Hanging with Paulie: Reviews, Rides, and Regrets… All for Your Benefit…and entertainment
Renting a Transit Van for a Funeral?
A review of our 12-hour family road trip in a Ford Transit 15-passenger van during a difficult week of travel. In this detailed Ford Transit review, I cover the pros and cons of renting a Transit van, real-world gas mileage, storage capacity, comfort, climate control quirks, and how this big adventure van helped our family navigate grief, and build memories. If you’re researching a Transit for road trips, camping, national park travel, or future van-life builds, this post shares practical insights, honest impressions, and how the van helped create unexpected moments of joy.
Eufy… Euphoria or Epiphany…
Tired of paying for yet another subscription? So was I. That’s why I swapped out my Ring Pro for the Eufy E340 Video Doorbell—a camera-packed, subscription-free doorbell that actually lets you own your product. Two cameras, smart package alerts, no yearly fees. Yep, I’m strangely excited about a doorbell… and you might be too.
Aarma….My FURY is Released!….and I’m LOVING IT!
Unboxing the ARRMA Fury from Tower Hobbies’ Scratch & Dent section! Is this discontinued brushed short course truck still worth it in 2025? Let’s dig into the build quality, performance, and value for beginners and RC enthusiasts alike.
Traxxas Steering Upgrade
The stock steering on the Traxxas Nitro Slash is a weak point, so I upgraded to the aluminum Traxxas 3743A bellcrank with built-in bearings. The install took some patience—removing the bumper, servo arm, and loosening the chassis—but the result is tighter, smoother steering and better durability. Combined with upgraded tires, the Slash becomes a fun, drift-happy nitro truck that just needs a little tuning to shine.
Badland Tires: Sometimes a Badland is the Perfect LAND!
I try out the Proline Badlands tires! The tires are absolutely amazing. The Slash is a whole new truck. That is, until the steering broke. OH well, what is one more upgrade? Anyway, we spend the time reviewing the Proline Badlands tires.
KTM LC8: Not a Katoomer…It’s the BOMB!
I have the opportunity and privilege to ride a KTM LC8. It is a very nice bike, and it is incredibly fun to ride. This bike ends up being a Paulie’s pick.
Harley Davidson V-Rod… or V-Rad? (For Sale)
There was a time many moons ago where motorcycles were a very big part of my life. I know that there are many 'communities' however, there is nothing like the motorcycling community. I honestly have no idea what it is, but people just geek out over each other’s bike. People love to swap lies… I mean tell stories… about the big ride or the crazy ride. If the person is a good storyteller, you can kill some valuable time and not even feel bad for procrastinating.
I had an F650 Dakar. Man, I loved that bike. I rode that bike everywhere. I remember…. (insert squeaky wiggle voice while standing and hobbling over a cane)… when my wife would leave for work and I would jump on the bike. At that time we lived in California and I loved riding the Sierra Nevada mountains. I still think that California has some of the best roads to ride in this great nation of ours.
Fast forward to today… I was visiting an elderly widow in my congregation… He had a Harley Davidson V Rod… Now, I am not really a Harley guy... So, why would this bike intrigue me you might ask?