Top Gear is an excellent television show. Produced in England and broadcast on BBC America, I stumbled into it while on vacation in England this summer. What is it? A simple formula: take three hosts who range in personality from a ponsy Renasiance man, a high-strung hampster, and a deep-voiced, dry witted lead vocal. The three combine to evaluate the more exotic cars strewn about the world, taking them for test drives, and prattling on about the handling, the comfort, and the cost. Make no mistake, these three don’t hold back. When they test drive a new release, hammering it around their own...

One could easily describe me as someone who enjoys many activities, TV watching among them. Sure, I indulge in Survivor, though the Amazing Race is far more interesting. I’ve been know to watch the early season of American Idol, where the auditions are hilarious and sometimes scary. I enjoy House, Big Love, and have even found he new BBC America series, Top Gear to be all that and a big of chips. However, recently, I discovered a new series which has us captivated. Originally aired on Showtime, the series, “Weeds” has been met with critical acclaim. I stumbled into it on a dull,...

So I successfully sent off my two Nikon lenses to the California repair facility, on their dime. Upon arrival, Nikon informed me the lens I purchased in England was covered under warranty repair; however, the original lens, damaged in the rainstorm over Stonehenge, was not covered. Nikon wants $90 to repair the second lens. Trouble being, I could purchase the same lens, used on eBay, for about the same price. Decision time. Do I pay for a duplicate 18-55mm lens (due to arrive via UPS on Monday), or do I save the $90 and pitch that into a fund to buy a different, perhaps more advanced lens. I’ve...