There are numerous things on yahoo and other sites that talk about the top 10 things you should buy or what you should be doing in a relationship. That's a bunch of hooey. Top 5 things your wife and you should be doing in your relationship and Why.
1. Putting your relationship before the kids: There's this saying: we can have more kids, but you can't find a new soul mate. That's the truth. If you think you have a soul mate and are in love with your wife, you should put each other first. Fuck the kids. Because when parents are happy with each other you role model healthy relationships for your kids which in turn teaches them the value of a healthy relationship.
2. Being affectionate with your partner consistently: Men equate love with physical contact. Telling your husband you love him is not the same. Men work on this principle: Action. You can say whatever you want, but if there is no follow through with cuddles and simple scratches behind the ears you push your man away. Women on the other hand equate love with the time you spend with them listening to their problems. Common complaint of divorce women, "He never listened to me." Cuddle on the couch and let her talk about her problems. Win-Win.
3. Show off the goods: Men are visual creatures. We see women dressed with exposed legs and thighs are libido kicks in. Have your husband's libido kick in on you and not the other girl. Women tend to like us clean and maintained. Clean up your look, shave the inside of your ears and pluck the uni brow. Women and men after having children, having been married for years become complacent and conservative in their attitudes and dress. Leading most people to gain 50+ pounds. This leads to some stale times in a marriage.
4. Be rewarded every time we do something for you: We learned in psych 101 that you can condition any slightly intelligent creature using two basic reinforcements. If you have a honey-do list and he completes it you shouldn't bitch and moan or give him more work as this is negative reinforcement, teaching us that these lists of yours suck, hence we come to despise them. Once we completes a honey-do list a reward for our efforts is necessary for us to not necessary enjoy them but know there is something waiting after a good job. Men this means acknowledging and praising your wife when she changes the drapes, puts up decorations or completes a project at work. Praise and tell her how awesome she is.
5. Put in the Effort: Kids, work, chores, bills, life have a tendency to suck your life and soul right out of you. Being in a marriage means that you have someone to lean on. But like everything else this requires effort. A good way to gain more energy and spend time together is to work out. This is easily done in the living room with the kids screaming and trying to kill themselves through the numerous brilliant ideas they come up with. Putting in 30 minutes everyday working out together lets each other know your committed to each other.
Many of these things are simple basic concepts we all do when we start dating in our youth with little care about things like bills and kids. With all the things in life we start having to deal with once we become responsible adults we tend to lose sight of the things that brought you to that point in your life in the first place, your relationship with your partner. If you don't take care of your significant other, everything your life is built on seems to come apart all at once. Don't wait until you have to seek professional help that will cost you $100+ a week, making you shovel tons of built up anger and resentment to remember why you liked the person in the first place. Putting in a little daily work will save you hours and thousands of dollars later.
-Rudest Dad
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
SLR Cameras and Why
Hey Everyone,
So the holiday's are upon us. There are several things that are going to happen to you this year. The first is you are going to spend to much money on other people, get some crappy presents from people who think they are doing you a favor and hopefully you can wiggle enough money out of the deal to buy yourself something nice for the holidays that you will use and actually like.
For me this year I bought a DSLR Camera. You know the high end Digital Camera's that have all the lens you can take off and on with different zooms. Now for those of you out there I want to make clear, I have been and continue to be a photo taker. Back in the day I even used a Dark Lab to develop my own pictures from that stuff they use to make called film. I used a Cannon AE-1, one of the best camera's ever made in my opinion. I still have it tucked in the closet and wish they made film so I could develop in a dark room most days. But time, energy and space are not the hallmark of being a parent. So Digital it is. I have for the last few years been watching the market and what is out their. These two things have lead to this purchase. Now most of the SLR camera's (once you reach a certain point) become a matter of criteria of wants then necessity. The camera on your phone is just as good for everyday use that having a DSLR Camera. If you only want it as a status symbol rather then something you would actually use, spend the money on something else. If you actually want to get into photography it isn't for you start with something cheap and learn about ISO's and apertures along with the different techniques of photography using a Cannon Power Shot or something similar. Personally I would go with the Olympus Touch as they are great for the beach, pool and everywhere else you want to go. If you have and want to continue being a photographer then a DSLR is for you.
I say this with the express knowledge that a good DSLR Camera is expensive. There is no need to purchase one if you won't use it. Now back to the matter at hand. Like most Photographer's of the prehistoric age of film we understand ISO, aperture and the overall mechanics of a camera. Can't tell you how many times I have repaired and cleaned that old cannon. The general principle of the DSLR is still the same. The difference is that rather than burning the image using light onto film, it digitizes the image. This is neat as with the current technology rather then having to replace the film you can do this with a memory card in under 30 seconds. Which are reusable, never deteriorate and won't get ruin despite getting wet, stepped on and/or most other things. Plus you can cram them into your pocket and it won't feel funny.
The other side to owning his type of camera is the use of photo software and what your computer is able to use. I'm geeky and have plenty of access and knowledge to become efficient in most software that is out there, the other side is cost. Real high end software can run you several hundred dollars if you are serious about using it. Plus with the market there is always a newer and better thing to come out. Finding something in between can help you come out of the dark room and into the digital age. I personally like the ability to turn color into black and white (personal preference to develop pictures in) without having to use different negatives and solutions, the down side is you loose the actual art form of photography. Digital gives everyone the chance to think they are the next new thing. Who knows you might be.
Now you own the Camera and want to use it. These new models can do about anything up to and including shooting HD film. This is cool but sucks a butt load of memory at once. There are several things you have to learn and set the preferences for what you want the camera to do. My personal choices are to not review every picture I take. I rather shoot as much as I can and pick from the pile later, with a large memory card and multiple cards with these cameras you are more than able to find a rose in a pile of shit. The second is how in depth you want to get into "change the features". Remember you can always reset them. My suggestion is you to go one step at a time in altering the setting with a notation to yourself in what you did. This way if you screw something up you can still make the changes you liked and miss the one you didn't. Once your set up and ready to shoot go out and shoot. Spend a day or a week shooting everything you can to get over the awkward feeling of having a large phallic device in your hand all the time. The best thing you can do with this is to shoot and play with the software. Don't be afraid to mess up. There is always a reset switch. If you write down your steps as you go you won't get but so lost.
There is a wealth of information on what you need and can buy. If you are like me and have to buy these in sections this is the order you should take once you are taking pictures:
1. Lens UV Filter (Need to buy this, prevents a lot of dust problems and issues with your pictures)
2. LCD screen protector
3. Good Bag to Hold your Camera, lenses, accessories, cords and all the other things you want.
4. Extra Battery(s)
5. Tripod/mono pod (depends on how mobile you are)
6. upgrade camera strap
7. External Hard Drive (14 megabits a picture add up after a while. No need to clog your computer memory)
8. Lenses (most expensive add-ons)
Remember the key to photography is learning the different ways you take a picture of the same thing. Most of it comes through experience and the deep desire to capture the world in a way you see it or develop a new perspective. This only comes through taking millions of pictures. With a DSLR you are more then capable of taking millions of pictures without having to keep them all (unless you want to). A DSLR is for someone who has a good understanding of photography and wants to take an active hobby development of this. If this doesn't apply use the camera on your phone or get a Pocket Camera, you will save yourself a butt load of money.
-RudestDad
So the holiday's are upon us. There are several things that are going to happen to you this year. The first is you are going to spend to much money on other people, get some crappy presents from people who think they are doing you a favor and hopefully you can wiggle enough money out of the deal to buy yourself something nice for the holidays that you will use and actually like.
For me this year I bought a DSLR Camera. You know the high end Digital Camera's that have all the lens you can take off and on with different zooms. Now for those of you out there I want to make clear, I have been and continue to be a photo taker. Back in the day I even used a Dark Lab to develop my own pictures from that stuff they use to make called film. I used a Cannon AE-1, one of the best camera's ever made in my opinion. I still have it tucked in the closet and wish they made film so I could develop in a dark room most days. But time, energy and space are not the hallmark of being a parent. So Digital it is. I have for the last few years been watching the market and what is out their. These two things have lead to this purchase. Now most of the SLR camera's (once you reach a certain point) become a matter of criteria of wants then necessity. The camera on your phone is just as good for everyday use that having a DSLR Camera. If you only want it as a status symbol rather then something you would actually use, spend the money on something else. If you actually want to get into photography it isn't for you start with something cheap and learn about ISO's and apertures along with the different techniques of photography using a Cannon Power Shot or something similar. Personally I would go with the Olympus Touch as they are great for the beach, pool and everywhere else you want to go. If you have and want to continue being a photographer then a DSLR is for you.
I say this with the express knowledge that a good DSLR Camera is expensive. There is no need to purchase one if you won't use it. Now back to the matter at hand. Like most Photographer's of the prehistoric age of film we understand ISO, aperture and the overall mechanics of a camera. Can't tell you how many times I have repaired and cleaned that old cannon. The general principle of the DSLR is still the same. The difference is that rather than burning the image using light onto film, it digitizes the image. This is neat as with the current technology rather then having to replace the film you can do this with a memory card in under 30 seconds. Which are reusable, never deteriorate and won't get ruin despite getting wet, stepped on and/or most other things. Plus you can cram them into your pocket and it won't feel funny.
The other side to owning his type of camera is the use of photo software and what your computer is able to use. I'm geeky and have plenty of access and knowledge to become efficient in most software that is out there, the other side is cost. Real high end software can run you several hundred dollars if you are serious about using it. Plus with the market there is always a newer and better thing to come out. Finding something in between can help you come out of the dark room and into the digital age. I personally like the ability to turn color into black and white (personal preference to develop pictures in) without having to use different negatives and solutions, the down side is you loose the actual art form of photography. Digital gives everyone the chance to think they are the next new thing. Who knows you might be.
Now you own the Camera and want to use it. These new models can do about anything up to and including shooting HD film. This is cool but sucks a butt load of memory at once. There are several things you have to learn and set the preferences for what you want the camera to do. My personal choices are to not review every picture I take. I rather shoot as much as I can and pick from the pile later, with a large memory card and multiple cards with these cameras you are more than able to find a rose in a pile of shit. The second is how in depth you want to get into "change the features". Remember you can always reset them. My suggestion is you to go one step at a time in altering the setting with a notation to yourself in what you did. This way if you screw something up you can still make the changes you liked and miss the one you didn't. Once your set up and ready to shoot go out and shoot. Spend a day or a week shooting everything you can to get over the awkward feeling of having a large phallic device in your hand all the time. The best thing you can do with this is to shoot and play with the software. Don't be afraid to mess up. There is always a reset switch. If you write down your steps as you go you won't get but so lost.
There is a wealth of information on what you need and can buy. If you are like me and have to buy these in sections this is the order you should take once you are taking pictures:
1. Lens UV Filter (Need to buy this, prevents a lot of dust problems and issues with your pictures)
2. LCD screen protector
3. Good Bag to Hold your Camera, lenses, accessories, cords and all the other things you want.
4. Extra Battery(s)
5. Tripod/mono pod (depends on how mobile you are)
6. upgrade camera strap
7. External Hard Drive (14 megabits a picture add up after a while. No need to clog your computer memory)
8. Lenses (most expensive add-ons)
Remember the key to photography is learning the different ways you take a picture of the same thing. Most of it comes through experience and the deep desire to capture the world in a way you see it or develop a new perspective. This only comes through taking millions of pictures. With a DSLR you are more then capable of taking millions of pictures without having to keep them all (unless you want to). A DSLR is for someone who has a good understanding of photography and wants to take an active hobby development of this. If this doesn't apply use the camera on your phone or get a Pocket Camera, you will save yourself a butt load of money.
-RudestDad
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Role Modeling for Your Kids
Hey Fellas,
How do we have healthy, happy kids. We teach them of course. We as fathers are responsible for the overall health, education and development of our kids. School, neighbors and everyone has an impact, but nothing compared to you and the wife.
What is the biggest part of raising a kid? Role Modeling! What you do, is what your kids do. If you want your kids to be healthy and active. You have show them what it means to be healthy and active by being healthy and active.
I've come to this conclusion over the last few months. I've always been healthy and active from lifting weights to hiking, traveling, swimming, playing sports, running and other such activities. What I didn't realize is how much my kid actually wasn't a part of this. What my kid sees is me talking about such things, but never actually doing them. Leading back to the old saying: Monkey See, Monkey Do. Now when I get home after a long day, the couch is trying to run away and I have to sit on it while watching TV to stop if from running away. Well, guess what, this is what my kid sees as he doesn't come to work with me or the gym or whatever. And especially these last few months I broke my hand and couldn't do anything.
So, part of getting back into shape I've started bringing my oldest along with me. Now he couldn't keep up and limited my workout, but the fact he was doing it next to me made all the difference between knowing and doing. Now he works out with me 2 days a week. But the most important part of this is giving my kid(s) a foundation of knowing what a healthy life style could be.
Rudest Dad
How do we have healthy, happy kids. We teach them of course. We as fathers are responsible for the overall health, education and development of our kids. School, neighbors and everyone has an impact, but nothing compared to you and the wife.
What is the biggest part of raising a kid? Role Modeling! What you do, is what your kids do. If you want your kids to be healthy and active. You have show them what it means to be healthy and active by being healthy and active.
I've come to this conclusion over the last few months. I've always been healthy and active from lifting weights to hiking, traveling, swimming, playing sports, running and other such activities. What I didn't realize is how much my kid actually wasn't a part of this. What my kid sees is me talking about such things, but never actually doing them. Leading back to the old saying: Monkey See, Monkey Do. Now when I get home after a long day, the couch is trying to run away and I have to sit on it while watching TV to stop if from running away. Well, guess what, this is what my kid sees as he doesn't come to work with me or the gym or whatever. And especially these last few months I broke my hand and couldn't do anything.
So, part of getting back into shape I've started bringing my oldest along with me. Now he couldn't keep up and limited my workout, but the fact he was doing it next to me made all the difference between knowing and doing. Now he works out with me 2 days a week. But the most important part of this is giving my kid(s) a foundation of knowing what a healthy life style could be.
Rudest Dad
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
Saturday, July 28, 2012
What To DVR for 2012 - 2013
First and Foremost several of these shows should be on your DVR. If they aren't someone needs to schedule an intervention. If your watching reality TV just take your man card out and hand it to your wife or significant other This list does not include sports or anything from the summer shows that are becoming a saving grace to the re-run from last season we are use to.
Second I'm going to list the shows by days and give you the channel and time it will come on once the season starts. No I don't know when they will start. Being a Grown means sometimes you have to do things yourself. DVR everything and don't bother with commercials. Included the start dates of non-basic channels
If you want the full line up (does not include not basics):
http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/05/16/cbs-fall-2012-13-schedule-revealed/
* = Hopes the new show isn't a flop. High Hopes for success but won't hold my breath.
Bones on FOX at 8pm
How I Met Your Mother on CBS at 8pm
Partners on CBS at 8:30pm (New Show)
- Will and Jack are best friends with one of them being straight.
*Revolution on NBC at 10pm (New Show)
-What happens when all the lights go out? This is apparently what happens. Appears to be based on the S.M. Sterling Books about "the Change". An uncle must help his dead brother's daughter rescue her brother from the evil Warlord of the Midwest.
Son's of Anarchy on FX at 10pm, September 11th
Vegas on CBS at 10pm (New Show)
-The story of how Vegas is cleaned up by a rancher turned Sheriff. Walking Tall meets the Shield.
Animal Practice on NBC at 8pm (New Show)
-Scrubs meets an upscale vet clinic in New York city
*Guys with Kids on NBC at 8:30pm (New Show)
-Your 30 with a kid(s) and you don't want to lose your coolness and still see your friends. What every man fears turned into a comedy.
The Neighbors on ABC at 9:30pm (New Show)
-You get your dream house is posh New Jersey neighborhood. But your neighbors happen to be aliens and are just as screwed up as you.
*Arrow on CW at 8pm (New Show)
-How Oliver McQueen became the Green Arrow - Spinoff from Smallville
Supernatural on CW at 9pm
Big Bang Theory on CBS at 8pm
Two and a Half Men on CBS at 8:30
Person of Interest on CBS at 9pm
*Elemental on CBS at 9pm (New Show)
-Sherlock Homes leaves London winding up in Manhattan solving crime with Lucy Liu at the ever present Dr. Watson.
The League on FX (Time and Date TBA)
Whitney on NBC @ 8pm
Last Man Standing on ABC @ 8pm
Saturday:
You should be doing something other then watching TV
Dexter on Showtime at 9pm (September 30th)
Do No Harm on NBC at 10pm (New Show)
-The classic tail of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in an updated format.
Second I'm going to list the shows by days and give you the channel and time it will come on once the season starts. No I don't know when they will start. Being a Grown means sometimes you have to do things yourself. DVR everything and don't bother with commercials. Included the start dates of non-basic channels
If you want the full line up (does not include not basics):
http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/05/16/cbs-fall-2012-13-schedule-revealed/
* = Hopes the new show isn't a flop. High Hopes for success but won't hold my breath.
Monday:
Bones on FOX at 8pm
How I Met Your Mother on CBS at 8pm
Partners on CBS at 8:30pm (New Show)
- Will and Jack are best friends with one of them being straight.
*Revolution on NBC at 10pm (New Show)
-What happens when all the lights go out? This is apparently what happens. Appears to be based on the S.M. Sterling Books about "the Change". An uncle must help his dead brother's daughter rescue her brother from the evil Warlord of the Midwest.
Tuesday:
Son's of Anarchy on FX at 10pm, September 11th
Vegas on CBS at 10pm (New Show)
-The story of how Vegas is cleaned up by a rancher turned Sheriff. Walking Tall meets the Shield.
Wednesday:
Animal Practice on NBC at 8pm (New Show)
-Scrubs meets an upscale vet clinic in New York city
*Guys with Kids on NBC at 8:30pm (New Show)
-Your 30 with a kid(s) and you don't want to lose your coolness and still see your friends. What every man fears turned into a comedy.
The Neighbors on ABC at 9:30pm (New Show)
-You get your dream house is posh New Jersey neighborhood. But your neighbors happen to be aliens and are just as screwed up as you.
*Arrow on CW at 8pm (New Show)
-How Oliver McQueen became the Green Arrow - Spinoff from Smallville
Supernatural on CW at 9pm
Thursday:
Big Bang Theory on CBS at 8pm
Two and a Half Men on CBS at 8:30
Person of Interest on CBS at 9pm
*Elemental on CBS at 9pm (New Show)
-Sherlock Homes leaves London winding up in Manhattan solving crime with Lucy Liu at the ever present Dr. Watson.
The League on FX (Time and Date TBA)
Friday:
Whitney on NBC @ 8pm
Last Man Standing on ABC @ 8pm
Saturday:
You should be doing something other then watching TV
Sunday:
Dexter on Showtime at 9pm (September 30th)
Do No Harm on NBC at 10pm (New Show)
-The classic tail of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in an updated format.
Possible Mid Season Add Ins with Possibilities:
*Friend Me (Midseason) on CBS
-Two friends move to LA and put an advertisement out to meet new people. Harold and Kumar meeting and hanging out with someone new each week.
Cult (midseason) on CW
-A fictional TV about a Cult starts to has a real cult following.
The Goodwin (midseason) FOX
-What happens when your daddy leaves a shit load of money behind and you have to jump through hoops to get it.
*The Following (midseason) FOX
-Kevin Bacon is a retired FBI agent until the serial killer he put away 9 years ago breaks out and starts recruiting and organizing the 300 active Serial Killers in America.
Hanibal (midseason) NBC
-Turning the Red Dragon Movie into a TV series.
*Next Caller (midseason) NBC
-Radio's Man Show is getting a pretty perky upbeat girl as co-host and he's not happy about it.
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