smart? Or not?

Posted on April 21, 2017 by mfna

The wheels were already turning as I made ready to move into my new home. I had previously noted the existence of an electric vehicle charging station

and I knew instinctively that I was going to have to find a way to put it to use. After all, despite the resistance to (and I freely admit my participation) new forms of fuel, there is a part of me that believes electric vehicles are the wave of the future (at least until fusion power becomes the norm).

I did some research. I went to CarMax and looked at a used Nissan Leaf. I went to a Chevy dealer and checked out Motor Trend’s 2017 Car of the Year, the Bolt. I read about BMW’s i3 (and oh-so-sexy i8!). But YIKES, the cost of these cars — even used!

But one car came across my browser page: The smart fortwo electric coupe. Designed and sold by Mercedes-Benz (the name is actually an acronym: “Swatch, Mercedes ART”), this little two-seater has a quirky appeal (to me, at least). I don’t need a new car; my 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350C4 with only 19,000 miles on it is just a doggone fun — and attractive — car. And I’m going to keep it!

I found several smart electrics (or “ED” as they are unfortunately named) in the area. I went and looked at one in a lot, and kept coming back to one I saw online. I called the dealer, an independent used car seller, and said I wanted to check it out.

And check it out I did. In fact, I wrote a check and drove it out (away)!

It’s a 2015 and had 17,400 miles on it. I put $1,800 of tires, brakes and service into it to bring it to manufacturer’s spec, and now it’s my “local runabout.” It has a range of about 90 miles, and a top speed of about 76 mph. A/C AM/FM with AUX and USB inputs, a charging plug (for my phone) and surprisingly roomy!

I’m not sure where this is going to lead me. I’ve been saying this is my way of dipping my toes into the EV pond. Time will tell.

Moving Day!

Posted on April 5, 2017 by mfna

I have grown increasingly disappointed and frustrated with the management of the condominium association where I live. To the point where I started looking for a new home.

Okay, there’s more to it than just that: my growing guitar collection and desire to have somewhat of a photo studio have made me realize I’ve outgrown my digs.

So, I started looking. And I found some places that were “acceptable.” The real estate market around here is such that no sooner does a property go on sale, someone snaps it up. I had several such experiences.

I guess that made me anxious and willing to settle for less. Which led me to almost buying a home that failed the home inspection. But, as both my realtor and God know better than I what’s best for me, I finally landed on the “right” home!

The previous owner (a bit anti-social, according to the neighbors) apparently worked in the security field, and so the home came equipped with a security camera system (active) and a home security system (inactive). It also comes with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), commonly known as a charging station.

Which leads me to research and probably buy a small electric car, for local errand running and tooling about.

https://fredpuhan.smugmug.com/Random-Shots/Smart-fortwo-electric/Smart/i-qCnWVLD/A

https://fredpuhan.smugmug.com/Random-Shots/Smart-fortwo-electric/Smart/i-pzJc3zb/A

https://fredpuhan.smugmug.com/Random-Shots/Smart-fortwo-electric/Smart/i-82t6fT9/A

(The above photos are not of the car I’m likely to buy. I saw this in the lot of a dealer and just shot photos of it).

Sunday is moving day! I’m both dreading it (a lot of work + expense) and anticipating it!

Culinary Delights, pt 2.

Posted on March 7, 2017 by mfna

I lied. I was going to make one post about two different dinners, but I found I couldn’t do it. So, here is Part 2: The Dalí Dinner.

For years, I have made attending the annual Salvador Dalí Museum a key part of my year. In the beginning, this event was called a “benefit,” as the funds raised by attendance costs helped pad the museum’s treasury. Having now been established as one of St. Petersburg, Florida’s prime attractions (attracting more than 50,000 visitors each the first of this year’s two months), the annual dinner has now become the place for the rich and famous to be seen.

This year’s dinner was especially meaningful for me, as I was seated next to the newly-elected museum president, Karen Lang Johnston — at her request. In fact, she told me, “The Morses [Brad and Mary Ann, son and daughter-in-law of museum founders Reynolds and Eleanor Morse] wanted you at their table but I insisted you sit at mine!” What an honor, and how far I’ve come since sitting in a corner somewhere.

Diners are seated in the gallery, among the artist’s masterpieces. This year, we were appropriately seated in the Honorable Eugene and Karen Lang Johnston Gallery, where Dalí’s “The Ecumenical Council” hangs.

The Ecumenical Council, by Salvador Dalí

Food this year was catered by Parkshore Grill, the parent company of Café Gala, the museum’s own eatery. Hors d’oeuvres were served in the Foyer and Gran Sala and included oxtail, lobster ceviche and shrimp skewers.

Roasted Beet Salad

The first course was a Roasted Beet salad with Mango Habenero Vinaigrette, Toasted Pepitas, Queso Fresco, Pomegranate Seeds, Petite Green Beans.

Delicious!

The seafood entree was Grilled Open Blue Cobia with Guajillo Chili Sauce, Avocado Mousse, and Crispy Pork Belly.

Grilled Open Blue Cobia

The meat entree was Cocoa Chili Rubbed New York Strip Steak with Mole Verde, Sweet Potato Puree, and Crispy Corn Tortilas (which oddly enough, were absent from the plate). Dessert was Cactus Pear Mousse, Toasted Coconut Mexican Chocolate Truffle and Pistachio Guava Macaron.

Delightful!

Cocoa Chili Rubbed New York Strip Steak

Cactus Pear Mousse, Toasted Coconut Mexican Chocolate Truffle, Pistachio Guava Macaron

The Menu – 2017 Salvador Dalí Museum Dinner

Culinary Delights

Posted on March 7, 2017 by mfna

Some people eat to live. Others live to eat. To me, one of life’s great pleasures is enjoying a variety of foods; I’ve said repeatedly over the years that I would try anything once. Whether it be a rich, hearty bowl of phở

Phở – Comfort in a bowl!

enjoyed communally, or a seven course meal served privately by an internationally-trained chef, food is to me something to titillate the senses, as well nourish the body.

I had the great pleasure of experiencing both this week, and then some!

To start, I spent five days and nights aboard the cruise ship Carnival Paradise. Not being given to hyperbole, I wouldn’t say the ship lived up to its name, but it’s pretty well known that the food aboard cruise ships is one of the allures. The buffet dining is satisfying, the pizzas cooked on the spot, and the formal dining offers a gustatory treat.

But nothing compares to a chef’s table. Offered on the cruise, I jumped on the opportunity and made sure several times that my reservation was in place. It was.

Sadly, I didn’t think at first to use my cell phone camera, so I missed taking some shots of a few of the hors d’oeuvres. But I did make sure to shoot the menu,

Seven courses of inventive, excitingly savory food.

which lists each of the seven courses. Not as lovingly and detailed as the chef presented them, but it’s the best I can do.

The evening began with a brief tour of the ship’s galley. Preparing food for 2,200 people is not a task taken lightly, and a staff of over 60 people work in around-the-clock shifts to make sure it’s right.

In the galley, we enjoyed our hors d’oeuvres. Shown here is the Beef Carpaccio on Air Pillow, Chocolate Bacon, Apple Ribbon. Wow.

Also pictured is the Double-cooked Lamb, Tapioca. Even pictures can’t describe the delicacy and sensation of myriad spices and ingredients.

Beef Carpaccio on Air Pillow, Chocolate Bacon with Apple Ribbon

Double-cooked Lamb, Tapioca. The name doesn’t begin to describe the taste.

Bleu Cheese rolls, crackers and flavored butter

Duck Textures, Creamy Quinoa, Parmesan Churros, Olive Snow, Port Wine Jus

Two Tomatoes, Three Basil, Crisped Brioche, Garlic Chip

Waygu (Kobe) Beef, Bone Marrow Soufflé, Scallion & Garlic Panisse, Gremolata Crisp

Sea Salt Praline Chocolate, Raspberry Mojito, Key Lime Cake, Apricot Vanilla Gel, Citrus Cream

Today’s Special: Two Posts!

Posted on March 6, 2017 by mfna

I had a fun week. So much fun, in fact, that I’m going to make two separate posts covering different aspects. This post, is about my recent Caribbean cruise to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This was originally planned to be a carbon-copy of last year’s trip, but no sooner was I on board the Carnival Paradise, than I learned the ports of call had been

Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship

changed; gone was the stop at George Town, Grand Cayman, and added was a visit to Costa Maya, just down the coast. That was OK with me, as I’ve been to George Town several times and wasn’t interested in more than lunch ashore. Tulum, on the mainland from Cozumel was where I wanted to go. Truth be told, I was interested in purchasing a replacement obsidian cartouche for my granddaughter. The original never made it home from Florida last year.

So, I said if I ever had another chance…

Learning that Costa Maya offered a second opportunity to photograph Mayan ruins, I was all in. After all, photographing Mayan ruins while on a cruise was my impetus for purchasing a Nikon Coolpix P900 camera with its super-zoom lens. I lugged my camera gear around in the drizzle last year, and didn’t want a repeat experience. I am delighted to report that the Coolpix did an admirable job. It’s got a smaller sensor (16 mpx) than my D7100, and doesn’t shoot in NEF (RAW), but the super-zoom (24mm – 2000mm equivalent) gets you there in a hurry, and the results are excellent for day-to-day

An iguana, perched atop a walwas watching us tourists line up to enter the ancient city of Tulum.

photography. For example, this fellow was watching the tourists lining up to enter.

Tulum is the only evidence of the Mayan civilization on a coast site. The others are all inland, covered by centuries of jungle. Thus, Tulum not only offers great insight into the Mayan society, but also provides unfettered chances for photographing out in the open. The down side? Sunburn!

Perhaps the most iconic image of Tulum that makes the travel pages is the Temple of the Wind God, which sits perched some 39 feet above the seashore.

Temple of the Wind God, Tulum, Mexico

The super-zoom makes photographing this temple a dream of creativity.

Temple of the Wind God

Temple of the Wind God, Tulum, Mexico

The day was so nice that I was able to walk to the other side of the clearing and see the temple from another angle. The Castle Pyramid is the most impressive edifice, but the is also the Temple of Frescos, the Temple of the Descending God (yes, the tilt of the roof is intentional) and more. Despite the richness of the site, experts say it’s a small outpost. Map of Tulum.

Now, how to figure out placing photos on this page without requiring a lot of extraneous text….

Temple of the Wind God

Temple of the Descending God and Castle Pyramid

Temple of the Descending God and the Castle Pyramid.

Oh, I haven’t forgotten Chacchoben (“chak-CHO-ben”). This site was “rediscovered” in 1972, but it wasn’t until 1994 that the Mexican government set to restoring it. Work continued until it was opened to the public in 2002. It’s currently a small site, with only three pyramids restored. As money and time permit, more will be revealed.

The primary pyramid is the Temple Pyramid.

Temple Pyramid at Chacchoben, Mexico

There is ample evidence of other structures under the jungle overgrowth, as some of these photos show.

Temple Pyramid, Chacchoben, Mexico

Chacchoben Jungle Growth

Up next: Fine dining at sea and on land.

Just Because…

Posted on January 27, 2017 by mfna

Having updated WordPress to the latest release, I figured it was time to add another “nothing burger” to this site. Since no one reads it anyway, what the heck?

Lately, I’ve become acutely aware of my obsessive-compulsive nature due to my profligate acquisition of gear. Last year it was guns, this year guitars.

In the span of a couple of weeks, I’ve purchased two guitars. Heck, I’ve purchased 12 guitars in the past six months!

The latest, being wrapped and shipped as I write this, is a 2006 Fender Custom Shop Robin Trower Stratocaster, autographed by Trower himself.

Recently, I tripped over a gorgeous 50th anniversary Stratocaster, made in Mexico (MIM).

I had a slight issue with this one. The bottom E and A strings sounded “overdriven” when I played the instrument, so I took to to Melodee Music in Sterling, Virginia, where Chris, the savvy guitar tech, took a screwdriver and adjusted the neck pickup height. Told to “plug it in” and see if that fixed it, I there and then fell in love all over again. Thanks, Chris!

Now my guitar collection numbers 14. I’m doing my taxes now, and unless I’m overlooked something, I suspect I’ll have a refund sufficient to cover #15. And a Fender Deluxe Reverb 1968 Re-Issue, as well!

Why I Will Never Again Have an Android Device

Posted on December 19, 2016 by mfna

As a computer professional for the past 35 years, I’ve worked with a number of computers and operating systems. That I prefer Apple Macintoshes for my personal use does not mean that I find Apple completely flawless. Still, Apple and its variety of OSes (Mac, iOS, WatchOS, tvOS, etc.) seem to do their work well. Most of the time.

A few years ago I purchased a Google Nexus 7 tablet. I did so because I wanted the experience of Android OS. If I’m going to comment or criticize something, I should at least be familiar with it, no? So, yes, it was an impulse buy; nothing I needed for work.

But what a disaster it’s been. Shipping with version 4.3 (Jelly Bean), I have upgraded the Nexus as OS versions and updates were released. It is currently running 5.1.1 (Lollipop). And I think the Nexus does not support anything newer, which means I’m stuck in the past, with an unsupported OS just four years after buying. Contrast that with my Macbook Air, which I bought in 2012, and is humming along on MacOS Sierra (10.12.1), the latest.

I wouldn’t complain about the Nexus being obsolete if it only worked. But it doesn’t, and that’s the problem. For the past couple of years I have found that every application and system process freezes, crashes, and renders the device unusable. I might want to check the weather, and the weather app locks up. I might want to check my Gmail and the Inbox crashes. I’ve pretty much decided it’s not usable for anything except playing a game or two.

Strike that. It doesn’t even play games without crashing. Candy Crush Soda Saga and Bejeweled Blitz are the only two games that I waste time playing, and even they don’t run well. Did I say “run?” When they work (and that’s a big WHEN), they often crawl, become unresponsive, and crash.

I don’t think I got a fluke. And, since the device is out of warranty and not updateable, about the only future I see for it is as a range target for one day when I want to take my .45 out for some practice. The mental image of my glass-and-plastic device exploding into shrapnel continues to give me pleasure.

Some day. And after that day, Android will never exist within my sphere of computerdom.

This Is Fun!

Posted on September 28, 2016 by mfna

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, although I suspect anyone of any age who engages in guitar playing would agree. After all, why pursue playing any instrument if it weren’t fun (notwithstanding the parental requirement of having to play)?

For me, I sometimes feel like kicking myself for not expanding my horizons sooner. By that, I mean when I was deep into playing, I stayed pretty much in the acoustic guitar arena. Oh sure, I had my (very sweet) 1957 Gibson ES-225, which has a pickup, but I never really plugged it in to a serious amplifier.

1957 Gibson ES-225

Yes, I had my little Pignose amp, but that lulled me into thinking what I had was an electric guitar, when in truth what I had was an amplified acoustic-electric.

Then along came idle bachelorhood (again) and inspired by the young people playing guitar during church services, I pulled my instruments out of their cases, took them to a luthier for proper setup, replaced the strings, and started to play. I added another acoustic because I thought I might have to wait weeks for the setup to be completed.

But then I came across an electric guitar–one might even say the electric guitar of my dreams–and my life changed for the better. I bought the Eric Clapton artisan model Fender Stratocaster and a Fender Champion 40 amplifier, and I was transported into a new dimension.

Fender Eric Clapton signature model Stratocaster

But that was just the beginning. The Stratocaster was such a fine instruments, and I found playing an electric guitar so much more different than playing an acoustic, I added another electric to my collection. This one was the guitar world’s counterpoint to the Fender beast, a Gibson Les Paul.

Oh my, how the guitar world has changed since my days as a teenager. Back then, your choice in models was limited to a handful. Now, the choices are country of origin, type and number of pickups, and even the type and quality of the wood used to build the guitar. Gibson offers the Les Paul in Standard, Custom, Studio, Classic, and more. Gibson even owns the Epiphone company, which makes their own line of Les Pauls.

I found what I hope/believe is a collector’s item: A 2015 Gibson Les Paul Classic “Rock II.” It’s a limited-edition LP with a body that looks like marble instead of wood, hence the “Rock” monicker.

2015 Gibson Les Paul Classic “Rock II”

Now I was off and running. The other guitar of my youthful dreams was the Fender Telecaster, and lo and behold, I came across a 60th Anniversary mode that just spoke to me.

Fender 60th Anniversary Telecaster

Next up was another Stratocaster. Honestly, I wasn’t looking, but I came across this 40th Anniversary aluminum-bodies Strat, one of only 400 made, and added it to my growing collection.

Fender 40th Anniversary (194) Stratocaster w/ Aluminum Body

(I should also add that I bought a Pignose PGG-200 Deluxe travel/practice guitar to allow me to meet my commitment to myself to practice a minimum of 5 minutes a day).

I think I’ve cooled off on the collecting. I now have an acoustic 12-string, an acoustic (with built-in pickup) 6-string, an acoustic-electric, and four electric guitars plus one electric practice guitar. Knowing that collecting is a personal thing, I won’t say I’m done, but for the present, I have a wonderful choice of guitars to play when the urge strikes. And it strikes often!

The “Electric Company”

A Case of G. A. S.

Posted on September 13, 2016 by mfna

I’ve become afflicted with a condition known as “Gear Acquisition Syndrome.” This is a common occurrence, recognized immediately among the guitar (and gun) owning community.

For decades, I was more than satisfied with two guitars: a 1971 Framus 12-string and a 1957 Gibson ES-225. Now, within the span of a couple of months, my collection has grown to six.

Guitar Collection

From left to right:

Taylor “Big Baby Taylor-e”
Framus 12-string
1957 Gibson ES-225
2015 Gibson Les Paul limited edition “Classic Rock II”
2016 Fender Stratocaster, Eric Clapton signature model
2016 Pignose PGG-200 Deluxe

The newest addition is the Les Paul. The guitar I fell in love with the first moment I held and played it is the Stratocaster. I may look to add a Telecaster as well, and maybe replace the Les Paul with a more traditional model.

“What’s a Pignose?” you may be asking. Years ago, I bought a shoebox-sized practice amp that was powered by a 9-volt battery and had carrying strap buttons that enabled one to plug in and walk around while playing. I loved that little amp, and still have it!

Power in a Piggy Pack

Note the on/off/volume knob is shaped like a pig’s snout, hence the name.

Well, when I learned Pignose offered a practice guitar with a built-in amp and speaker, I just knew I had to have one. I found several models on Amazon, and went for the Deluxe (which I think differs from other models in that it has a humbucking pickup). I’ve committed to practicing a minimum of five minutes every day, and this guitar has already gone with me on two trips, helping me accomplish my goal. I’m going to put some heavier gauge strings on it though, because I find it goes out of tune too easily.

It’s a good thing I’m single and don’t have a lot of debts. 🙂

The Times They Have A-Changed

Posted on August 2, 2016 by mfna

One of the benefits of being single, employed and aging, is that one can pursue pastimes and interests without feeling guilt. As I have posted here, I’ve re-engaged in my photography interest, have enjoyed traveling extensively, and started an interest in the shooting sport.

So, once again, the bug has bitten, and out of the depths and shadows, I’ve begun playing guitar again. I taught myself to play guitar back when I was in high school, after feeling stifled that I had to go to the basement of my parents’ home to practice piano for eight years. I paid my best friend $10 for a beat up old Kay (Sears brand) guitar that had a bit of a warped neck, but it was all I needed to be able to “carry my music around.”

In college, I bought a brand-new 12-string guitar, made by Framus. I was in Germany at the time, so buying a local product was decidedly more cost-effective. Several years later, I traded a co-worker a set of four stereo speakers for a 1957 Gibson ES-225. I still have those guitars.

By my estimation, I played avidly for about 22 years. Then, I broke my left elbow at my daughter’s fourth birthday party (that’s another story), and due to having my arm immobilized for several weeks, combined with feeling stagnant, put the guitars away. And left them. For nearly 30 years!

All of a sudden, I’ve pulled them out again. I’ve dusted them off, changed the strings, and even took them to a luthier for some professional adjusting. Thinking I would need to leave them for a bit, I purchased a new guitar, to be used as a “beater” (I hate that term; perhaps “carry-and-practice” works better). It’s a Taylor, a brand I knew nothing about (FYI: they were founded in 1974 and are now the #1 manufacturer of acoustic guitars in the USA).

Searching for an appropriate “beater” guitar, I came across a site called Sweetwater. Wow! Photographs of the ACTUAL instrument (one can select among inventory), superb customer service and knowledge, and pretty soon, my order was in. Here are some of their photographs of MY guitar, which is scheduled to arrive tomorrow:

The guitar purchase includes a “gig bag,” a soft carry case used to tote it to “gigs.” I may get a hard case, but I want to see how this one works out first.