Dad. Dad... she's still here...

 

That was a quote from Murphy in the middle of the night.

"When is she going to go home?"

I explained, "She didn't have a home, buddy.  This is now her home."

"So, this is forever?"

"Yeah, that's the plan."

My morning routine takes longer.  I had help this morning, for which I am grateful.  Getting the food bowls in and out of the catio requires one to be at floor level.  I need both hands to get up from the floor, which makes getting the bowls (3) out a three-step process.  Then, since we don't have a second set of bowls for the little girl (they are coming today), those bowls need to be washed before I can fill them.  This morning, Joan got the bowls out of the catio and washed them while I was working on Murphy's food and water.

Then, put out pills and vitamins for Joan and me.  Get ice water and hot cocoa to take those pills.  Then take Murphy outside for his first walk in the yard.  Only 40 minutes today, compared to nearly an hour yesterday.

I checked on the little girl in the middle of the night.  Murphy wasn't at the foot of our bed like usual - he was on his tower, about 10' from the catio.  Skye/Star/Stella was quietly awake, looking back at me.

This morning, Murph was a bit growly a couple times, until he got to go outside.  Realization is setting in.

They played through the catio for a while...

 This little girl is now showing us her playful side.  She has a half dozen or so toys in the catio, and she is trying them all out...

 She has a lot of kitten energy.  I hope I have the stamina to deal with the kitten energy.

Considering how well she is doing, we are thinking we'll let her out of the catio today to explore some of the house.  We'll see. 

 

How do you spell RELIEF?

 

If you said, "From the 1970s TV commercial: R-O-L-A-I-D-S," you get 30 bonus points.

The vet appointment last night ran long.  It was supposed to be at 6:30 - we were there 20 minutes early, in case they could get us in sooner.  We didn't get into an exam room until just before 8:00.  The little furry girl was a champ during the wait.  Only one minor outburst in the exam room, when she was done with being handled, poked, and prodded.

More patient than I would have been.  And, perhaps, scrappier.

But the relief: the little girl is healthy.  The Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS tests were negative.  As was the heartworm.  Confirmation that she really is a girl (it's hard to tell with kittens).  Good skin and teeth.  No fleas.  The vet declared her "very fit."  A big sigh of relief.  She got her first round of shots.

We made an appointment for next month to have her spayed, chipped, and the booster shots.

This means she and Murphy are OK being around each other.  I did not want to let Murph get close, in case the little girl had anything contagious.  She has spunk.  It will be interesting to see what Murphy does when she hisses back at him.

Now, we need to work on a name.  We had time while waiting last night to go through lists of names.  We need to make a trip to PetSmart to stock up on kitten food, a collar, a tag, and a harness.

Joan had ordered a couple cans of kitten food to get us through these first few days.  When we got home last night (close to 9:00 pm), I opened one of those cans and gave her 1/3 of the can.  She ate that right down.  She got more before we went to bed.

A photo from the vet exam room...

 Cute little face.

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Knowing we can put this little girl and Murphy in closer proximity, we moved the catio into the living room.  Murphy was very curious, walking all around the catio to take in this new critter from every angle.  She kept an eye on him.  No aggression on either part...

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This afternoon, we made a trip to PetSmart: Steph had some "after Christmas" items she wanted for Dicha, but our main objective was for kitten food, new litter, and a collar.  A harness will come in time, and a name tag when we finalize a name.

As of right now, the finalist names are: Skye Blue, Star Angel, or Stella Rose.  I am good with any of those; we'll take some time to see what feels right.

While we were out, Steph came over to check on the kitties; Murphy was resting on his tower (where he usually goes when we are out), and the little girl was resting in the catio.  Steph got to hear her purr, when she reached inside to give the little girl a soft pet. 

When we got home, Joan cleaned the litter boxes for each of the fur babies, then got the little girl out for her first "lap time"...

 Yes, Murph was right there, too.  Very gentle.  He was quite content to be beside these two.  And little Stella/Star/Skye fell asleep purring.

--------

This evening, I got to do some kitty cuddling, too...

 Murph came over to check in on her: "She smells nice."...

 I have been very impressed with how gentle Murphy is with her.  As I'm writing this, she is back in the catio in the living room, Murphy is laying right beside it.  They have been reaching out paws to each other.

Murphy is behaving even better than I had hoped.  When he is at Steph's house, he and Tango wrestle like a couple young boys.  Murph is very gentle with their special needs boy Alfie.  And gives their Grande Dame Tasha plenty of space.  I am even more impressed now with our big boy.

 

 

So...

 

How did it go?

Skittles (or name to be determined) had a quiet night in the catio, in the garage.  I was awake just before 5:00 am, and went out to check on her.  Quiet and calm, but she looks unsure; which is to be expected.

I got her some soft food and fresh water.  She did not move to go to the food while I was watching.  I gave her some petting and talked softly to her.

When Joan got up and went out to check on her, she had eaten the soft food... and then back being in a little ball on her blanket.

Joan called around to see if we could get a vet appointment today, but no answer.  Probably closed for the day for the holiday.

In the meantime...

 

Her little paws are tucked, so I have to think she isn't feeling distressed.  Probably the perspective with Murphy, but she seems so tiny.

Joan did manage to get a vet appointment for 6:30 this evening.

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Mid-morning, Joan said she wanted to move the catio out into our courtyard.  She carried the little silver girl while I rolled the catio through the house and into the yard.

I had been wondering if Murphy was aware that there was another cat out in the garage.  I'm going with: no.  When he saw her being carried through the house, he bristled and hissed.  Murphy is a definite Alpha, so I think it was a show of dominance rather than anger.

With umbrellas up so there is plenty of shade, Joan put the little girl into the catio, and we watched.  Skittles (or name to be determined) perked up right away.  As far as we know, outdoors is all she knows.  She was looking around with curiosity, not fear.

Joan let Murphy out, and he went right to the catio.  We did not let him get too close.  Yes, there was a hiss, but not spitty - you can tell when Murph is mad, and this wasn't that.  Curiosity on both of their parts, but the little girl did not seem fearful.

 I brought a guitar out, played and sang quietly.  Murph likes the music, Skittles looked on with interest.  I was thinking: music soothes the savage beast.  OK, neither of these felines are savage.  It's a start.  I won't let Murph get close until we get through a wellness check on the feline formerly known as Skittles.

 

  

It went from quiet to eventful...

 

Steph had the prime rib in the oven.  We had some time on our hands.  Joan said, "Let's go back to Black Bear Diner and look for that cat again."

"Yes, Ma'am."

We went equipped with cat food, water dish, gloves, a towel, and a carrier.  Black Bear was packed - hard to find a parking place!  Who knew so many people went there for Christmas dinner?

We eventually saw the little silver and gray cat, parked the car, and tried to coax her towards us...

 She is a cute little thing, and so tiny...

When we saw this little girl climb up into the undercarriage of a car, that cinched it - Joan was not leaving without her. 

One of the waiters stepped outside for a break - he said, "You know how to get that cat to come to you, don't you?"

I said, "Yeah, have David your manager call her."  David wasn't there.

After about 20 minutes of trying to get her to come close, David pulled into the parking lot.  He recognized us and came over.  Joan explained that we were trying to catch the little silver girl, take her to a vet to see that she's healthy, and keep her safe.  Joan was very concerned about her "living" in the parking lot, especially with all this extra holiday traffic.  

I said to David, "We are not trying to take her away from you.  If you want to take her home, we'll take her to the vet, make sure she's healthy, get her spayed, and get her back to you.  But, living in the parking lot is dangerous for her."

He said, "I have talked to my wife about her.  I won't stand in the way of her getting a loving home, and it is very obvious you two care."

He knelt down and Skittles came right to him.  We put down the carrier, he put her in it, and said: "She probably thinks I'm a traitor..."  We exchanged phone numbers and told him we'd keep him in the loop.  And then, back to the house.  Skittles did not make a fuss or a peep while in the car

Not knowing her health status, we moved the catio to the garage and put her in there, still in the carrier, but with the door open if she wanted to move around...

 She reminded me of Izzy when we first got her: so small and unsure of what was going on.  We talked softly to her, got her some food and water.  Then decided to give her some space to chill.

It was now time: the prime rib was ready to come out of the oven.  While it sat to "breathe" Joan told Steph about what was going on - of course, Steph had to come to the garage to see for herself.  "She is beautiful!"

Joan and Steph talked: "Skittles doesn't fit her - she needs a Christmas name"... "Noel,"... "Scarlet"... I suggested "Star," as in: the star that rose in the east over Bethlehem.  Yeah, we are getting invested.

Joan got online to see if we could find a vet that might have an open appointment tomorrow.  In the meantime, we have to keep her segregated from Murphy and Steph's cats.  The catio is the perfect solution.

And then, time for our Christmas dinner...

 The prime rib was delicious!  Steph made sides to go with it.  A wonderful meal, with those we love.

When we were done eating, Joan decided that the little silver girl needed a bath.  So, bins with warm water, cat shampoo, and lots of towels...

 Little Skittles did not make a fuss.  She let Joan handle her, soap her up, and rinse her off.  I know all this must be scary for her, but I hope she knows it is all out of concern for her welfare...

 While Joan did the drying and wiping her eyes and face, Steph worked on cleaning her ears...

 Yep, the whole spa treatment.  Joan looked close through her fur - no sign of fleas or any other skin issues.  Skittles was compliant through this whole process.

While the three of us were working with this new little kitty, Dan and Murphy were watching football.

It's all good.

Looking online, the soonest Joan could find a vet appointment was Saturday.  We'll try calling around first thing in the morning.  In the meantime, Skittles (or name to be determined) will spend the night in the comfort of the catio, with fresh food (hard and soft), water, and a litter box.  And "blankets" (towels).  We will be checking on her regularly.

I thought I might get out for a bicycle or motorcycle ride today.  Maybe another day.  Joan is looking to do a good thing for this kitty, and I am a willing participant.  Joan talks like this is an "until we find her a good, safe home" situation.  We have always been a one-cat household, but something about this little girl grabbed Joan by the heart strings the moment she saw her.  We'll see how this plays out.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Sitting here in the quiet this morning.  I get to pull this image out...

 That's the way Santa arrived in the Tropical Tip.  Maybe he uses a pack mule here in the desert?  ;-)

We will be having Christmas dinner with Steph and Dan - the travel is planned, the GPS is programmed, and we'll bundle up for the trip.  Or just walk next door.  It makes my heart happy to be so close.

Joan bought a prime rib, Steph is going to make it; sides are planned.  And all the kitties get to play together.  Before Murphy, some cat(s) had to spend Christmas without family around all day.  For Steph and Dan's cats, it meant a cat-sitter coming in.  Or, if we were here in our RV, it meant Izzy or Rufus was alone for some time while Joan and I went to Steph and Dan's house.  Murphy, Tango, Alfie, and Tasha all get along... so, when we go to Steph and Dan's house, Murphy comes with us.

Last night, we played some family games.  There may be more of that today.  For the first time, we have done away with prizes for the winners.  That feels OK.

--------

During a period of light rain yesterday, Joan and I did drive to the Black Bear Diner parking lot, with food and water for the little silver and gray kitty, but we didn't see her.  In driving all around the parking in that shopping/dining area, we saw where various "feeding stations" were put out for needy animals.  Hadn't noticed that before.

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The weather weasels have backed off on their rain predictions for today: the 70% chance that was forecast for today just two days ago is now less than 10%.  A high today of 72º, mostly or partly cloudy.  For sure, it won't be a "White Christmas" here, and I am grateful for that.

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Merry Christmas!  Traditions change, but I hope your holiday is joyous - wishing peace for us all.

 

Christmas Eve...

 

 

Out for a bicycle ride this morning, but Mother Nature was giving us a light, spitty rain; coming and going.  So, I kept the ride just in the neighborhood.  I put up the HoverAir X1 Pro to get some video of the ride... follow mode and dolly track. 

A short video...

 Then, this afternoon, some time with Steph and Dan: our somewhat traditional Christmas Eve snack foods, and some family games.  A good time with "the neighbors."  This is why we're here: getting this quality family time, any time; but especially on these special days.

 

Banned?

 

Not to be confused with band... which I am going to be playing in later today, at Mark's house.

This morning, while outside with Murphy, I was watching some videos on my phone; while taking in the pre-sunrise sky...

 The videos?  Regarding the deadline today.  The deadline?  Yeah, today is the day that the FCC set for any other government agency to do an audit of whether or not DJI drones are a threat to national security.  If no agency intervenes (and none have), the FCC is not allowing the importation of future models of DJI drones.

There has been a lot of speculation about what that means.  Most considered it not a "ban" on DJI drones, but rather a restriction.  A new ruling has made it MUCH more than that.  The FCC has now turned over the decision of importation of any foreign-made drone or component to two government agencies: The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense).  Yes, that means Kristi Noem and Pete Hegseth will get to decide what drone and component makers will be allowed to import.  And while there are a small number of US drone makers, they use foreign components.

So, who cares?  Thanks for asking.  Over 90% of the first responders who use drones are using DJI.  This means no new drones and no repair components at the whim of these two departments.

This is a kick in the guts of those who use drones in their operations, whether commercial or public safety.  Not to mention those who fly drones for recreation.  And not just DJI, but any foreign manufacturer.  This will effectively stop the "shell" companies who are essentially using DJI components and technology to make DJI "clones" (which some say are actually owned by DJI).

Is this an issue with China spying on us through commercially sold drones or trying to give the (virtually non-existent) US drone makers a leg up?  Or, a government over-reaction to an issue that doesn't exist?

For those who have DJI drones, it will still be legal to use what you have.  But, good luck getting repair parts in the future.  Or the opportunity to buy improved technology that the rest of the world will get.

--------

A very enjoyable day of making music with Mark and Podge today...

We set things up a bit different today, running all mics and instruments through Mark's new mixer...

 During our session, UPS dropped off a new acquisition...

 It is a stand that puts the mixer at a good working height.  Yes, that is a lot of cables.  There was discussion today about getting some wireless adapters for microphones.  Running everything through the mixer means no need for each player having an amp.  Options.  At some point.

Mark and Podge are sitting in for a few songs with a friend of theirs who has a 3 hour gig tomorrow evening (yes, Christmas Eve).  I suggested we play the songs that they will be playing so they get one more rehearsal.  That done, we took turns picking songs for the rest of the afternoon... a good time!

 

It's Electrifying...

 

If you said, "A line from the song You're the One That I Want from the musical Grease," you get 15 bonus points.  

The battery for the Burgman 200 came yesterday evening.  I went into the garage to replace the old one.  You might think that swapping out a battery in a scooter is an easy task, and I would tend to agree with you.  We would both be mistaken.  

I couldn't get my fingers around the old battery to get a grip to pull it out of the snug space under the right floorboard.  I spent 20 minutes trying different grips and different angles; nope.  I came up with the thought of hooking something through the battery lugs and pulling it out that way.  I said to myself, "Self, you have a couple metal S-hooks that your old bike helmets are hanging on."  Yep, that would work.  And then I said to myself, "Self, you are about to put metal hooks in the battery lugs with you being the connection between them - maybe you should put on some rubber gloves."  I told myself that was a good idea.

The hooks worked as hoped, and the battery came right out.  Moving the positive and negative cables aside, I started lining up the new battery to fit it in place.  Then, asked Joan to come out to the garage and hold a light for me so I could see to fit it in that snug place.  That works, and it went in.  I put the connections on and gave it a test start... yep, fired right up.  Then, put a Battery Tender on it to make sure it is topped off.

This morning, I pulled the battery tender, tested the battery voltage again, started the bike, then buttoned it all up.

Joan had a doctor appointment this morning for a blood draw, and when she came home, I asked if she wanted to go out for breakfast... "How does Black Bear Diner sound to you?"

She was onboard.  It is less than 2 miles from our house.  Breakfast was tasty.  When we came out to get in our car, there was a light gray cat in the parking lot.  Not grown, but not a kitten.  A pretty light gray/silver striped.

Joan asked, "What should we do about this?"  I knew we were going to be here a while.  We tried to coax the young cat to us, but it was wary.  With us talking to it and trying to get close, it eventually got into some bushes (and away from the parked cars).

We got into our car; I could tell this isn't where this was going to end.  "How about we go home, get some food and water, and a carrier, and see if it will come to us."  Joan agreed.

We came back to the parking lot, better prepared.  Joan opened the food, put some in a container, and set it down.  As long as we weren't close to the food, the cat came out.  At one point, Joan was close enough to give it a light pet.

 The little silver cat ate some of the food, but wasn't going to let us get too close.  After spending a half hour or so trying to woo it, we left the food and water in some bushes.  Joan said, "We can come back tomorrow and bring it more food and water... if it is still here."

Back home, it was time to give our big furry boy his lunch.  Murphy looks huge!

 --------

Joan and I got out on our bicycles early this afternoon - the first chance to try out the new helmets with the built-in communicators.  I could hear her just fine, she said my voice sounded muffled and dropped off... probably my quiet demeanor.  ;-)

When we got back from that ride, I took the Burgman scoot out for a ride.  Yes, I did shut off the bike at the top of South Mountain... and it fired right up when I was ready to roll again.  I enjoy the exercise we get with the e-bikes, but I enjoy even more taking the scoot on those twisty roads.  And the CTX is even more fun.  Each one has a place.

--------

We were running an errand after I got back from taking the scoot out... Joan said, "I would like to go by Black Bear and see if that cat is still there."

When we pulled into the lot, there was a young man from the restaurant taking garbage to the dumpster.  We asked him about the cat; he said, "The manager here takes care of that cat - let me go get him."

We spoke to the manager, David.  He told us that this cat was the runt of the litter of three, from the mom he called Skits (because she was skittish).  One of the cooks took one of those cats, and a customer took home another.  He calls this little silver one Skittles (named after Skits), and he feeds it every day.  He also said that people have asked him why he doesn't take it home - he told us, "I get to see it every day here.  I work 10 to 12 hours a day, so if it was at home, I'd never see it."

Joan told him that we considered catching it and taking it to a vet... and then, I don't know what... but I did tell her that "I won't say 'no' to whatever you want."  The manager David told us that he would miss it, but wouldn't stand in the way of it getting a good home.

I think Joan was relieved that this pretty silver cat is being fed daily.  Skittles was still very skittish when we approached, so no little sister for Murphy at this point.  We learned that she is about 5 months old, and David plans to take her to a vet to get her spayed if she is still around in another month. 

I'm guessing we will go by Black Bear more often, now.

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. 

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The new battery for the Burgman scoot was delivered this evening.  Installed, checked, and it fired right up.  Now, I just have to find time to get out and ride it.  These two wheeled conveyances are getting a lot of attention lately... except for the actual getting out for a ride.  I'm going to work on that.  :-)

 

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..."

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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!  ;-)

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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.  ;-)

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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!