Geeks.com is closed

August 12, 2013

Geeks.com is officially closed.  Apparently they are keeping their brick and mortar retail location in California open, but that is of little help to me here in Maine.

Sadly, I feel like it was inevitable.  The last 3 or 4 times I’ve had to place an electronics order I had to go to NewEgg.com because Geeks.com simple didn’t have what I needed.  It was never a price thing for me.  I’m into efficient computing so my last computer was built with an AMD e350 Zacate motherboard, NewEgg.com has them, Geeks didn’t.

Geeks.com will be missed.

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Motorcycles again

August 8, 2013

It seems like a recurring thing every year around this time.  I’m thinking about motorcycles again.  I know we can’t afford one right now, but man would I love to have one.  Anything from the little Honda Grom to a Victory 8 Ball, a Triumph America to a Suzuki TU250X.  Oh to be on two wheels.

Some day.

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After a week of the crazies, I’m ready for the weekend

August 2, 2013

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.  It’s been wild and crazy busy for me at work and honestly, not a lot slower at home.  So I’m glad it’s Friday.  Time to get crackin’ on finishing up our firewood.

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Digispark bike speedometer

July 26, 2013

Lately I’ve been thinking about doing an Arduino or similar based project.  I heard about the Digispark (which is basically a mini Arduino) from AwkwardEngineer.com and was intreagued.  I’m thinking of using a Digispark to drive a I2C 4×7 segment display from Adafruit.com and having it calculate speed in KPH and distance in KM with a switch to toggle between the two.  Input would be handled by a reed switch on the front fork and magnet on one of the spokes.

Should be pretty sweet.  I think I can fit it in an old automotive preamp enclosure that I have kicking around…if not, maybe in the old 10mb switch enclosure I have.

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Still not sure

July 11, 2013

I’ve been playing my guitar a lot more over the last year.  I’ve been averaging learning 1 new song a week.  When I say “learning” I mean, “I can play it with a lead sheet” rather than memorizing the song.  All this playing has been on my acoustic.  I don’t own an electric anymore as we sold both our electrics before our Son was born because we were short on cash.  Though I don’t regret that decision (difficult at the time, but made sense), I do want another electric.  I just don’t know what.  I do know I want it to be reasonably affordable and made in North America.  Here is the list I’ve come up with at this point (prices from Sweetwater.com and MusiciansFriend.com):

  • $449 Fender Standard Telecaster : Mexico
  • $489 Gibson Melody Maker : USA
  • $499 Fender Blacktop Jaguar 90 : Mexico
  • $499 Fender Standard Stratocaster HSS : Mexico
  • $499 Richmond Empire : Canada
  • $500 Fender Blacktop Telecaster : Mexico
  • $699 Fender Cabronita Telecaster : Mexico
  • $699 Godin A6 Ultra : Canada

I guess I need to start saving up money and then trying out guitars!

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