YARDCRAP

H E L L O

 

Welcome to my blog. 

This is my BLOG, so expect it to be about me. 

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Post comments if you choose, and I might respond.

   -------------YardCrap---------------

WEATHER IS YARDCRAP

                                            

We got a lot of rain last week from tropical storm “IDA” .  My rain gauge failed to record it.  I have a good one that has served me well as it signals into the house where I sit dry.  Maybe I can fix this one, but maybe I should just replace it.

That got me to thinking – maybe I should upgrade.

The most accurate weather I have found online is http://www.wunderground.com/.   
The weather there is actually put up by neighbors – yours and mine.  Maybe I could have fun doing that, and in the process get all the fishing/gardening data I could ever need.

 

The way it works is to get some weather recording crap and, and hook it to your computer.  The computer updates it to your neighbors and the rest of the world.   I know nothing about that stuff, but am handy with a computer.  I would put my stuff on my dock.  I already have a computer here on the deck. 

On the lake, the wind can go from a 100 to 0 in a few hours.  Often there are waves, but tonight, it is still as glass.  My seat here is about 150 feet from the lake, but why should I have to look down there to see if the wind is up when I could just check my computer.  Yea, that makes no sense, but it looks like fun.  Here is a weather checker near me http://www.n4arz.com  I doubt I will ever have that much fun, but I could do something.

 

My favorite weather girl is Janice Dean.

                                                                

 

 

I ain’t that pretty, but maybe I could put a nice Clemson hat on the Beagle.  Rosy is beautiful, and anyone would enjoy looking at her as they check the local fishing/gardening weather around these parts.

 

These set ups can cost a lot.  On the plus side, HBObama is taking all my money, and I should have some fun before it is all taxed away.  Also, it is nearing Christmas.  My bride never reads my blog – email her and tell her to give me that.                            

GOOD MUSIC

xoxoxo---xoxoxox
          

As each day arrives, analog music gives way to digital.
That started big time when the CD and the CD player arrived. 
Modern audiophiles have accepted the CD, but not the thought of digital music.  That just means they are hypocrites.

A $20 CD Walkman or a $400 ipod has a built in DAC, as does the CD player in your system.
Vinyl is not dead, but most people opt to CD on most occasions as those are very good to excellent depending on the CD of course.

These days, even CD is fading as music played over computers becomes more the norm.  All computer music is not equal as you can not get out what you did not put in.

I have collected a lot of vinyl - some given to me in the 50's.
I like to tell people my 'BEATLES' collection is worth more than my house.  My main collection, like many around these parts, is my 'TAMS' collection, and it is to die for!!
I have many CD's, and most were bought from pawn shops or ebay.  I bought 4 more today.
I have more music than I can play, but still buy more vinyl and CD.  Collecting something is a hobby for almost everyone, and it is much more fun if we believe we get it at a bargain.

I suspect I play more music than you do.  I sit on my ass a lot, and tend to do it out here on the porch with my music as opposed to parking the big boy in front of the TV.  I watch a lot of TV too, but mostly after midnight.  I prefer to record and watch without commercials.

Like more people everyday, I use a computer as my music player, and have since the 90's when you could just pull up any tune from Napster.  Like most people who like music, I want the best sound I can afford, and like most, look for the best I can get for my dollar.

Good music gear costs a lot.  That could mean $100 to one and much more to another.
I started with less than you - no matter what you have, and I will always seek better.
The price of really good audiophile gear has no limit.  In the real world where 99% of audiophiles live, a good system might top out at many thousands of dollars.
Collecting good gear is a hobby that goes well beyond how good it plays a tune.  It is a fun and worthy hobby.  If I hit the lotto, I hate to think how much I would spend on 2 channel stereo.

Growing exponentially is the ability of a computer to play a better tune than all the analog stuff.
The old audiophiles will never admit it even as they join in and buy the new digital stuff.  The new audiophiles will never look back.
Most anything you buy these days from a car to a watch is controlled by  computer.  That is especially true in all the new low/high end audio components.
Computers do it well, and do it cheaper.  More and more, they do it better.

The old guys will rant about the "tube" thing, or the "vinyl" thing, but as soon as the next 'Bob Carver' puts it all to blind tests, 'Computer Music' will be the rage.

By now many of my readers are in rage!!!

I am not saying digital will ever replace analog.  I am just saying the sound will be better or the same -> what ever you dial in.
Already, things like faders, equalizers, and the such are history to what a computer can do.
A computer is not just a big ipod.  It has the capability to do incredible things, and that capability expands each day with a new download.  Your CD player or record player is not improving.  Yes, I understand they don’t need it.  I understand that.

Most of the people who scoff at this post are the people who fear they cannot learn the new, or believe we reached the pinnacle years ago for music reproduction.

My ears have taken a beating over the years from firing thousands of artillery shells in the army and thousands of bullets as a cop at firing ranges before ear protection was the norm.  The many concerts I worked as a stage gorilla added to that.
Still, these days I seem to be able to hear almost everything except my wife.

Computer audio is here and expanding.  That is a good thing.  Anything that gives us a better image of the original is good.  Also, I believe that anything that gives us more choices is a good thing.  You can choose this, and I can sit in the shower.  We can do both.  The good thing is that nothing is lost, just more choices to play with.

For us hobby guys, computer audio presents a ton of new problems to work  as we "perfect" our individual systems.  Just today I saw an 'audio' usb cable on a site.  The snake oil guys are already moving in.

Try to think of 'computer audio' as something new to work on.

Good things about computer music -
- I have a computer hooked to a 26 inch monitor (on my deck) that goes to the internet and retrieves the lyrics faster than the song can load.  With a click, I can Google the artist or song and become an expert as the tune plays.
- the choice of music players is incredible and growing.  Many are free and MUCH better than the high dollar CD player you have in your rack.
- things to adjust are in the trillions - something for everyone and improving.
- I have many tunes, and can easily pull up a song, an album, an artist, or shuffle through it all with a mouse click.
- Volume control -> mouse click.
- etc

I understand this computer will never sound as good (at least in my mind) as when I carry my 'in the house system' into the shower and sit there hoping no one sees me as I enjoy Charlie Parker.

Still, computer music is good and getting better all the time.

At the end of the day, all I am talking about is converting a digital signal to analog speakers.  It is a tough task!
Amps, preamp s, etc – still needed, plus a better DAC.
Audiophiles consider the 'weak link' as the most important.  Sooner than later, computer will not be the weak link.

My computer is a simple thing with a solid state drive sitting under tupper ware to keep the rain off.

Right now, the ‘puter has Bessie Smith flowing out over my yard and it seems like she is performing from my deck.

The good thing about being a member here is I can post as I enjoy a six pack of Pilsner Urquell, and you guys will take that into consideration.

                

CLEMSON IS IN THE ORANGE BOWL

                  

CLEMSON is headed to the ORANGE BOWL !!

The game last night against Florida State was the bridge.

The next few weeks we knock off NC State, Virginia, and GaTech.  Along the way, we get to pound USC just for the fun of it all.

I wonder who we will meet in the ORANGE?  Let's all hope it will be an interesting, team that can challenge.

I am positive about this because I saw CJ Spiller turn "PRO" last night.  Before this, I have had my doubts.  His speed is rare, his talent is rare, but last night, his heart joined in.  Last night, Spiller turned "PRO".  I don't think the teams ahead will be able to handle him now.  The last effort similar to this was when James Davis took on Maryland and refused to yield.

                    

Dabo finally decided to abandon "Bowden Ball" and run the ball in the red zone as more than a decoy.  Hell, I almost thought Danny Ford was calling the plays in.

At any rate, CLEMSON is in the ORANGE BOWL. 

              

GUYS LIKE YOU CAN NOT POST THIS

             

Today South Carolina is showing off. Everyday here is special, but today is above average. The leaves are turning, and thousands are visiting to see the show.

Today it is near 80 here and clear as a bell. Most days on the lake there is a wind, but out there today – the water was flat, and the fish were hitting. (in two hours 3 in the boat under ten pounds). I never welcome WINTER moving in, so today was a life saver. 

If Al Gore is right and not just milking a 'golden goat' - global warming will mean no WINTER.  I would vote for the guy if I believed any of that crap, but today there are record snows in the north.

On one hand I hate when yanks move in here and try to change things, but I understand only the stupid yanks do not bail to the SOUTH.  At any rate, Great Days are promised to no one, and today was one of the best.

How was today for you?  If it was lacking, move to Florida or California, but do not move here.

Above is the SC FLAG. It was first seen in 1765 carried by South Carolina protesters of the Stamp Act.

South Carolina declared independence from Great Britain and set up its own government on March 15, 1776. We later joined the United States by signing the Declaration of Independence.

Later a Palmetto tree was added and centered on the blue field. Palmetto is the South Carolina State Tree. It was instrumental in Colonel Moultrie's defense of Sullivan's Island as we repelled an attack by British warships in June, 1776. Cannonballs fired at the fort from the British ships could not destroy the walls of the fort which were built of Palmetto logs. Instead, the cannonballs simply sank into the soft, tough Palmetto wood. This is the same flag that flew over an independent South Carolina during our war for Southern Independence. Recently, a "priceless" discovery was found in an IOWA museum.  (go figure)  Below is the original flag flown as South Carolina challenged the union for Independence in 1861 and captured Fort Sumter.              Maybe the yanks who move down here should fear that Flag more than the Battle Flag they all choose as a target for change.

I understand that for many reasons, few can fly a battle flag these days.  The war is over, but that flag represents what my ancestors fought for, and I fly it proudly everyday in my yard.                  

real hippies have hair

              

In my youth, any one with facial hair, or long hair was in an old movie or in a history book.  We were taught admiration for all the founding fathers (and JESUS), but the hair thing was not allowed in my town.

I never needed to shave until I was 22.  I am amazed that now it is common at 14.  I suspect that is due to all the steroids we use to grow chickens and beef being passed along in the food chain.

Actually, I was already going bald before I  could grow whiskers. 
These days, I can proudly say I have as much hair as I never did.
I do have whiskers from time to time.  My bride always asks if I am growing a beard. "No, not growing a beard" - I just find it is better to shave only twice a year.  Plus, it makes it harder for people to put me into a peg hole.

Above is Gabby Hayes.  He played an old whiskered guy for a hundred years because he started when he was 30.  At 30, I could not even grow decent sideburns.
The moral of this post is don't blog and drink.

                       

EXCITING STUFF

Billions of people read this blog, but I suspect only a couple will understand this post.

Like a few other nuts, I spend too much time watching birds. Over the years a few peope always have been doing this since the first caveman. These days we do it more expecting entertainment than a meal. Even the people who still shoot birds need to gain some understanding of them to be successful.

I watch birds. Watching birds has entertained me immensely for years. I have many hobbies, but I recommend this one to all. Actually, I suspect all do it to some degree. Like most things, some of us get too caught up in it. It is a harmless addition, not like a love for heroin, or Jackson.

My bride of many years has always supported my obsessions. If you spend enough time with me, they rub off on you no matter how hard you fight it. My bride is now an expert on the poor coaching of Clemson football, all things political, and bird study. So today when on a rare visit to my bird chair, she claimed to have seen a hummingbird, I knew it was true. If you had been here and said that, I would have “humored” you.

I go through so much sugar feeding Humming Birds that I am on the ATF watch list for moonshiners. Every year I write down when they show up, and when they leave. I do that for other birds too.

I adjust my HB feeders over the Summer as the need dictates, and keep one out all year because they are pleasant to look at, and you never know when one will be needed.

All my Hummingbirds leave around the middle of October.

One is here today, and that is very exciting! I have not gotten a good view of it yet, and sleeping will be hard tonight as I wait for morning. I just put out two more feeders, and moved a chair into a position that will hold me and the Beagle. I intended to paint the dock tomorrow, but that will have to wait. Me, the Beagle and my tiny camera will be on stakeout tomorrow. Stake outs used to be a dull part of my life waiting for criminals, but this is much more exciting, and I get to replace poor coffee with excellent beer.

Yea, I understand that ten days more or less on a bird sighting is not much to many, but I also understand it is very exciting to me! A couple years back, a Humming Bird spent an entire Winter with me. I don't know anyone around here who has had that good fortune.

YC

GARTH BROOKS

 

   

Garth Brooks is no longer retired.  Whup-de-do!!

Today I sitting here playing Joe Cocker much too loud.

 

I am a fan of real COUNTRY music.  It was playing in my house back in the 40’s when I was in the crib.  Most likely, I have heard more of it than you.  Most likely between my records, 8-tracks, cassettes and computer files – I own more of it than you.

 

I have experienced the best and worst of it over many years.  A few times, I thought COUNTRY was dead, but some new star was always able to raise it from the ashes.  Actually, I have found that real COUNTRY music never dies, it just looses air play or market share.  Back in the woods, or in the middle of a city, real COUNTRY artist play on.

 

When Garth got started, I was a fan.  He got famous and rich too quickly, and his music changed as he did.  He was able to give the masses what they wanted, and that is always good. Once the band wagon he and guys like Billie Ray Cyrus started rolling, everything changed.  COUNTRY music did not change, but it got damn hard to find on the radio.

 

COUNTRY music comes and goes.  These days, what passes as COUNTRY is mostly strange.  Even Reba’s new release is a carbon copy of what is selling mainstream.  That is what fans want and buy, so I really have no problem with it all.

 

Someday soon when the fireworks and light shows get old, another ole boy like John Anderson will show up and the cycle will reverse again.  It is harder these days.  Loretta had to travel the SOUTH living in her car and visit every little town with an AM station to get play.  No chance of that “easy” route now as the record companies employ Hollywood experts who pick the next ‘star’. Stars are no longer “born”. These days they are mostly ‘made’.  Most think the experts do OK as record sales are high.  To make it these days, you need movie star appeal.  Music talent alone will not get you in the door, or on the radio. 

 

COUNTRY music is alive and well.  Finding it is still easy in most locales with a local bar, and at home one can always plug in a Hank or a Dolly.

 

I just ran a search of my music and found that only three of my 20K+ songs are Garth.  I like that ‘Low Places’ song, but apparently it was the money you guys spent that made him a star.  I hope this time around he does less pyro-spectacular and more COUNTRY. It would be funny if Garth is the guy who brings COUNTRY back to the root this time.

The guy is kinda like me as we have always had folicle challenges, and still got the girl.

 

YC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCELLENT SERVICE

In my last post, I have tried many times to make the photos appear with no success.  I am blogging on TYPEPAD, and have no real complaints as this place is quite good.  Still, I will need to solve this photo problem.  Most likely it is my fault, but I can think of nothing I have changed that could effect this. 

There must be an actually way to phone/email these people, but I don't see a link for that.  Most times when you contact web services, you get a person you cannot understand who cannot understand you, and at least in my case, knows much less about it all than I do.  They pull out the appropriate check list and you have to do a lot of crap you already did before you can get to someone who might be able to help you.

It is all too much trouble, and seldom gives results.  The geek forums are different.  You post a question, several 12 year old kids make fun of you, and then all jump in with good things to try.

To me it is all more fun than any puzzle.  If nothing goes wrong - you never learn new things.

I like music.  I have way more now than I can play, but still--!  Mostly I buy from ebay because I am mostly interested in the older stuff, and that is where you find it. 

In my last post, I have tried many times to make the photos appear with no success.  I am blogging on TYPEPAD, and have no real complaints as this place is quite good.  Still, I will need to solve this photo problem.  Most likely it is my fault, but I can think of nothing I have changed that could effect this. 

There must be an actually way to phone/email these people, but I don't see a link for that.  Most times when you contact web services, you get a person you cannot understand who cannot understand you, and at least in my case, knows much less about it all than I do.  They pull out the appropriate check list and you have to do a lot of crap you already did before you can get to someone who might be able to help you.

It is all too much trouble, and seldom gives results.  The geek forums are different.  You post a question, several 12 year old kids make fun of you, and then all jump in with good things to try.

To me it is all more fun than any puzzle.  If nothing goes wrong - you never learn new things.

I like music.  I have way more now than I can play, but still--!  Mostly I buy from ebay because I am mostly interested in the older stuff, and that is where you find it. 

To tie these thoughts together, go back to the title. I ran across a place on ebay that is just excellent.  They have an incredible inventory at great prices, and ship quickly.  Many places are good like this on ebay, but these guys are in Argentina.  "musicshop780".   

YC

if there is no photo below - ???

                    

S T U P I D B I R D S

                     

My "Stupid Birds" are showing up today.  I call these birds "stupid" because after they spend a pleasant Winter here, they leave just when the South Carolina Spring is starting. The only thing better than a SC Spring is a SC Summer.  I have no idea why the "stupid" birds leave.  Still, they are returning today.  I should not complain. Think how great it would be if all the people who migrated across the Mason-Dixon Line to SC would leave for half the year.

Above is a photo I just snapped as I sit here watching my turtle pond.
 

Here is a "stupid bird" who arrived today with a partner.  I have a few Pine Warblers year round, but many more migrate in every Fall and entertain me all Winter.  This is one I guess, but the coloring will make me search my Bird Library when I go inside.  Like most birds, these guys come in a lot of different outfits.  Hell, it might be anything. 

Today a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker also arrived. 
   I have many better photos, but this is the one I just snapped.  All my trees are riddled with holes from this girl.  My yard is now full of bright red berries on my many Pyracantha bushes.  They will brighten the yard through the Winter, and feed a lot of birds.  Last Winter, the Sapsuckers took off hundreds of square patches of bark off much of my Pyracantha.  That can't be good for the Pyracantha.  That stuff grows so fast it is a chore to contain it, and I doubt my Sapsuckers will have much effect.

Here is what my pergola looks like from my chair today.  I think I did a good job building that, and now it is a lot of fun finding out what will grow in full shade. 

I am kinda looking forward to the first freeze.  Many things are growing out of control, but I guess that is the "theme" of my garden as most don't recognize it as a garden, but a lot that needs clearing.  This is a perfect time to visit my garden as my yard is blazing color right now with all the flowers and butterflies. I plan ahead, and raise many things.  Birds, Flowers, and Butterflies are everywhere, but with almost no effort, one can concentrate many in a small area. 

I used to hate Winter approaching until my Bride explained that things will just be taking a nap, resting up to return in Spring -> better than ever!  I like that thought, but my turtles below would disagree.

   

RUN WITH ME

            

I like to jog on the treadmill with video music clips.  Other shows require one to think, but exercise makes my brain muddle, so I like music. 

Today I got in a 4 DVD set of the Rolling Stones -  "THE BIG BANG". That will keep me going for a few miles.

This morning as I jogged, I just played an old CD I like.  I plugged in 'Emerson, Lake & Palmer', and turned it up to a nuclear level.  They were musically  advanced for their age at the time and quite popular.  I doubt few play them now as most no longer remember real rock.  They had no "roll", just "rock".  They can still put a strain on even a good music system.