:36.725-05:00

Another good showing, even for Memorial Day.  It was a goodnight with a good mix of old faces and a lot of new ones.  BWW afterward was great too.  The meets are rolling right along.  Now if we could just get the weather to cooperate for Tuesdays. Album:  Photos by Kaien

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-66649350731665827342010-05-30T02:05:00.000-05:002010-05-30T02:05:17.682-05:00

Good way to welcome myself back home.  Friday at University Ave was packed.  Euro lot was hopping as usual with some awesome cars.  Eurowerks 4 is coming up and I am looking forward to that.  The lot will be PACKED that whole weekend, so stay tuned. Check out the rest of the pics here:  Photos by Kaien

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-8282649214400953742010-05-27T17:06:00.001-05:002010-05-27T17:50:24.335-05:00

There are first times for everything and yesterday was my first time up close and personal with a full blown rally car.  One of Foxglove's good friends races local rallies and has a pretty awesome car to do it in.  Being a Toyota nut, I was very pleased to see that the car of choice is a st165 All-Trac Celica.  Completely decked out for rallying, I couldn't even tell you everything that I saw. 

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-35033584663200109842010-05-26T14:15:00.000-05:002010-05-26T14:15:04.646-05:00

So, I am writing this from my friend's house in Cary, NC.  Why am I in Cary, NC?  Why not?  Since I am finally done with school, I want to do some traveling.  I was having a conversation with my friend Foxglove where he stated he would be home alone for a week and I playfully replied, "I should come and keep you company."  Well, here I am!  Kind of a spur of the moment decision (finding last

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-1604749337107624242010-05-21T21:24:00.000-05:002010-05-21T21:24:56.886-05:00

So, we're going to change gears for a minute here.  Car stuff is all fine and dandy, but I'm not so one-dimensional.  I appreciate art, whether traditional or digital, art has always been an interest of mine.  Of course, my own talents are lacking, but that hasn't stopped me from meeting some rather accomplished artists. One aspect of the fur community that I love is the amount of art that is

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-21306921644080415112010-05-19T17:58:00.000-05:002010-05-19T17:58:49.264-05:00

Following a successful Monday meet up in Fridley, the Tuesday meet had an equally impressive turnout.  While not near the numbers of Monday's meet, nor the variety, it was still nice to see roughly 60-70 cars show up to hang out and have a good time.  The lighting issues were solved by some spotlights generously donated by RMS Lighting. Some cool cars showed up including LJ, the owner of Full

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-46672046978626233912010-05-18T02:46:00.000-05:002010-05-18T02:46:39.252-05:00

RKC MN's Monday Meet brought in over 100 cars, everything from Mustangs and Vettes, to 240SXs and VWs, every marquee was represented well.  The NOS crew was out, handing out free energy drinks, and had Eric's, from EP/DC, 240sx on display.  It is really exciting to see these meets getting bigger and better with more and more people showing up and a wide variety of cars. Tomorrow will be the

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-26684219174381704672010-05-17T05:22:00.000-05:002010-05-17T05:22:43.726-05:00

This weekend saw quite the turnout at the local cruising strip, University Ave, in St. Paul.  After a string of rainy days, nothing brings out the Minnesota automotive culture like a gorgeous weekend.  Blue skies and 70-degree weather meant everyone would be out in full force.  Minnesota has one of the most eclectic mixes of enthusiasts who all share a common interest in cruising and hanging out.

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-55927763967387862482010-05-09T23:27:00.000-05:002010-05-09T23:27:41.872-05:00

I received word that a local car dealership was going to have a showing to let people see up close, and personal, the Tesla Roadster, so this past Saturday, I woke up (not so) bright and early to head to Eurocars US, in Eden Prairie to check it out.  When I arrived, there was already a modest crowd and the Tesla parked out front.  Seeing the car in person was quite the experience.  I had only

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-74038939185942680572010-05-07T23:05:00.000-05:002010-05-07T23:05:56.737-05:00

Cars and boobs. It's a known fact that most car guys like a good rack, so what better way to get a lot of attention than having a dyno day to benefit breast cancer research? MAPerformance in Plymouth, MN certainly had the idea, hosting their "Boost for Boobs," dyno event. With proceeds going to a local breast cancer research group, the rollers were spinning all day, and the grills were staying

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-12759783161007760152010-05-06T19:58:00.000-05:002010-05-06T19:58:16.425-05:00

The term , "low," usually has a negative connotation associated with it.  Low-standards, low self-esteem, low-paying job, none of these evoke a positive influence.  You change "low" to "high", and suddenly everything is good.  Forget all that though.  Let's change that negative outlook on "low" and see why being low is good. Dallas resident and VDubber, AJ Pena is one of those that follows the

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-31157957834190957032010-04-29T13:27:00.000-05:002010-04-29T13:27:26.446-05:00

This past Tuesday, RKC MN launched their new South of the River meets at McKracken's Bar & Grill in Burnsville.  Just last year, the thought of having two meets was in no ones' mind as everyone was trying to figure out how to get the current meet bigger and better.  Well, 2010 is the year of change it seems, and the launch of the new meet was quite a successful one.  I hadn't seen so many new

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-35504342004602755572010-04-26T04:25:00.000-05:002010-04-26T04:25:13.223-05:00

April 17th marked the day for Elite Autospot's annual BBQ and get together at their shop in Blaine, MN.  Elite Autosport has been in the modifying game for quite some time, actually closing its doors and re-opening them a few years back at a new location.  Elite specializes in aftermarket performance and fabrication on imports and domestics as well as general auto repair.  Their BBQ not only

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-82902495498537893872010-04-24T05:21:00.000-05:002010-04-24T05:21:12.499-05:00

Everyone has their dream car, the car that they want oh so desperately.  More often than not, that dream car lies far from reach, but for some, their dream car is just outside of their realm of attainability.  For Minneapolis resident Josh Dietz, he fell into the latter group.  The car that he wanted most just after graduating college was an 03-04 Mustang Cobra.  At that time, Cobras were still

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-79484996734466313712010-04-17T02:13:00.000-05:002010-04-17T02:13:32.672-05:00

So, a little impromptu photoshoot with a couple of 'Vettes tonight.  Met up at Porky's earlier to hang out and chill, then rolled out to a few of the spots to see what was going down.  Well, nothing was going down, but I kind of liked the location where we were and how we were all parked so I grabbed the camera and started snapping away.  Okay, two things though; the lighting was TERRIBLE.  Some

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-74566115270465475212010-04-14T19:35:00.000-05:002010-04-14T19:35:17.784-05:00

This past Saturday market SCI's annual swap meet hosted at their shop in Minneapolis.  It had been awhile since I had been back to their place, and I couldn't have picked a better day to go and visit.  The thing with this swap meet, coupled with Eurowerks and the local VW/Audi/Euro scene is it turns from a swap meet into a car show with the cars that show up. The vendors had the main shop area

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-53915214898099516202010-04-12T23:32:00.001-05:002010-04-13T04:42:38.763-05:00

There is something about the Nissan 350Z that makes it one of the cars of choice for today's tuners.  It's aggressive, yet has a touch of elegance and a refined look.  More importantly though, it looks good slammed to the ground with an aggressive set of wheels.  The Z33 is fortunate enough to have some cavernous arches that are begging for the proper set of wheels.  The problem is, it seems that

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-77883336057728088632010-04-09T04:50:00.000-05:002010-04-09T04:50:33.674-05:00

Change.  Change seems to be the the theme of the last few years, everybody seems to be stressing change.  Whether it's in politics, the economy, or something as simple as a new look, change is what's hot right now.  Change is always good though.  It pushes the boundaries, breaks the mold, gets people's attention, and sends a message. Guillermo Escamilla, from Kosoku, based out of Southern

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-81970954858495314702010-04-06T01:43:00.000-05:002010-04-06T01:43:41.224-05:00

Well, at the persistence of my loving mate, I am here to bring you some coverage of the Ricekiller.com Monday Meets here in MN.  Despite the name, I started these meets 3 years ago in MN and they have been going strong ever since.  Even though I'm no longer running the meets, they are in good hands and I still stop by and kick it with my friends.  Hey, it makes Mondays that much more enjoyable. 

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-49664977732590976122010-04-04T01:57:00.000-05:002010-04-04T01:57:05.857-05:00

Well, Saturday, April 3rd, kicked off the 2010 season for the Cars and Cafe meets here in Minnesota.  Held at the AutoMotorPlex in Chanhassen, MN, the venue can accommodate a good number of vehicles and provide a rather nice backdrop.  The meet has grown from its humble beginnings to one of the largest regular gatherings in MN (if not the largest).  The events are held monthly on the first

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-34584408584393148422010-04-01T22:37:00.000-05:002010-04-01T22:37:35.684-05:00

Whew!  Long trip, a lot of driving, but well worth it.  I'm back home in MN and already miss my lovely boyfriend, but that is the nature of long-distance relationships.  Didn't have the internet for a few days so that is the reason for the lack of updates, but here is the final installment (I know the suspense has been killing you...okay maybe not, just a writer's aspirations...). our room at

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-20325752151936021482010-04-01T02:23:00.001-05:002010-04-01T02:24:17.453-05:00

The finished product of the sketch.  I said it would be amazing.  Completely blown away by it, and well worth it.  Aeth did a fantastic job, taking my description, and producing this.  This is why I love the arts and creativity.  You take thoughts and dreams and turn them into reality.  Speaking from personal experience, working in a creative environment is just so much fun.  Now, I don't turn

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-26613913802310042532010-03-27T18:01:00.001-05:002010-03-27T18:01:31.194-05:00

A husky friend of mine (the brother of my mate), showed me a pic of him done by an artist known as Aetherfax.  I loved the style and had been looking for a professional to draw a pic of me and Dracul.  So, I got Aeth's email, made contact, and put in for a commission.  Silence is a good thing as it means work is being done.  Good things are worth waiting for, and once the sketch was emailed to me

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-7584719322524504142010-03-27T17:30:00.001-05:002010-03-27T17:34:27.055-05:00

Oops, so yeah, this will encompass parts II and III of my trip.  Got to AZ thursday evening and my time was preoccupied with my boyfriend and homework, haha.  Now, we're in Las Vegas at the Sahara, staying for the weekend. So, picking up where I left off last, Colorado Springs.  Of course, couldn't see this at night, but in the morning as I was packing the truck, I caught a view that blew me

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-68120920521004404232010-03-25T04:22:00.001-05:002010-03-25T04:26:30.022-05:00

Thank goodness for free, public, w-fi at hotels.  Let's see, I'm about 20 miles south of Colorado Springs en route to Arizona.  I figure, what better way to start off a blog than with a trip!  Haha Anyways, I am on my way to Tempe, AZ to visit my boyfriend.  Yay for long-distance relationships!  Once I am done with school though, we will move in together, and I finish in May, so it's not too

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458857985425016765.post-16965012466717821832010-03-23T21:46:00.001-05:002010-03-23T23:07:48.435-05:00

First, welcome, and thank you for visiting my blog, projectSpartan 117.  I have always had a knack for covering events and telling stories, reporting about my experiences.  Instead of keeping these thoughts to myself, I figure, hey why not share it with the world?  I have some unique tastes and interests, melding the world of cars and video games together.  Seems like an interesting mix.  The

Kaienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02827209645610187493noreply@blogger.com1