(BB)

My wife just called to say that not only are they bringing home 10lbs of fresh strawberries, but a gallon of raw goats milk as well. Goats milk ice cream is one of my favorites, and with some fresh juicy strawberries on top. I'm already committed to one batch for a picnic tomorrow, so it looks like the ice cream machine has a lot of spinning to do.

Living out here in the NW I have known a lot of people who worked the fishing boats up in Alaska. My wife even spent a couple months on a canning boat. Although nothing like the physical work those guys are doing, most of the boats I have know work 12hrs on 12hrs off for 6 days a week and then even more when when things are really busy. I don't know if the money is as good as it use to be, but about 10 years back I had friends who would bring home $20,000 to $30,000 for a few months work. Granted there were no long term benefits and very little job security. Most of the folks I know had gotten out of it by their early 30's, although a good friend was married to a mechanic who worked till his early 50's. It ain't the easiest way to pay the bills that's for sure. edit to add the smell of one of those boats was enough to put me off eating seafood for a month or two

The brat (who was beat on) Judy (who is a punk) Sheena (who is a punk rocker)

Butter!! WTF?? Now I know you've lost your mind. Olive oil my friend, olive oil. Nothing wrong with olive oil, as matter of fact I haven't met a fat from the natural world (vs. the minds of Monsanto) that I didn't like. But butter makes everything better. Good fresh butter on a big slab of bread is one of the finest things this world has to offer.

Thumbelina Tom Thumb Don Mclean

Mr. Hanky Hank Williams &, Hank's son Hank Williams

Billy Bang Boom Boom Mancini Pops

another view. Jim, Thanks, for all your hard work keeping this place going. Bill

Without this place to lurk I ended up deconstructing an old TT and then started rebuilding it. Mostly I have taken everything completely apart cleaned, lubed and replaced a few simple parts. The tone-arm will be the first major piece to be replaced, as that one that came with it has the wrong head shell, therefore the nickel bolted to the top so that it will balance. I was pleased just to get in back together so that it works. I have listened to it through head phones but have not hooked it up to speakers yet. I have no idea what it will look like when I'm done, although I do like having the platter, tone-arm and motor as three separate units. (BB) TT 1.0

I believe he's got that...

Yeah, self employment sort of takes the fun out of that game.

My wife's Grandpa "Papa" was a big jazz fan. In college Louis Armstrong (I believe) was playing on campus. Short on cash he and a few buddies decided to try and sneak in through a large air vent. As the story goes it all came crashing down, dumping them into a pile on the floor of the women's rest room. With nothing more than a little cut on the head he and his buddies made their way to the concert, and as Papa would say enjoyed a "damn fine show".

Post college I had a few of the mandatory cd's KOB, Giant Steps, Getz & Gilberto... but would never have called myself a jazz fan. In the late 90's I was listening to a fair amount of electronica/lounge that then segued into electronica/noise where I started to hear about Bley & Giuffre. After hearing Giuffre Clarinet, the 1961 ecm re-issue and Free Fall I was truly madly deeply in love. After reading Gioia's "West Coast Jazz" it started getting bad. Then I found this place discovered even more great music and now I got a lot records and no money. But I'm smiling.

Had some friends over for Bi Bim Bop rice - eggs - spinach - sprouts - carrots - beef - kim-chee Mmm Mmm Good

Meredith Monk would be the first one that comes to mind. The beauty is there, I have no doubt about that, but I'm not sure I am always able to go where she is taking me.

I hope your recovery goes well.

Congratulations, being a dad is the best thing that ever happened to me. I just spent the last hour helping my 6yr old sew a rag doll. Don't worry about the sleep, just love the little bugger.

Basin Steet Blues

If you find something with out a working cartridge you can always pick up a Shure M97xE for under $100, I've seen them go new for less than $70. I have also had great experience with a Sony PSX 6. Well built with a good motor and since they don't have the cult-like following of some other brands I think you can really get a lot for you money. I have never played around with some of the nicer Technics and Pioneer tables, but I know they have their fans as well. Vinyl Engine This place has a nice gallery so you can get an idea of what specific models look like and an easily to search forum. One of the strongest selling points for the Thorens and Linn tables is the ability to upgrade by easily changing out tonearms and modifying the plinths etc... I'ts a lot more work than just ordering a TT from a catalog, but I actually enjoy checking out all the old gear.

In theory the more money you spend, the less impact the device playing the record will have on hearing the music on the record: less rumble from motors, less ambient vibrations affecting the sound, a better cartridge to translate those grooves more accurately into music. Music for the money I would go vintage. There were some incredible turntables made in the 70's that were designed to last a lifetime plus. I am very lucky in that my local dealer will let me test drive everything, so I have a chance to make sure it works and that the price is reasonable. Currently I am deeply in love with my new 1970's Thorens TD-125 MkII. For about $300 bucks with a nice Shure V15 cartridge it is hard to imagine any thing new for this price ever coming close in qualilty. I know two guys that make part of their living picking up used tables and amps through the want ads and garage sales and turning them for a profit. So there is lots of good used stuff out there. Bill

Jan Marcia Cindy

I'm an old school flying toasters guy myself.

Very cool, I too saw this a few days ago and almost posted a link, then...