Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today’s new Intra-Day High for gold: $2651.00.
Cal
Cal
DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
The locals at my neighborhood pub (= tavern, bar) in country Australia often say- "When the USA sneezes, our lickspittle politicians run to Washington with a carton of Kleenex". Which sadly sums up our smalltime position in global anything and everything.
For all that, Aussies are good people and we do have an enviable (so far, touch wood about the future) lifestyle and we make good wine, the latter in some ways a consolation to those of us who enjoy drinking it.
I also am one (of many) who believes that being smalltime in global anything and everything, is not such a bad thing.
Cynicism aside, I enjoy your economic views. You have too much common sense, but you already know this.
For all that, Aussies are good people and we do have an enviable (so far, touch wood about the future) lifestyle and we make good wine, the latter in some ways a consolation to those of us who enjoy drinking it.
I also am one (of many) who believes that being smalltime in global anything and everything, is not such a bad thing.
Cynicism aside, I enjoy your economic views. You have too much common sense, but you already know this.
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
DU,
In some of my reading my guess-TA-MENT that about 2/3rds of Americans pretty much are living above their means. I kinda get this number from the amount of people who actually can retire, but it was kinda validated and reported too elsewhere.
Not so much common sense, my mind wanders and wonders a lot, in heart I’m a rather simple guy with a simple mind who may be bold and outspoken, but then again I have my ego and sense of entitlement in check.
I see many new cars on the road, and my guess is many are leases. They also say that car loans made with loose credit is as bad as the 2007-2008 housing crisis. I report these observations, but the research is done independently by business journalists.
Back when I was a big swing trader using margin, I read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal cover to cover. I learned that government and business is basically the same thing here in the U.S. To an extent we do not have a democracy. The U.S. is a business and a brand. In effect the U.S. could be considered just a big corporation, and we citizens are just fodder.
Anyways, I see a revolution ahead, meaning a rapid change that could be violent and sudden.
My view is not so much common sense, but it is having a critical mind and keeping my eyes wide open.
Certain things I know: inflation will hang around for an extended period more than a decade, and likely 15-20 years if you believe in statistics and regression to the mean. Paper currencies are destined to loose value and purchasing power, and paper assets will have either mucho slow growth, or go sideways for a long-long time.
Pretty much growth will be slow-motion or stagnant.
I do see what happened in history called Arab-Spring happening again, but on a much larger scale. The cause began with inflation that was exported via a strong U.S. dollar, since commodities like food are priced in dollars food became too expensive, and then the end result was hungry children and revolutions.
Inflation is a big problem, not only in the U.S., but all over the world.
In China though they have deflation. Their housing bubble popped and real estate speculation collapsed. A report suggests that home values are down 30%. Know that “deflation is overcapacity.” Then there are a series of bad government policies that lead to pretty much a fatal crash and a complete collapse.
China once was able to feed itself, but that is no longer the case because of its urbanization that was done in an unsustainable manner.
Then there is the expected population collapse and a rapidly aging population due to the one child per family policy that dooms their economy. Realize the baby-boom after WWII created prosperity, demand, and a middle class because of a growing population.
It is expected that China will suffer a “lost decade” like Japan.
In China they pretty much their government is doing a really great job of destroying tier economy. Failure after failure, after failure…
So while I pick on China, the U.S. and the West are only slightly better.
Cal
In some of my reading my guess-TA-MENT that about 2/3rds of Americans pretty much are living above their means. I kinda get this number from the amount of people who actually can retire, but it was kinda validated and reported too elsewhere.
Not so much common sense, my mind wanders and wonders a lot, in heart I’m a rather simple guy with a simple mind who may be bold and outspoken, but then again I have my ego and sense of entitlement in check.
I see many new cars on the road, and my guess is many are leases. They also say that car loans made with loose credit is as bad as the 2007-2008 housing crisis. I report these observations, but the research is done independently by business journalists.
Back when I was a big swing trader using margin, I read the New York Times and Wall Street Journal cover to cover. I learned that government and business is basically the same thing here in the U.S. To an extent we do not have a democracy. The U.S. is a business and a brand. In effect the U.S. could be considered just a big corporation, and we citizens are just fodder.
Anyways, I see a revolution ahead, meaning a rapid change that could be violent and sudden.
My view is not so much common sense, but it is having a critical mind and keeping my eyes wide open.
Certain things I know: inflation will hang around for an extended period more than a decade, and likely 15-20 years if you believe in statistics and regression to the mean. Paper currencies are destined to loose value and purchasing power, and paper assets will have either mucho slow growth, or go sideways for a long-long time.
Pretty much growth will be slow-motion or stagnant.
I do see what happened in history called Arab-Spring happening again, but on a much larger scale. The cause began with inflation that was exported via a strong U.S. dollar, since commodities like food are priced in dollars food became too expensive, and then the end result was hungry children and revolutions.
Inflation is a big problem, not only in the U.S., but all over the world.
In China though they have deflation. Their housing bubble popped and real estate speculation collapsed. A report suggests that home values are down 30%. Know that “deflation is overcapacity.” Then there are a series of bad government policies that lead to pretty much a fatal crash and a complete collapse.
China once was able to feed itself, but that is no longer the case because of its urbanization that was done in an unsustainable manner.
Then there is the expected population collapse and a rapidly aging population due to the one child per family policy that dooms their economy. Realize the baby-boom after WWII created prosperity, demand, and a middle class because of a growing population.
It is expected that China will suffer a “lost decade” like Japan.
In China they pretty much their government is doing a really great job of destroying tier economy. Failure after failure, after failure…
So while I pick on China, the U.S. and the West are only slightly better.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The new amp allows me to plug in and play at a speaking voice level that sounds great. Pure clean that still sounds rich and full. I’m able to capture more nuance and express these nuances better because this amp has great touch dynamics to exploit articulation.
Pretty much I’m not a fast player, and after seeing Tommy Emmanuel perform live I see the path to listener fatigue from speed. After about 3 songs into the show I just could not process the rest of the show.
Too much high gain causes compression and a different kind of fatigue. Same for high volumes.
So the nicest thing about this amp is that it offers nuances and a pleasant voice at low volumes. I already see how it is improving my playing.
The Con Ed contractor is presently excavating my front lawn and running a brand new natural gas service to our 1912 Baby-Victorian. The meter will be an external smart meter, and will have the capacity to handle an 18KW generator. They are also tearing up my street. The main trunk feed is not on my side of the street.
The grandson loves watching the men work and all the trucks.
Pretty much all the bones on my old house has been done. New sewer line, 200 amp electric service in the house, 100 amp service in the garage, and now a brand new gas service.
The Crown furnace I am told is likely good for the rest of my life. I’m glad I have hot water radiators and not hot forced air to avoid suffering dry skin and nose bleeds. The tankless hot water is supplied by my oil furnace, and it works really well.
This was a house that went unloved during the beginning of the housing shortage. It formally was a rental and needed an big update to the kitchen and bathrooms. We are only the fourth owners and because of this our taxes are “you-suck” low. We had vision and saw great potential, and now I would argue that it likely is the cutest house on the street, only 13 houses though.
We are literally at the end of the city and border public land. Two blocks away is a 1500 acre preserve.
Anyways, we are so happy. Looks like because we live well below our means it looks probable that we will eventually buy a vacation getaway home further north to go deep rural. What a stroke of luck we have had.
The second home can be a “camp” meaning three-season, and certainly will be small/tiny, but we want some land and privacy.
We will continue to live well below our means.
Cal
Pretty much I’m not a fast player, and after seeing Tommy Emmanuel perform live I see the path to listener fatigue from speed. After about 3 songs into the show I just could not process the rest of the show.
Too much high gain causes compression and a different kind of fatigue. Same for high volumes.
So the nicest thing about this amp is that it offers nuances and a pleasant voice at low volumes. I already see how it is improving my playing.
The Con Ed contractor is presently excavating my front lawn and running a brand new natural gas service to our 1912 Baby-Victorian. The meter will be an external smart meter, and will have the capacity to handle an 18KW generator. They are also tearing up my street. The main trunk feed is not on my side of the street.
The grandson loves watching the men work and all the trucks.
Pretty much all the bones on my old house has been done. New sewer line, 200 amp electric service in the house, 100 amp service in the garage, and now a brand new gas service.
The Crown furnace I am told is likely good for the rest of my life. I’m glad I have hot water radiators and not hot forced air to avoid suffering dry skin and nose bleeds. The tankless hot water is supplied by my oil furnace, and it works really well.
This was a house that went unloved during the beginning of the housing shortage. It formally was a rental and needed an big update to the kitchen and bathrooms. We are only the fourth owners and because of this our taxes are “you-suck” low. We had vision and saw great potential, and now I would argue that it likely is the cutest house on the street, only 13 houses though.
We are literally at the end of the city and border public land. Two blocks away is a 1500 acre preserve.
Anyways, we are so happy. Looks like because we live well below our means it looks probable that we will eventually buy a vacation getaway home further north to go deep rural. What a stroke of luck we have had.
The second home can be a “camp” meaning three-season, and certainly will be small/tiny, but we want some land and privacy.
We will continue to live well below our means.
Cal
Last edited:
Nokton48
Veteran
Hey Devil Cal,
New Copy Setup in Studio by Nokton48, on Flickr
I've been copying RC Silver prints in my Enlarging Room, with ambient LED lighting. I have decided to move my Minolta Copy Stand into the studio area, and leave it set up on a permanent basis. From Harbor Freight a rolling cart (I have several), with an Apple Box Riser on the top shelf, makes a strong base with wheels for the copy stand. Easy to move around as I please. Recently donated to me, a pair of Broncolor Impact 300J Impacts, with well used strobe tubes working perfectly, and a nice matched pair. Standard Impact Reflector, attached 3M Polarizing Filters on both lights. Camera for 35mm film is a Minolta SRT-101 with SRT Diopter Eyepiece Correction, SRT Cable Release, 50mm F3.5 MC Macro Rokkor, and 55mm Minolta Hooded Polarizing Filter. All filters set for maximum polarization, lighting balanced to 1/3 fstop with Broncolor Incident Strobe Meter. With Ilford PanF+ rated at EI 25, I'm at F16 without polariizer exposure correction, so I did a bracketed series at 1/2 stops to establish a good baseline. This is a pretty good setup I'm intending to leave up all the time, and it's easily movable.
I also intend to use the setup for copying flat art and I have a Skier Box for digitizing negatives with the same setup. This will evolve. Beeg Monster Studio stuff I'm thinking of moving out into the garage. Out of the basement storage, weather permitting I could start using more of this stuff. Repurpose what you already have is what I've been doing.
Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs by Nokton48, on Flickr
My Hazylight could go out into the garage. Hmmmm.
New Copy Setup in Studio by Nokton48, on FlickrI've been copying RC Silver prints in my Enlarging Room, with ambient LED lighting. I have decided to move my Minolta Copy Stand into the studio area, and leave it set up on a permanent basis. From Harbor Freight a rolling cart (I have several), with an Apple Box Riser on the top shelf, makes a strong base with wheels for the copy stand. Easy to move around as I please. Recently donated to me, a pair of Broncolor Impact 300J Impacts, with well used strobe tubes working perfectly, and a nice matched pair. Standard Impact Reflector, attached 3M Polarizing Filters on both lights. Camera for 35mm film is a Minolta SRT-101 with SRT Diopter Eyepiece Correction, SRT Cable Release, 50mm F3.5 MC Macro Rokkor, and 55mm Minolta Hooded Polarizing Filter. All filters set for maximum polarization, lighting balanced to 1/3 fstop with Broncolor Incident Strobe Meter. With Ilford PanF+ rated at EI 25, I'm at F16 without polariizer exposure correction, so I did a bracketed series at 1/2 stops to establish a good baseline. This is a pretty good setup I'm intending to leave up all the time, and it's easily movable.
I also intend to use the setup for copying flat art and I have a Skier Box for digitizing negatives with the same setup. This will evolve. Beeg Monster Studio stuff I'm thinking of moving out into the garage. Out of the basement storage, weather permitting I could start using more of this stuff. Repurpose what you already have is what I've been doing.
Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs by Nokton48, on FlickrMy Hazylight could go out into the garage. Hmmmm.
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
Mighty cool. You have a lot of space, but you also have a lot of gear.
Your wife must really love you. LOL.
Cal
Mighty cool. You have a lot of space, but you also have a lot of gear.
Your wife must really love you. LOL.
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
We're both happy to clear stuff out. And she does.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
So my Stealth amp continues to go un-noticed. It hides in plain sight.
Been looking at a Vintage 47 RIC. The same cabinet is used as my VA-20 version but this amp uses 6V6’s for output tubes for a different flavor. Maybe next year.
Hopefully Vintage 47 hangs around. From what I gleen it is maybe a two or three person operation. Glad I secured my custom VA-20 RIC as insurance. I feel I can’t live without this amp now. My vintage amps now are just hard assets to store wealth.
The idea here is the VA-20 RIC I own is my higher output more headroom version, and the 6V6 version is lower power and earlier breakup for leads.
“Maggie” is upset about the front lawn being dug up. The trench scar will heal, no big deal to me.
Cal
Been looking at a Vintage 47 RIC. The same cabinet is used as my VA-20 version but this amp uses 6V6’s for output tubes for a different flavor. Maybe next year.
Hopefully Vintage 47 hangs around. From what I gleen it is maybe a two or three person operation. Glad I secured my custom VA-20 RIC as insurance. I feel I can’t live without this amp now. My vintage amps now are just hard assets to store wealth.
The idea here is the VA-20 RIC I own is my higher output more headroom version, and the 6V6 version is lower power and earlier breakup for leads.
“Maggie” is upset about the front lawn being dug up. The trench scar will heal, no big deal to me.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
The thing with me is I am organized and can find what I need. “Maggie” is a bit of a “hot-mess.” She burns things and forgets about them. She is like a squirrel.
I wish at the end of the Cold War I did more dumpster diving of electronic components for guitar amp building. Oh-well…
Cal
The thing with me is I am organized and can find what I need. “Maggie” is a bit of a “hot-mess.” She burns things and forgets about them. She is like a squirrel.
I wish at the end of the Cold War I did more dumpster diving of electronic components for guitar amp building. Oh-well…
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
RG, and others. I post here because so many are not taking responsibility for their own futures.
In our society we are programmed to become consumers and be wasteful, but this is not the way to live.
My own entitlement I earned through work and savings. I escaped poverty, and that is not easy to do. I do admit I had some great luck also.
2/3rd’s of Americans can’t afford to retire. In a headline today NYC is rated the most expensive city to retire in. Living one hour north in a Hudson River town/city is mighty good.
I have a 292 million dollar Empire State Trailway that is 750 miles of rail trails. Nearest access is a 20 minute drive away. Lots of wilderness areas nearby and not far away. Great world class health care right here in Peekskill.
I guess I’m pretty lucky.
Happy-happy…
Cal
In our society we are programmed to become consumers and be wasteful, but this is not the way to live.
My own entitlement I earned through work and savings. I escaped poverty, and that is not easy to do. I do admit I had some great luck also.
2/3rd’s of Americans can’t afford to retire. In a headline today NYC is rated the most expensive city to retire in. Living one hour north in a Hudson River town/city is mighty good.
I have a 292 million dollar Empire State Trailway that is 750 miles of rail trails. Nearest access is a 20 minute drive away. Lots of wilderness areas nearby and not far away. Great world class health care right here in Peekskill.
I guess I’m pretty lucky.
Happy-happy…
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
Am I hallucinating again or did you edit your post and put in an addition?
Just want to know if I’m loosing it. LOL.
If so that lighting rig is mighty stealthy.
Cal
Am I hallucinating again or did you edit your post and put in an addition?
Just want to know if I’m loosing it. LOL.
If so that lighting rig is mighty stealthy.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Hard to concentrate, relax or play guitar this afternoon. The Con Ed contractor is busy outside and in my basement.
Already lots of plumbing got stripped out. I’m not really doing anything, but a lot of work is getting done. Costs me nothing.
Again why do I have such great luck.
Snoopy has been in contact with “Maggie” and pretty much they want in on the new meter and new gas plumbing. The difficulty is their home has a wrap around porch that was recently overhauled. The contractor originally said they will not tunnel to do an installation, but now because I’m a Smut Queen I know who to talk to to get a work around because I know who does the problem solving.
So looks like there is an alternative routing for Snoopy and JJ.
Cal
Already lots of plumbing got stripped out. I’m not really doing anything, but a lot of work is getting done. Costs me nothing.
Again why do I have such great luck.
Snoopy has been in contact with “Maggie” and pretty much they want in on the new meter and new gas plumbing. The difficulty is their home has a wrap around porch that was recently overhauled. The contractor originally said they will not tunnel to do an installation, but now because I’m a Smut Queen I know who to talk to to get a work around because I know who does the problem solving.
So looks like there is an alternative routing for Snoopy and JJ.
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
You're not losing it. LOL
That Hazylight came in a stupid price bundle, it's too big for my basement. BTW it came from the NYC Photo District, a London Fashion Photographer shooting 8x10 Ektachromes of fashion models.
That Hazylight came in a stupid price bundle, it's too big for my basement. BTW it came from the NYC Photo District, a London Fashion Photographer shooting 8x10 Ektachromes of fashion models.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
Thanks for the fast response.
I know I can be delusional, but hallucinations is another thing. LOL.
BTW you idea of building a studio lingers, but I think pretty much a second story over the garage. I could add a deck, but of course there is “woman-factor.”
Devil Christian says I likely would have to instal 2x6 or 2x8 framing on the interior of the garage. The terra cotta cider block walls likely are not structural enough to hold up a second floor. This opens up finishing the first floor as living/studio space. Hmmm.
I highly value the second building lot, of course its use as a second back-yard and for farming.
Anyways you idea still lingers with a twist. Another daydream…
If totally converted into a studio, pretty much could be another 800 square feet of living space, but I don’t want higher taxes. “No one ever got rich by paying taxes,” rich people say…
Cal
Thanks for the fast response.
I know I can be delusional, but hallucinations is another thing. LOL.
BTW you idea of building a studio lingers, but I think pretty much a second story over the garage. I could add a deck, but of course there is “woman-factor.”
Devil Christian says I likely would have to instal 2x6 or 2x8 framing on the interior of the garage. The terra cotta cider block walls likely are not structural enough to hold up a second floor. This opens up finishing the first floor as living/studio space. Hmmm.
I highly value the second building lot, of course its use as a second back-yard and for farming.
Anyways you idea still lingers with a twist. Another daydream…
If totally converted into a studio, pretty much could be another 800 square feet of living space, but I don’t want higher taxes. “No one ever got rich by paying taxes,” rich people say…
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I took a lesson from someone who did a thesis on the optimization of learning to play guitar. The key premise is reducing the amount of mistakes to only 15-25% of your practice. Pretty much research driven.
Also there is a certain amount of overtraining required to internalize things so they are not forgotten. Also research driven.
Then there is a certain amount of variation required to practice as part of a kinda portion control.
Anyways this seems like a sensible way to set goals, and set a focus. I found this is kinda helpful and what I need to have progress. Already I can see results because I can quantify my mistakes. To get to a 75% good rate with only a 25% mistake out of a set of 4 I need to do three without a mistake.
Also there is an intensity of concentration and single mindedness that comes from this practice. It is not just playing around, which is what I tend to do. Perfection is not the goal, but eventually that is the destination.
So a new era of discipline has begun, even though it has been a disrupted day.
Pretty exciting…
What a difference a day can make.
Cal
Also there is a certain amount of overtraining required to internalize things so they are not forgotten. Also research driven.
Then there is a certain amount of variation required to practice as part of a kinda portion control.
Anyways this seems like a sensible way to set goals, and set a focus. I found this is kinda helpful and what I need to have progress. Already I can see results because I can quantify my mistakes. To get to a 75% good rate with only a 25% mistake out of a set of 4 I need to do three without a mistake.
Also there is an intensity of concentration and single mindedness that comes from this practice. It is not just playing around, which is what I tend to do. Perfection is not the goal, but eventually that is the destination.
So a new era of discipline has begun, even though it has been a disrupted day.
Pretty exciting…
What a difference a day can make.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The Con Ed contractor is done with the installation, now Con Ed has to come turn on the gas and purge the lines. Its a quarter to six.
Two big Hydrangeas hide the new meter and a vent very well. No loss of cub appeal.
Monday they will come by with topsoil and some seed to cover where they trenched. A kinda professional job, if only the Con Ed guy would come pronto.
Cal
Two big Hydrangeas hide the new meter and a vent very well. No loss of cub appeal.
Monday they will come by with topsoil and some seed to cover where they trenched. A kinda professional job, if only the Con Ed guy would come pronto.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
It was getting late so I decided to head to our local pizza place forb some slices walking. I happen to see a Con Ed emergency van pull up to a house on an adjoining block so I enquirer if he was looking for my house. Pretty much a no, but the man will call in and get the work order number.
I have since returned n ate. Still waiting…
Gas has to be turned on, a final leak check, and then the lines purged.
Saw/caught Snoopy and JJ walking to the front of the house to inspect our new meter. Can’t really see anything because the bushes hide the meter, plumbing and vent.
“Maggie” now is not so distressed.
Cal
I have since returned n ate. Still waiting…
Gas has to be turned on, a final leak check, and then the lines purged.
Saw/caught Snoopy and JJ walking to the front of the house to inspect our new meter. Can’t really see anything because the bushes hide the meter, plumbing and vent.
“Maggie” now is not so distressed.
Cal
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Went to a local bike swap today and saw a pink and purple Ibis Avion. It was too small for me and I have far too many bicycles and not enough legs.
I picked up a 5 speed freewheel, some old VO mudguards, some red cotton bar tape, a 44 tooth Superbe chainring, and a bunch of bottle cages.
I recently gave away two Raleigh road bike frame sets, and need to thin out the herd more. I think the Puch is next, though it is about 85% done and just needs wheels built; I just don't want to spend more money on it since I just had two more British lightweight projects fall in my lap.
Phil
I picked up a 5 speed freewheel, some old VO mudguards, some red cotton bar tape, a 44 tooth Superbe chainring, and a bunch of bottle cages.
I recently gave away two Raleigh road bike frame sets, and need to thin out the herd more. I think the Puch is next, though it is about 85% done and just needs wheels built; I just don't want to spend more money on it since I just had two more British lightweight projects fall in my lap.
Phil
DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
Don't we all??
I thought everybody did.
I surely do. In my own defense, it's to correct the misteaks (ha!) made by that devil's tool, my laptop's spell check.
Come to think of it, the spell check between my ears isn't much chop either...
Seriously - now and then I correct a word, but more often mis-spellings. Now and then I add some new information, usually as an (added later) comment. I try to not significantly change anything I've previously written, tho' as a long ago news journalist, the temptation can be great.
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Phil,
There is a limit to what is practical, what you really need, and pretty much a sweet spot.
Having spare parts, and stockpiling when you can is an investment in the future.
Then there are the “no-brainer” acquisitions that are given or bargain prices…
It is a form of security and provides well being…
I did not get on the bike this season l;Ike I wanted to, but I’m still glad I have all my bikes. They were all hard earned. I’m getting stronger and more fit in other manners in the meantime, while getting “Maggie” in a healthier place.
One thing about the Puch, would it be a good idea to strip off possible parts to recycle or keep?
Cal
There is a limit to what is practical, what you really need, and pretty much a sweet spot.
Having spare parts, and stockpiling when you can is an investment in the future.
Then there are the “no-brainer” acquisitions that are given or bargain prices…
It is a form of security and provides well being…
I did not get on the bike this season l;Ike I wanted to, but I’m still glad I have all my bikes. They were all hard earned. I’m getting stronger and more fit in other manners in the meantime, while getting “Maggie” in a healthier place.
One thing about the Puch, would it be a good idea to strip off possible parts to recycle or keep?
Cal