Sunday, September 30, 2012
Kids in General and Something other then Electricity
Hey Fellas,
Kids in general are smelly, sticky and loud. The only ones I seem to be able to stand are my own. Why? There are several factors that play into this but the most important one is that I love them for some unknown reason.
This is a fickle thing about kids: They are there no matter what. The difference between my kids and yours is what you deem appropriate. What I would think as wrong in my home, would be perfectly okay in yours. Personal I go with the idea that kids are better off seen and not heard. The problem with this is that they are not simple robots or Nick Knacks you can put on a shelf. They have feelings (hate those) and desires (hate those too) that often conflict with yours (say watching the game). This in lies the problem: How can I be me and still have them. This is a story as old as time. The problem now is that a man can't make the money with the wife taking care of the kids. We actually have to be involved and not come in with fire and brimstone when they begin sowing their oats disrespecting the wife. As much as we dislike this and are completely evolutionary ill equipped we deal as we always have: "Come here child and watch TV with me."
This is a bonding experience we all have with our children. Just the other night I watched The Cosby Show with my oldest kid and realized I should let Bill raise my kids as he and Clare are much more equipped than I. The problem is I don't have the DVR space to record every episode. Priorities right. So I have to do it the old fashion way, actually interact with my own children.
To be fair Kids are what we make them. So if I act like a lump on the couch, I'm pretty sure my kids are going to be lumps on the couch. My recommendation is wait until they are passable (about 5 they turn into something resembling a human) in public and start taking them to places that are free such as a museum, a park, a river, hiking tails, mountains, etc. And if they cry and complain find something they want to do. Remember when you have been a lump on a couch for years you have to start nice and slow. You can't go from TV, video games and ipods to roughing it for a month on a trail. Start slow with short time frames of interactions without any immediate gratification. If I want to eventually go to a museum I will have to start say at a Farmer's Market, an Art Fair, a car show, a Festival (of something or other) . A kid's natural habitat is the wild. So don't start in the inner city unless you live there (if you do, do the reverse of what I just said: Don't take them to the country until they know what a tree is). There is always something going on for cheap if not free. The problem is knowing where to look. Start using that computer for something other than porn.
Rudest Dad
Thursday, September 20, 2012
iPhone 5: Is it worth it?
Hey Fellas,
The new iPhone is coming out this week. The question every rational non-apple humping person in society is asking: Is the new phone worth it?
The only reason you need the new phone is if your contract is up in my opinion. Needing the phone because its the new shiny thing means your an Apple Zealot Addict. Like most I have and love my iPhone 4s. I just got it and there is no way I'm going to be waiting in line at midnight to get one. Halo 4 or COD: Black Ops 2 more likely to get me staying up pass my bed time.
Lets look at the difference:new things offered
1. 18% thinner and 22% lighter. .666in thinner Meaning the width went from .37in to .30in. The weight went from 4.9oz to 3.8ozs. Sorry not a deal breaker.
2. More speakers with a speaker in a different location: Sorry not a deal breaker.
3. Access to 4g Lte networks. Worth it only if you A) live in a city offering the service and B) have a service that can support it. The reality of the 4g wireless is there is not enough of a sound structure for you to worry about it right now. Sorry not a deal breaker.
4. A6 chip. The whole reason for the new processing chip is to handle the 4g LTE network. I'm pretty sure you won't see the difference between the A5 and A6 chips. Sorry not a deal breaker.
5. New headphones. I can buy those separate if my current headphones aren't awesome enough. Sorry not a deal breaker.
6. New charging/synching plug: Assholes. If you buy this phone you are now having to upgrade or buy an adapter for $30 a pop. You know my entire house is set up using the current 13 prong jack. And apple TV is not worth the hundred bucks per to replace what I have. Do you know how much money that is. Shit I'm finally going to be able to afford the old 13 prong connector stuff because it's all going on sale. Apple just made 11 years of equipment obsolete. Score for the 4s guy.
7. Retina Display. Have the new ipad, can't tell the difference. Sorry not a deal breaker.
8. Panorama Camera option, New Siri, Maps, icloud, Air Play, and Printing are all O6 software upgrade. Getting that for free who cares the new phone has it.
9. Slightly Longer. Happy with the current size. Concerns of having the phone in my pocket now.
10. New stronger battery. If you look at the 4s battery life vs the 5 you get the same results. The only reason the battery is stronger is to support the 4g Lte network that you won't be using regularly because most of the cell companies don't have the infrastructure to support the 4g Lte data download. And unless you have sprint you are going to pay a premium for data anyway. Sorry not a deal breaker.
So the new iPhone comes down to the basic question. 1) Are you ready to replace all your iPod stuff for the new connection cord and 2) if your contract is up. Because I can bet if you buy it straight up you are going to pay near a grand for the basic model. Personally if your only upgrading because its time to replace your phone. Going with the 4s is cheaper and I believe a happier way to go. For the rule of thumb with any new technology and gadget: NEVER BUY THE FIRST ONE.
Haven't we learned our lessons of Tech history. The first generation is always going to have issues. The new iPhone is all new tech and design. This is a new phone for apple and we have learned apple does 2 things very well: 1) selling you their prototypes 2) being very selective in how they handle their software.
The iPhone 5 is going to have issues: what those issues are is the questions all the Apple Zealot Addicts are going to solve for me when in a year or two the 5s comes out with all the hardware fixes, just in time when I'm ready to upgrade my contract.
This guy's opinion is pass on the new phone go for the 4s if your ready for a new phone. All the cool stuff being offered is on the 4s and won't break your accounts upgrading all the ipod connections you have collected over the pass decade.
Rudest Dad
The new iPhone is coming out this week. The question every rational non-apple humping person in society is asking: Is the new phone worth it?
The only reason you need the new phone is if your contract is up in my opinion. Needing the phone because its the new shiny thing means your an Apple Zealot Addict. Like most I have and love my iPhone 4s. I just got it and there is no way I'm going to be waiting in line at midnight to get one. Halo 4 or COD: Black Ops 2 more likely to get me staying up pass my bed time.
Lets look at the difference:new things offered
1. 18% thinner and 22% lighter. .666in thinner Meaning the width went from .37in to .30in. The weight went from 4.9oz to 3.8ozs. Sorry not a deal breaker.
2. More speakers with a speaker in a different location: Sorry not a deal breaker.
3. Access to 4g Lte networks. Worth it only if you A) live in a city offering the service and B) have a service that can support it. The reality of the 4g wireless is there is not enough of a sound structure for you to worry about it right now. Sorry not a deal breaker.
4. A6 chip. The whole reason for the new processing chip is to handle the 4g LTE network. I'm pretty sure you won't see the difference between the A5 and A6 chips. Sorry not a deal breaker.
5. New headphones. I can buy those separate if my current headphones aren't awesome enough. Sorry not a deal breaker.
6. New charging/synching plug: Assholes. If you buy this phone you are now having to upgrade or buy an adapter for $30 a pop. You know my entire house is set up using the current 13 prong jack. And apple TV is not worth the hundred bucks per to replace what I have. Do you know how much money that is. Shit I'm finally going to be able to afford the old 13 prong connector stuff because it's all going on sale. Apple just made 11 years of equipment obsolete. Score for the 4s guy.
7. Retina Display. Have the new ipad, can't tell the difference. Sorry not a deal breaker.
8. Panorama Camera option, New Siri, Maps, icloud, Air Play, and Printing are all O6 software upgrade. Getting that for free who cares the new phone has it.
9. Slightly Longer. Happy with the current size. Concerns of having the phone in my pocket now.
10. New stronger battery. If you look at the 4s battery life vs the 5 you get the same results. The only reason the battery is stronger is to support the 4g Lte network that you won't be using regularly because most of the cell companies don't have the infrastructure to support the 4g Lte data download. And unless you have sprint you are going to pay a premium for data anyway. Sorry not a deal breaker.
So the new iPhone comes down to the basic question. 1) Are you ready to replace all your iPod stuff for the new connection cord and 2) if your contract is up. Because I can bet if you buy it straight up you are going to pay near a grand for the basic model. Personally if your only upgrading because its time to replace your phone. Going with the 4s is cheaper and I believe a happier way to go. For the rule of thumb with any new technology and gadget: NEVER BUY THE FIRST ONE.
Haven't we learned our lessons of Tech history. The first generation is always going to have issues. The new iPhone is all new tech and design. This is a new phone for apple and we have learned apple does 2 things very well: 1) selling you their prototypes 2) being very selective in how they handle their software.
The iPhone 5 is going to have issues: what those issues are is the questions all the Apple Zealot Addicts are going to solve for me when in a year or two the 5s comes out with all the hardware fixes, just in time when I'm ready to upgrade my contract.
This guy's opinion is pass on the new phone go for the 4s if your ready for a new phone. All the cool stuff being offered is on the 4s and won't break your accounts upgrading all the ipod connections you have collected over the pass decade.
Rudest Dad
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Car Make Over
Hey Fellas,
What are the two biggest problems with your old car. You envy the guy in the new car. Well for a fraction of the cost of a new car you can make over your car with minimum difficulty and give you a day to yourself or a project with your kids.
Over the years I have found that my car sound sucks after a few months. The reason for this is because the factory addition speakers are made from foam and cardboard. So my tunes sound like shit and sooner or later I'm going to blow them out listening to Wu-Tang Clan.
The solution is very simple. 4 speakers and a deck for your car at a minimum. The question how far you want to go is up to you. You can find these at Wal-Mart or on-line. The key is knowing if what you want will fit into your car. Crutchfield.com is a great site for figuring out if the deck you want will actually fit into your car. Click on this site below and it will get you started. Buying from them is pricy but if your a first timer and want to do it yourself they have excellent support and instructions for your car.
http://www.crutchfield.com/app/car/carselector.aspx?lp=%2fApp%2fCar%2foutfitmycar%2fcar.aspx
How do you want to remake your car. This question has three parts: the first is how much can my wallet afford. The second is what is what is my skill level in doing this project. Third, what is appropriate for my life. I have kids and carry lots of different crap throughout the year. So putting in a box, pull down TV is a waste (even though its what I want). Instead with the age of my kids and my family budget 4 speakers and a deck are all I really need at the moment. But believe me, as soon as I can I'll pimp my ride.
If this is your first time taking on anything like this you are going to need a few tools: wire stripper, wire cutters, electrical tape, soldering iron and solder, Haynes Repair Manual for your Model and Year, 6-in-one screw driver, trim panel tools, computer, ***wiring harness, ***Dash Kit, time and patience.
Now any entertainment project for your home or car the receiver (deck) is the most important. It's the hub and it's abilities will give you options later if you want to upgrade. No with the technology out there there are some questions you need to ask yourself. 1) How much do I use my car: are you in the car for hours or minutes, in and out, etc. 2) what's my tech like: ipod vs. mp3 player, flip vs smart phone, CDs?. If you listen to cds still then you will need a player. If your iphone only than having a blue tooth touch to talk system is handy. 3) Can I handle the technology: This is huge. If you have trouble dealing with your phone then bells and whistles aren't for you. 4) Can I get away with just replacing my deck: some cars have infinity/bose speakers in, the deck just outdated. A good deck can boost your sound quality of decent already install speakers. 5) Will the deck I choose fit my car and style: If you drive a minivan your not gonna want some over the top deck. Sometime less is more.
Personally I have a Pioneer 6200BT deck with 4 - 51/2" Pioneer 3-way speakers in an old Subaru Outback. Let me tell you this slim deck is perfect for me and the kids as I cart them around. Comes with everything to hook up Hands-Free Blue Tooth speaker and synch's with my iphone without any issues. I don't even have to take the phone out of my pocket to listen to music.
Now when you install keep in mind you will have to buy in addition to the deck and speakers a wiring harness for the make and model of your care as well as a dash kit. No one tells you about these, they assume you know. ***MAKE SURE YOU GET THESE"""
The wiring harness should come with a diagram. You will have to splice them together then either A) solder them together or B) use a crimp splice. Twisting and wrapping with electoral tape is passable but I learned the hard way it doesn't last. Once this is done you can just snap it into the harness in the car.
The dash kit can be another headache if you don't prepare. When I did my Subaru I had a combo CD and tape deck. My new deck was a 1/3 of all that factory trash. Leaving me a giant whole when the kit only came with one pocket. I had to order a piece from an actual Subaru dealer to get the right part. Now I have two pockets, one's even got a door. But I had to drive around for 2 weeks with an ugly whole in my dash. Taking sometime during the week to prep will save you hours of frustration later.
Last and not least take your time. An extra hour or two of patience will save the door panel from never fitting right again. My wife still gives me shit when I ripped the speaker cover out all those years ago. If you run into a problem, google it. Someone, somewhere has a video that will teach you how to get the details right.
Good Luck & FUN
-Rudest Dad
What are the two biggest problems with your old car. You envy the guy in the new car. Well for a fraction of the cost of a new car you can make over your car with minimum difficulty and give you a day to yourself or a project with your kids.
Over the years I have found that my car sound sucks after a few months. The reason for this is because the factory addition speakers are made from foam and cardboard. So my tunes sound like shit and sooner or later I'm going to blow them out listening to Wu-Tang Clan.
The solution is very simple. 4 speakers and a deck for your car at a minimum. The question how far you want to go is up to you. You can find these at Wal-Mart or on-line. The key is knowing if what you want will fit into your car. Crutchfield.com is a great site for figuring out if the deck you want will actually fit into your car. Click on this site below and it will get you started. Buying from them is pricy but if your a first timer and want to do it yourself they have excellent support and instructions for your car.
http://www.crutchfield.com/app/car/carselector.aspx?lp=%2fApp%2fCar%2foutfitmycar%2fcar.aspx
How do you want to remake your car. This question has three parts: the first is how much can my wallet afford. The second is what is what is my skill level in doing this project. Third, what is appropriate for my life. I have kids and carry lots of different crap throughout the year. So putting in a box, pull down TV is a waste (even though its what I want). Instead with the age of my kids and my family budget 4 speakers and a deck are all I really need at the moment. But believe me, as soon as I can I'll pimp my ride.
If this is your first time taking on anything like this you are going to need a few tools: wire stripper, wire cutters, electrical tape, soldering iron and solder, Haynes Repair Manual for your Model and Year, 6-in-one screw driver, trim panel tools, computer, ***wiring harness, ***Dash Kit, time and patience.
Now any entertainment project for your home or car the receiver (deck) is the most important. It's the hub and it's abilities will give you options later if you want to upgrade. No with the technology out there there are some questions you need to ask yourself. 1) How much do I use my car: are you in the car for hours or minutes, in and out, etc. 2) what's my tech like: ipod vs. mp3 player, flip vs smart phone, CDs?. If you listen to cds still then you will need a player. If your iphone only than having a blue tooth touch to talk system is handy. 3) Can I handle the technology: This is huge. If you have trouble dealing with your phone then bells and whistles aren't for you. 4) Can I get away with just replacing my deck: some cars have infinity/bose speakers in, the deck just outdated. A good deck can boost your sound quality of decent already install speakers. 5) Will the deck I choose fit my car and style: If you drive a minivan your not gonna want some over the top deck. Sometime less is more.
Personally I have a Pioneer 6200BT deck with 4 - 51/2" Pioneer 3-way speakers in an old Subaru Outback. Let me tell you this slim deck is perfect for me and the kids as I cart them around. Comes with everything to hook up Hands-Free Blue Tooth speaker and synch's with my iphone without any issues. I don't even have to take the phone out of my pocket to listen to music.
Now when you install keep in mind you will have to buy in addition to the deck and speakers a wiring harness for the make and model of your care as well as a dash kit. No one tells you about these, they assume you know. ***MAKE SURE YOU GET THESE"""
The wiring harness should come with a diagram. You will have to splice them together then either A) solder them together or B) use a crimp splice. Twisting and wrapping with electoral tape is passable but I learned the hard way it doesn't last. Once this is done you can just snap it into the harness in the car.
The dash kit can be another headache if you don't prepare. When I did my Subaru I had a combo CD and tape deck. My new deck was a 1/3 of all that factory trash. Leaving me a giant whole when the kit only came with one pocket. I had to order a piece from an actual Subaru dealer to get the right part. Now I have two pockets, one's even got a door. But I had to drive around for 2 weeks with an ugly whole in my dash. Taking sometime during the week to prep will save you hours of frustration later.
Last and not least take your time. An extra hour or two of patience will save the door panel from never fitting right again. My wife still gives me shit when I ripped the speaker cover out all those years ago. If you run into a problem, google it. Someone, somewhere has a video that will teach you how to get the details right.
Good Luck & FUN
-Rudest Dad
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