Happy Winter Solstice!

 

Well, happy that we'll starting gaining minutes of daylight once again!

Is today the "shortest day of the year"?  No, they're all 24 hours; but it is the day with the fewest hours/minutes of daylight.  And that depends on your latitude...

 

Throughout history, societies across the world have held festivals and ceremonies marking winter solstice, the day of the “sun’s rebirth.”  Most often, winter solstice celebrations honored the symbolism of fire and light, along with life, death, the rising sun, and the moon.  Saturnalia for example, was an ancient Roman pagan festival dedicated to honoring the sun god Saturn through offerings and gift-giving.  In Mali, a ceremony called Goru is celebrated by the Dogon community where a seven foot long vessel representing a mythical ark is used to hold offerings to Amma the Creator and other ancestors.  Another tradition that we still hear about today is Yule (or Yuletide).  Similarly, Indigenous people continue to mark the solstice with storytelling and ceremony.

The winter solstice is special because it marks a powerful turning point where darkness reaches its peak and the light slowly begins to return.  Rather than signaling an ending, the solstice represents a quiet rebirth — a reminder that even in the deepest stillness, change is already underway. 

 

Can You Hear Me Now?

 

If you said, "Commercials for Verizon, featuring actor Paul Marcarelli, in the 2000s, showcasing Verizon's network reliability," you get 10 bonus points.  If you knew he bailed from Verizon and went to Sprint for a while, but is now back with Verizon again, you are watching too many commercials.

With the new e-bike and Joan's renewed interest in her Trail Viper e-bike, we have been riding together again.  Joan asked if anyone made helmet communicators for bicycle helmets like what we have for our motorcycle helmets... "Well, as a matter of fact, yes they do."  I told her I would do some research.

We had a couple units picked out that attach to the bike helmets we have.  Right before clicking "Buy Now," I came across a hot deal from Sena.  For those not familiar, Sena is a company well-known in the motorcycle world for making very nice helmet communicators.  Not inexpensive.  But, they had bicycle helmets with Mesh Technology (faster, more reliable connection between riders) at a really good price.  As in: about the same as the inexpensive units I had picked out, but these Sena units are built in to a very nice smart bicycle helmet... nothing hanging off the side!  I have no idea if this model is being updated by a newer model, but the price was too good to pass on.  

We ordered them.

And yesterday afternoon they showed up...

 After giving them a full charge, I connected each of them to our respective phones, then checked for a firmware update, and then paired them... yep, pretty slick.  And, they are comfortable.  That black area you see on the helmet at my forehead is the microphone.  The speakers are built into the helmet just above the ears.  Nice design!  And easily the nicest bicycle helmets we've had.  Besides all the whiz-bang connectivity, they have flashing red lights on the back for added visibility.  And, these communicators come with Alexa... I'm thinking you could place an Amazon order while out for a ride, but they say it's more for "checking weather, listening to music, etc."

"Alexa, tell me a bicycle joke..."

 --------

I don't get out much...

Joan wanted to get a piece of jewelry fixed.  I needed to pick up something (Christmas related).  She found a place that says they fix jewelry "while you wait," at a big mall in Chandler.  We decided to consolidate trips.

First a stop at Sam's Club to pick up a prime rib for Christmas dinner.  They do have good meat.  Then, I took her to that mall.  Off on my own, I passed by several of these...

 They were rolling along in the bicycle lane of a busy surface street.  That is a Door Dash robot delivery conveyance.  The food is inside; when it gets to the delivery address, it opens so the customer can take out the food.

Yes, I've heard of this; just never saw one tooling down the bike lane on a busy street.  Or any street.  Yet, here they are.  I saw four of them in my relatively short outing today.

Hey, a guy's gotta eat.

 --------

I got to test out the microphone and speakers in the new bicycle helmet.  I took my bike for a ride late this afternoon, checking out the phone features through the helmet.  First off, listening to The Beatles Channel on Sirius/XM: I would not describe the audio as "high fidelity," since there isn't much in the way of bass response in the speakers.  More like listening to a transistor radio when you were a kid.  But... music!  Then, I made a hands-free phone call to Joan - we could hear each other just fine, and she said there was no wind noise from my microphone.  Realistically, I don't expect to be making and receiving a bunch of phone calls while riding, but it gave me an idea of how the mic and speakers would be with voice conversation.  Again, quite good.  The last test will be when we're riding together.

My take-away from today's ride: I do like the integrated aspect of the intercom built into the helmet.  It just works.

Joan put new grips on the handlebars on her bike.  It's looking good.

 

 

 

Chill...

 

The weather?  No, it is "warmer than usual."  At least, here in the desert.  Another high of 79º kinda day.  I would say that this makes up for all those triple digit high temp days, but... well, you know.  I do appreciate the moderate weather.

This "chill" is about Murphy.  I have mentioned our morning routine: he gets breakfast as soon as I get up.  Then there is generally the "morning crazies," where he runs around the house.  I open the door to the bedroom so he can have some time with Joan while I am doing the rest of my thing (getting pills put out, checking blood pressure, then having some hot cocoa).  When I am done with that, I take Murphy outside.

When he and I come back inside, Joan is usually up, and having her first cup of coffee.  There is a treat for Murphy.  And, eventually, the boy chills...

 We put one of the kitchen bar stools (with his pad on it) at the patio door so he can look outside.  The boy has grown to the point where he hangs off the chair, but he seems very content there.

Then, some play time, where he bats his toys around and runs through his tunnel. 

He likes his routine. 

--------

The Man In The Mirror...

If you said, "A song by Michael Jackson, 1988, from the album Bad," you get 15 bonus points.  If you added, "Written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett, and produced by Quincy Jones and Jackson," you get an additional 20 bonus points.

Is this going to be another post about some old guy looking back at you?  No, but thanks for asking.  This is actually about a mirror.  Well, a couple of mirrors.  Joan ordered two different mirrors for our bicycles.

The one she got for my bike turned out to be more work than expected to install... in order to fit it on the handlebars, I had to move the throttle and the controller.  With that done, I got on the bike and looking in the mirror, all I could see was my arm.  I took it off and installed it under the handlebars... nope, the mirror itself then extends inward, giving me a view of my crotch.

Joan said, "Try the other mirror."  I did, and it is a better fit.  Still took me about 20 minutes to install and fit it.  Then, she came out to the garage and installed the first one on her bike in about 12 seconds.

So, that was fun.

 

Is it live, or is it Memorex...

 

If you said, "A famous slogan from a 1970s-80s Memorex ad campaign that questioned whether a sound was a real performance or a recording, famously featuring jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald breaking a glass with her voice to prove the high fidelity of Memorex cassette tapes," you get 20 bonus points.

We are ass-deep in technology that makes that above statement pale by comparison.  Speaking of: AI... Artificial Intelligence.  There is nothing "artificial" about it, nor is it 'intelligent"... it takes from the massive amount of information online to create a perception.  Much like when Google first came about, and you asked it a question.  Taken to the "Nth degree."

Take this image for example...

 This person doesn't exist.  It is an AI generated image, "assembled" from a set of instructions: "Create a young blonde model, age 20, bob hairdo, freckles, black & white, taken in the 60s, in Paris."

No photographer needed.  No stylist.  No travel.  No film.  No carrying and setting up equipment - hell, no equipment.  Isn't quite what you had in mind?  Modify the instructions and refine the result.

Photographers will cry out: "AI is going to take our jobs!"  Not quite accurate... someone who knows how to use AI is going to take your job.

This should be a concern for anyone in the creative arts business: photographers, models, art directors, actors, singers, writers, etc, etc, etc.  I gave the warning to professional photographers groups before we retired from the photography business in 2006, that "a change is coming."  I was speaking of the business model where photographers sold a finished product: that canvas wall print, all the way down to the wallet size photos that high school seniors exchanged with friends.  My take: "The business won't be about selling that product, but rather selling the service of creating the images... give the files to the client, since there will be no way to protect the ownership of that image." 

History proved that out: the following year (2007), Apple came out with the iPhone, which changed that entire industry.  Grandma didn't need an album of photos of her granddaughter to show her friends - she could just scroll through her phone.

AI takes that even further.  Can you believe in what you see in an image?  Not any more.  With digital imaging, I could insert someone who wasn't there into an image.  Want to look 20 pounds thinner?  Easy.  Smooth out those lines in the forehead or a wrinkle in a dress?  No problem.  I used to say, "If you can imagine it, we can create it."  We are far beyond that now.  Is AI imaging perfect?  Seems that it isn't great with details like fingers, but all that can be refined.  The fact of the matter is: to the average person, it is acceptable.  And, believable.  

It used to be: a photograph could capture "a moment in time."  Now, it can create a moment that never existed.  It is a very different world.  There are no limits on images that require a "created with AI" disclaimer.  "The camera doesn't lie," is no longer a truth.

 

 

Batteries...

 

Seems my life revolves around batteries these days: managing them, charging them, replacing them.

I went to Mark's house today to make music with "the big group"; 5 of us today, since Ron is out of town.  I took my Bose S1 Pro (small amp/PA) with the relatively new battery in it (I replaced it a couple weeks ago).  I enjoy using this amp - besides the good sound, I can pull it out, plug in a wireless guitar connector to it, and I am good to go... no need to have to dig around for a place to plug in.  

Mark got a new mixer; I was there early to check it out...

 The preamps in it sound good and nice added features, like effects and monitor control for each channel (just for grins, I did give it a try with my in-ears monitor - not really necessary in this playing for fun situation, but good to know it supports that).  

I enjoy time with these guys.  Danny brought pizza, Carl brought cookies, and Cindy provided a tasty ice cream-like desert.  It's important to eat well to keep up your strength when making music.  ;-)

When I got home shortly after 5:00, Joan was about ready to put supper on the table.  She told me, "The battery for your CTX came in today - I put it in the garage."  I ordered new batteries for the CTX and the Burgman - the Burgman's battery is supposed to get here on Sunday.  I have been nursing these batteries along with a Battery Tender, but they need to be replaced.

After supper, I pulled out the old CTX battery and put in the new.  Easy; although I did need to have Joan hold a light for me so I could see to get the rubber strap attached that holds the battery in place while riding.  A quick check on the battery shows it is strong.  Once in, I turned the key and the bike popped right off.  The CTX is a bit of a "battery hog," since it uses electronics to run the Dual Clutch Transmission.  Good to go!

I also plugged in the Bose, my iPad, the wireless guitar connectors, and the wireless in-ears monitor that all got used today.  Batteries are my life.  ;-)

 

Getting Away With Stuff...

 

Now what did you do, Jim?

Really?  That's where you go, right of the bat?  This isn't about me.  It's about...

 Yeah, Murphy.  Look at that sweet face.  He can be a little shit, then turn on that sweet stuff, and... all is forgiven.  Probably not even forgiven - he just gets away with it.

What?  Yeah, I am a bit jealous of that charm.  When I try that routine, there is no over-looking or forgiveness.  I used to be able to pull that off, but "boyish charm" is a long ways back in the rearview mirror. 

--------

We spent a good portion of the day waiting for the rain gutter guys... "between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm."  They showed up just before 2:00.  This crew was sealing up a couple leaks from the original install.  We'll give it a couple days, then do a "rain test" with a hose, 'cause there isn't any precip in the forecast until Christmas Day... and that's only 20% chance at this point.

--------

Bike Stuff...

I did get out for a ride this afternoon, after the rain gutter guys left.  I am enjoying the Lectric; kinda similar to the Trail Viper, but some new tech.  I'm still learning.

When I got back from my ride, Joan was working on her Trail Viper, getting it all set up for her and refreshing some things.  The last few years, she hasn't ridden much, so I have alternated between the two bikes, to keep the wear somewhat even.

She isn't interested in a different bike, so she is making this one hers and using some bits from the other bike to get the best of each on her bike.

And I have been getting this Lectric set up for the way I will use it...

 I've labeled what's what on the handlebars in that image above.  Once back from my ride, I added the RAM Mount to hold a camera or drone controller; moved the phone holder; added the bell - this bike is much quieter than the Trail Vipers, so it is good to let people know you are coming up behind them.  The other stuff was there.  Well, I added the bottle holder and the lock mount (under the frame, so it doesn't show in the photo) as part of getting the bike set up.

 

You're Still A Young Man...

 

If you said, "Tower of Power, 1972, from the album Bump City," you get 30 bonus points.  It was one of Tower of Power's first big hits.  If you said, "It's been about 50 years since you were a young man, Jim," you are stating the obvious, and get no bonus points.

Last night, we saw Tower of Power in concert again.  Same venue as last time: Wild Horse Pass Casino, which is an easy 20 minutes from our house.  We went out for supper first, then to the casino; we were there early enough to make some "donations" to the Gila River Tribe.

Our seats were much closer than last time: 5th row, a bit right of center.  Good seats.  Joan said, "Do you want to get a photo of the stage and equipment before they start?"

 The obligatory "we were here selfie"...

 And, has been the case in most of the concerts we've been to in the last couple years, "Big Head Todd" sat down right in front of me...

 No, I'm not kidding.  Fortunately, with our seat location, I could mostly see around him.  How do these ticket sellers know?

The concert was scheduled to start at 7:00 (yes, a mostly older crowd); it kicked off just after 7:10...

 Yes, the lead singer was wearing a Christmas sweater.  This concert was billed as "Holiday Music and the Hits," which is how it played out.  Of course, the holiday music was all done Tower of Power style.

Shortly after starting, a young girl (really - maybe 5 or 6 years old), danced in the aisle...

 Well, more jumping around, but she was obviously enjoying the music.

ToP played for about an hour and 40 minutes, no break.  The band all knew the set list, and they were tight! 

Off the stage into the aisle to sing...

I had to get this shot of the guitar player when he switched to a 335...

 It was a good concert.  Loud... as in my ears are still ringing the next morning.  They weren't that loud when we saw them last year, but we were sitting further back and on the second level last time.

We were home before 9:30... yeah, we know how to party!  ;-)

 --------

Some HoverAir X1 Pro video of a ride on the Lectric XP4 e-bike...

 Joan and I got out for a ride through the neighborhood and around the park before lunch. 

After lunch, I took the CTX out for a ride.  The new e-bike is a fun ride... the CTX is more funner.  ;-)

-------- 

I worked up the video from last night's Tower of Power concert to give you a glimpse of the evening's music - these guys still know how to kick it!

 

I Love A Parade...

 

The Laveen Light Cruise (Lighted Car Parade) this evening.  Steph, Dan, and I went; setting up camp chairs alongside Dobbins Rd, right in front of Amadio Ranch Heritage Farm (the folks who put on this event).  A beautiful evening, and great participation from those in the parade as well as the people watching.  A fun community event.

We brought camp chairs and had great seats for viewing the parade...

 

These are some of the participants in the parade...

 

Almost as much fun as the Lighted Boat Parade in the Tropical Tip.

 

Oops, I Did It Again...

 

If you said, "Britney Spears, 2000," you get 5 bonus points.  If you were picturing me in that red vinyl outfit, you lose 12,000 bonus points and are permanently banned from this blog.  Yes, I will know... I am psychic... or psychotic... it's one of those things.

"What did you do again, Jim?"  Thanks for asking.  I have been considering another e-bike.  My wish list: lighter than what I currently have, smaller, more range, and newer technology.  After all, our other e-bikes are 11 years old.

I ordered a Lectric XP4 750 with the step through frame.  It weighs about the same as our SSR Trail Vipers, but is smaller, folds up smaller, and has nearly twice the range.  And, it is easier to get on and off, and that matters.

The bike arrived yesterday.  We had just finished unloading the van, and had some other things to get done; so, I didn't get a chance to open the box and start setting the bike up until just before sunset.  I started in the garage, then moved to the courtyard, where I had more elbow room.

Just getting the box opened and the folded bike out of that box was a bit of work.  I shot some video while I did the unboxing and set-up.  By the time I was done, it was getting dark, and I was tired.  So, more work on the bike this morning, then out for a short test ride.  Here's the video...

 

At first blush, I think I am going to enjoy this bike a bunch.  Joan says she is happy with the e-bike she has, but we'll do some swapping back and forth.

For full disclosure, I rode almost every day when we lived in Texas - part of my morning routine.  It was easy on our island, with limited traffic.  Living here in Phoenix, the traffic can be too heavy for me to want to take a bicycle on the streets here.  It is pretty quiet in our neighborhood, but you have to deal with some heavily traveled surface roads once you are out of here.

So, we'll see how this works out.

--------

 

Joan and I did get out on the e-bikes this afternoon, our first bike outing to Caesar Chavez Park...

 

 We swapped bikes for a while... Joan likes that Trail Viper she is on, I am quite fond of the new (blue) Lectric XP4.  Joan found us a way to the park that only required crossing Dobbins (and not needing to ride around traffic).  Apple Maps, satellite view.  We have lived here two years; I had no idea this walking, jogging, bike path wound through a neighborhood to get to the park.

 

 

 

A 3-state day...

 

Been a while since I posted that title... but this was a pretty easy: leaving Laughlin (Nevada), south through Needles (California), then into Arizona for our way home.  Different routing from what we took to get to Laughlin.  This route ran along the Colorado River for parts of it, taking us through Lake Havasu City and past Parker Dam.

More nostalgia for us, as we had traveled all around this area back in the 90s.

We didn't take any photos until we were past Lake Havasu City.  That town has grown a bunch since we were there last.

South of there, we came across the first boondockers along the way...

Lone campers (above) or groups (below)...

 What are boondockers?  Thanks for asking.  There is a lot of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land in western Arizona - you can stay on BLM land for cheap (or free, depending on the location).  No hookups, no defined sites, you just pull out into the desert... and there you are.  Not our style, but a lot of people take advantage of the cheap living; or, they just like being out on their own in the desert.  There are some LTV (Long Term Visitor) areas that have a dump site and a place to get fresh water - you will pay something for that.  Other areas, you are just out there on your own.  If you are into that sort of thing, a trip to Quartsite (about 10 miles from the California border, on I-10 in Arizona) sees a couple hundred thousand boondocking visitors over the the winter, with January being the "high month," with a giant RV show, swap meet, gem show, bringing in the crowds.  We also did that a time or two back in the day... even in our younger years, we preferred more amenities than just parking in the dusty ol' desert.

But, I digress.  South of Lake Havasu City, the terrain turns rugged, and there are plenty of resorts along the Colorado River, on the California and Arizona sides...

 We bypassed Quartsite, taking a diagonal road that put us on I-10 further east.  Nothing much else to talk about with the Interstate traveling.

Home around 2:00, unloaded the RoadTrek and put it away.  For a while.

Murphy seemed happy to be home.  Definitely happy to have his "domain" (our courtyard) again.  I did take him out on the leash once while we were in Laughlin, but he wasn't happy about it.  Joan is glad to be back in her home.  I kinda missed the Christmas tree.  But, I really enjoyed being out and about in the van for a few days, and revisiting some some of the places we enjoyed in our "winters away" time in the bigger motorhomes.

The RoadTrek isn't big.  There are people living full-time in Class B campervans ("VanLife"), but that would not be us.  The first night out in the van felt like real close quarters.  After that, you get used to it again... to the point where it feels very comfortable.  Not sure Murph ever got to that point this trip.