Category: Budget

Posted on

Automobiles

Isn’t it funny how objects, things, products, follow patterns? Back in the day, about 20+ years ago, I started driving my “favorite” or “dream” car. Boxey, that European design, bended at the corners. Sleek, tight steering, those big rings in the middle, facing oncoming traffic. It was European excellence. Design, driving, comfort. Did I mention that “tight steering”?

I can remember the Volvo station wagon we had as kids. Similar style, boxey, tight steering, and enough room for everything. Like my “dream” car listed above, had great pick up. The “get up and go” factor.

At a certain point though, European went “muscle car”. Circular, rounded… to me unappealing. The look that says, “we don’t create trends, we copy them”. It made my “dream” car (and brand), a thing of the past. And since then, have gained much more respect for manufacturers such as BMW, Volvo, and Honda. All maintaining a “brand” look and identity.

I found another “dream” car. Loved it for about a decade now, started driving recently. It has elements of the Volvo, and also the original “dream” car. It’s lucky that we picked it up when we did. Seems the company thought a re-design (modernization) of their staple model was a good idea. I strongly disagree.

What’s next? Who knows? This car drives well, looks good, and has a reputation for surviving many miles and years. Sturdy. And that won’t change.

Posted on

Back to Reality

At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.

Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.

Oh, you wanted Back to Reality in a song?

Posted on

Varsity Blues

Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).

The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.

When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.

We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.

100% Human (Feeling, Emotional)
0% Machine

LTC? Learn to human.

Posted on

Distractions.

As the news continues to be dismal, isn’t it time for distraction? Like, A LOT of distraction? In the second hour of war coverage the other day, newscasters were covering the economic side.

They were going through the numbers and costs of the current actions in the Middle East. I am no jeanyis, but I imagine you could purchase many copies of “Jungle Fever” (Wesley Snipes/Annabella Sciorra) for the price of one Tomahawk missile. Not to mention, some forbidden sweet snacks. Oreos (that vanilla layer between chocolate cookies). Wouldn’t it be great to switch over to some old favorites, and get away from the war coverage?

OTA channels are notorious for picking up old movies, and every once in awhile, you find great ones.

So some suggestions (if anyone is paying attention):

Edit: My God! I forgot A Bronx Tale!!!

Posted on

Tones.

So, I’ve been enjoying listening to music through some M-Audio AV-40s for a very long time. Love them. They were originally purchased as studio monitors, when my friends and I were creating music. Later, I created some music of my own (solo), but that’s besides the point. What is the point? If you can get your hands on a working set of these, buy them. Get them used, mine show no signs of failing (built very well). In layman’s terms, they are bookshelf AC powered monitors (speakers), and they crush any currently listed speakers in the same category. Highs, mids, lows, volume, bass, treble. Color, response time. They’re good. They’re very good.

You know that bass…that bass that just growls? A combination of a significantly tuned down guitar complimented by a bass drum or bass guitar? The sounds that make “earthquake” (shake the earth), transitions sound fantastic? Or hanging lows hum, like in this gem:

These speakers make it all sound great, and obviously are highly recommended. Other great songs by this band? Get Adrenaline, best album, in my opinion.

Posted on

Antennas.

“Cut the cord”, cable, etc has been a practice occurring for the last two decades. Some of us like to catch the occasional sporting broadcast, so that’s become more difficult. But, services like Sling are beginning to offer some nice options including one day subscriptions for $5. Much less than a price for a ticket to one game (if you’re in the vicinity).

The other thing is, OTA (antenna) channels just have much more to offer than they did years ago. Crisp, clear, digital picture through simple rabbit ears, if set up right. Right now, I’m getting two Bounce networks, and that’s worth the price for the antenna alone. The movies and shows are great! Add to that, ION network (and X-Files on occasion), and it’s a no brainer.

So don’t break out the popcorn, break out the peanuts! In the shell, the ones you have to crack to open. Like at the game. You pay peanuts, we eat peanuts, we love living off of peanuts!

Yo P-Nut, Beat that thang!

In addition, local coverage pertaining to news, weather, updates seem to be more accessible/relaiable through antenna access. (especially during outages).