Saturday, December 10, 2016
So the cable company did it? WHY?
So the techs get here and I find out one of them shut off my connection without telling me bc some other cust having probs?? Unacceptable. New coax is being hung.
Friday, December 09, 2016
Sunday, September 11, 2016
1970s Disney Magazine
During 1975 and ending in 1976, Proctor & Gamble worked a promotion with the Disney Company to offer a "free" Disney Magazine when you bought various P&G cleaning or soap products from month to month. Now, likely starting in May1975 but certainly ending in November / December 1976, only 9 different issues were published. Some issues from 1975 showed up again in 1976 with a different purchase requirement for the free issue.
After some extensive searching online, I have been able to come up with this list:
Disney Magazines
1975 - May - with Bob Hope - free with Downy same as September 1976 - free with Comet
1975 - June - with Debbie Reynolds - free with Comet same as October 1976 - free with Mr. Clean or Camay
1975 - July - with Anthony Quinn - free with Spic & Span / Camay <- hard to find
1975 - August - with Lucille Ball - free with Mr. Clean / Safeguard same as March 1976 - free with Biz / Zest
1975 - September - with Jan Michael Vincent - free with Top Job / Zest <-hard to find
1976 - January - with Rock Hudson - free with Ivory / Top Job
1976 - February - with John Wayne - free with Spic & Span / Safeguard
1976 - April - with Peter Ustinov - free with Bounce
1976 - Nov / Dec - with Groucho Marx - free with Downy
Some of these issues aren't repeated. Of these 9, only 7 are easily found online on various auction sites. So what about October to December 1975 and May to August 1976? So far, no information has been found. It could be those months never had a printed issue. The double month issue at the end of 1976 is usually a sign it was to be the last one.
Why do I even bring up this topic? Somehow one grandmother ended up with the January 1976 issue where they talk about one member of the 1970s edition of the Mickey Mouse Club. Somehow I managed to keep this magazine throughout the years, even though it got stained from something at one point. I've kept it in a plastic magazine sleeve along with a March 1977 issue of Scholastic News Explorer, also mentioning the 1970s MMC on the cover. (Though the story The Peanut Butter Surprise claims it has 20 misspelled words of which I can find only 18.) And to round it off, a reply letter from WUAB TV in Clevenand when I wrote in to complain they cancelled the show.
Maybe I'll get a few more issues. I've always been curious as to what the February 1976 issue would have. Maybe I'll replace my stained copy of January 1976. And maybe someone will confirm if there were more than 9 issues printed with photos to prove it.
After some extensive searching online, I have been able to come up with this list:
Disney Magazines
1975 - May - with Bob Hope - free with Downy same as September 1976 - free with Comet
1975 - June - with Debbie Reynolds - free with Comet same as October 1976 - free with Mr. Clean or Camay
1975 - July - with Anthony Quinn - free with Spic & Span / Camay <- hard to find
1975 - August - with Lucille Ball - free with Mr. Clean / Safeguard same as March 1976 - free with Biz / Zest
1975 - September - with Jan Michael Vincent - free with Top Job / Zest <-hard to find
1976 - January - with Rock Hudson - free with Ivory / Top Job
1976 - February - with John Wayne - free with Spic & Span / Safeguard
1976 - April - with Peter Ustinov - free with Bounce
1976 - Nov / Dec - with Groucho Marx - free with Downy
Some of these issues aren't repeated. Of these 9, only 7 are easily found online on various auction sites. So what about October to December 1975 and May to August 1976? So far, no information has been found. It could be those months never had a printed issue. The double month issue at the end of 1976 is usually a sign it was to be the last one.
Why do I even bring up this topic? Somehow one grandmother ended up with the January 1976 issue where they talk about one member of the 1970s edition of the Mickey Mouse Club. Somehow I managed to keep this magazine throughout the years, even though it got stained from something at one point. I've kept it in a plastic magazine sleeve along with a March 1977 issue of Scholastic News Explorer, also mentioning the 1970s MMC on the cover. (Though the story The Peanut Butter Surprise claims it has 20 misspelled words of which I can find only 18.) And to round it off, a reply letter from WUAB TV in Clevenand when I wrote in to complain they cancelled the show.
Maybe I'll get a few more issues. I've always been curious as to what the February 1976 issue would have. Maybe I'll replace my stained copy of January 1976. And maybe someone will confirm if there were more than 9 issues printed with photos to prove it.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Restoring dried up labels that have fallen off
One
of the things collectors of vintage videogame cartridges will have to
deal with is dried up adhesive and labels falling off. If you're lucky,
you still have the labels. If you're smart, you'll keep them, because
yes, you can restick them.
This is what collectors have to face as their collections age or as they find them hopefully with the label before it completely falls off. And it's not just Atari 2600 labels - any cartridge with a sticker can have this happen if they used cheap adhesive.
This is what I've used to restick labels that have fallen off. Now, the remover shown isn't what you have to use, it's just what I found for a decent price. You need the little salt shaker (or some other little glass container) to control the fumes from the solvent remover. Apply it with qtips because it will damage the cartridge plastic case - use it sparingly on the plastic. Brush it quickly over the old adhesive a few times. The Qtip will turn a little black - some of the colorant from the plastic is coming out. This is why you have to be careful. Check it with your finger after the remover has dried or evaporated to see if you got it all off.
It's easier to know when you've gotten the old adhesive off the label - it'll leave a yellow stain on the Qtip when you remove it, and the stuff you need to remove is shiny on the label. When you've got enough off, it'll no longer be shiny.
So why do you need to remove the old adhesive? You need a fresh surface for the new stuff to grab onto. If you just leave the old stuff and then add new adhesive, you'll get an uneven look in the label. You don't want that. And it leaves things open for the label to fall off again rather soon.
Now, I chose a spray adhesive that wasn't expensive, didn't need venting because it has no odor, and was easy to clean up. The main problem with resticking a label is this will make it curl up and away from the surface you're applying it on. Try to spray a consistent light coat (as much as the pump spray will allow), and carefully put in place on the cartridge. Hold it down with your fingers as the adhesive begins to dry, paying attention to any lifting of the label. It will take some time, so be patient. I should see if using a blow dryer will speed up things. But it's during this stage you need to make sure it's sticking flat and eventually it will stay down and dry.
Parker Bros. labels tend to come off a lot, as will those labels on Games By Apollo. Atari end labels tend to fall off more often than any other, mainly due to how they're stored or displayed at flea markets.
The skills learned here can be applied to other sticky labels that fall off, like commercially released VHS tapes.
It's easier to know when you've gotten the old adhesive off the label - it'll leave a yellow stain on the Qtip when you remove it, and the stuff you need to remove is shiny on the label. When you've got enough off, it'll no longer be shiny.
So why do you need to remove the old adhesive? You need a fresh surface for the new stuff to grab onto. If you just leave the old stuff and then add new adhesive, you'll get an uneven look in the label. You don't want that. And it leaves things open for the label to fall off again rather soon.
Now, I chose a spray adhesive that wasn't expensive, didn't need venting because it has no odor, and was easy to clean up. The main problem with resticking a label is this will make it curl up and away from the surface you're applying it on. Try to spray a consistent light coat (as much as the pump spray will allow), and carefully put in place on the cartridge. Hold it down with your fingers as the adhesive begins to dry, paying attention to any lifting of the label. It will take some time, so be patient. I should see if using a blow dryer will speed up things. But it's during this stage you need to make sure it's sticking flat and eventually it will stay down and dry.
Parker Bros. labels tend to come off a lot, as will those labels on Games By Apollo. Atari end labels tend to fall off more often than any other, mainly due to how they're stored or displayed at flea markets.
The skills learned here can be applied to other sticky labels that fall off, like commercially released VHS tapes.
I think (I hope) things are going to be OK
Well, on July 11th, I got yet another "continuing" letter, but no mention of the crap I just went through nor a period of time to expect the next review of crap. On another note, I just got sent a property tax bill sent on behalf of the sheriff's department from the county of West Virginia where the land that we still own the gas and oil rights to is. Apparently, just having an interest in land with these rights counts as owning property and West Virginia has seen fit to tax them. I'm lucky they didn't try to get back taxes for all those previous years they weren't ripping people off over intangible things like mineral rights. If they do try that, I'll let them know where they can go with it.
I also have to deal with getting new tires for the vehicle and or replacing the windshield. One rock hit on the day of that one review and then another later on my way to one appointment.
I've also begun some physical therapy to hopefully get back some of the fitness, stamina, and endurance I've lost in the immediate months and years since Mom passed. Progress has been slow, and I'm hoping nobody gives up on me.
I also have to deal with getting new tires for the vehicle and or replacing the windshield. One rock hit on the day of that one review and then another later on my way to one appointment.
I've also begun some physical therapy to hopefully get back some of the fitness, stamina, and endurance I've lost in the immediate months and years since Mom passed. Progress has been slow, and I'm hoping nobody gives up on me.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck.
Bad Luck: That the appointment I had today happened at all.
Good Luck: My vehicle started and got me there on time.
Unknown
Luck: The meeting lasted only 13 minutes and I don't even know how I
did or whether the guy who saw me agreed I have Asperger's. I hope I
answered him in ways he was looking for.
Bad Luck: A rock hit near dead center in the windshield on my way there, requiring me to get a Windshield Repair Kit.
Bad Luck: My vehicle not wanting to start after several attempts after shopping at Aldi's.
Good
Luck: It finally DID start and got me home, and the dealership was able
to get me in their schedule. And during their testing, it finally did
for the mechanic what it did for me.
Bad Luck: Replacing the starter is a $400+ hit.
Good Luck: They can get the part and do the repair today, and I may get my vehicle back tomorrow.
At least the oil change was free. I was told I won't know for at least 6 weeks after the last appointment how things went.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
WELL, HERE IT BEGINS, ME GETTING SCREWED OVER.
I hope it doesn't come to pass, but here goes the explanation:
That long form for Disability Review, that I hand delivered back in March and filled out stuff that I apparently forgot to answer... The form I got September 10, filled it out in a hurry and sent in and THOUGHT they got it, and was told not to refill it out but just give them copies... (Some info of which was likely out of date by March)
I got a call today from the Office of Redeterminaton. Apparently, they like to call themselves Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, too, but they're with Social Security. I had to call back to find out what it was all about because I picked up and didn't get the lady who left an extension but then hung up before I got all 4 digits.
She had 4 questions. I don't think i remembered them all, but anywho:
1. Am I still seeing any doctors? Because somehow my family physician I last saw in July - her office somehow replied with I wasn't a patient there. How often does one need to see their doctor to be considered current? I was waiting until the 1 year anniversary before seeing her again because last time I got screwed over 2 blood tests that didn't get paid. I also had explain I am seeing a counselor, last appointment was 2 days ago, and I have one upcoming. So they needed a fax number for the one doctor, and I will have to get up soon enough tomorrow to call the one's office and get everyone on the same page.
That long form for Disability Review, that I hand delivered back in March and filled out stuff that I apparently forgot to answer... The form I got September 10, filled it out in a hurry and sent in and THOUGHT they got it, and was told not to refill it out but just give them copies... (Some info of which was likely out of date by March)
I got a call today from the Office of Redeterminaton. Apparently, they like to call themselves Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, too, but they're with Social Security. I had to call back to find out what it was all about because I picked up and didn't get the lady who left an extension but then hung up before I got all 4 digits.
She had 4 questions. I don't think i remembered them all, but anywho:
1. Am I still seeing any doctors? Because somehow my family physician I last saw in July - her office somehow replied with I wasn't a patient there. How often does one need to see their doctor to be considered current? I was waiting until the 1 year anniversary before seeing her again because last time I got screwed over 2 blood tests that didn't get paid. I also had explain I am seeing a counselor, last appointment was 2 days ago, and I have one upcoming. So they needed a fax number for the one doctor, and I will have to get up soon enough tomorrow to call the one's office and get everyone on the same page.
2. Was I
seeing anyone for physical therapy? I said at the time I saw the one
doctor, I didn't go to her for any of that. Nothing was set up yet. I
went mainly to see if I could hold up with travelling.
3. Would I be willing to subject myself to a review IF they didn't get anything current from the offices I mentioned? Which I said I would have to, which might even help, because I know some things haven't gotten better. So she explained that if I got the letter for the review exams (there would be 2 at least), I have to call to confirm I got the letter and I would be going.
I also put forth that I don't understand why I'm getting this ball of anxiety dropped in my lap as I was already told things were "continuing." So there you have it. I fear I'm going to get screwed.
3. Would I be willing to subject myself to a review IF they didn't get anything current from the offices I mentioned? Which I said I would have to, which might even help, because I know some things haven't gotten better. So she explained that if I got the letter for the review exams (there would be 2 at least), I have to call to confirm I got the letter and I would be going.
I also put forth that I don't understand why I'm getting this ball of anxiety dropped in my lap as I was already told things were "continuing." So there you have it. I fear I'm going to get screwed.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Haru wa SA-RA SA-RA (Spring is Rustling Softly)
In the Spanish film from 2014, "Magical Girl," they use 2 Japanese songs. One is The Song of the Black Lizard, lyrics and translation to which are findable online. However, Haru wa SaraSara is not. A karaoke video of the entire thing was findable and clear enough to glean the kanji out. And here is my translation of it, as concise as translations should be. Any approximations put forth are also reasonable. The entire song is not used in the film.
春はサラサラ
Spring is Rustling Softly
ああ 桜並木で 風が
ah sakura namiki de kaze ga
ah.. The wind through a row of sakura trees
ひと荒れしそうな夕暮れ
hito areshi sou na yuugure
is like a storm in the evening
あなたは帰り路を 私より急いでいます
anata wa kaerimichi w(o) watashi yori isoide imasu
You're in more of a hurry than me on your way home.
こんな日はSA-RA SA-RA
konna hi wa sara sara
Days like this softly rustle
夢もSA-RA SA-RA
yume mo sara sara
Even dreams softly rustle
散りそうな片想いです
chirisou na kataomoi desu
It's my unrequited love about to fall and scatter
花びらがSA-RA SA-RA
hanabira ga sara sara
Flower petals softly rustle
肩にふれる
kata ni fureru
as they touch my shoulder
好きですと言えなくて
suki desu to ienakute
I don't want to say "It's Love."
春です
haru desu
It's Spring.
ああかすむような夕やみに
aa kasumu you na yuu yami ni
Ah, In the darkness of evening like a mist,
何もかも見えなくなれば
nani mo kamo mienaku nareba
when nothing is visible,
あなたが他の誰と通りすぎても気づかない
anata ga hoka no dare to toori sugite mo kidzukanai
I'm not worried as you pass by with someone else.
春風にSA-RA SA-RA
harukaze ni SA-RA SA-RA
In the spring breeze, rustling softly
髪もSA-RA SA-RA
kami mo SA-RA SA-RA
my hair, rustling softly
あなたへとなびく恋です
anata he to nabiku koi desu
Is my love fluttering for you.
人知れずSA-RA SA-RA
hitoshirezu SA-RA SA-RA
It's a secret, rustling softly
見つめながら
mitsume nagara
while I gaze at you
好きですと言えない
suki desu to ienai
I won't say "It's love."
私です
watashi desu
It's me.
こんな日はSA-RA SA-RA
konna hi wa sara sara
Days like this softly rustle
夢もSA-RA SA-RA
yume mo sara sara
Even dreams softly rustle
散りそうな片想いです
chirisou na kataomoi desu
It's my unrequited love about to fall and scatter
花びらがSA-RA SA-RA
hanabira ga sara sara
Flower petals softly rustle
肩にふれる
kata ni fureru
as they touch my shoulder
好きですと言えなくて
suki desu to ienakute
I don't want to say "It's Love."
春です
haru desu
It's Spring.
春はサラサラ
Spring is Rustling Softly
ああ 桜並木で 風が
ah sakura namiki de kaze ga
ah.. The wind through a row of sakura trees
ひと荒れしそうな夕暮れ
hito areshi sou na yuugure
is like a storm in the evening
あなたは帰り路を 私より急いでいます
anata wa kaerimichi w(o) watashi yori isoide imasu
You're in more of a hurry than me on your way home.
こんな日はSA-RA SA-RA
konna hi wa sara sara
Days like this softly rustle
夢もSA-RA SA-RA
yume mo sara sara
Even dreams softly rustle
散りそうな片想いです
chirisou na kataomoi desu
It's my unrequited love about to fall and scatter
花びらがSA-RA SA-RA
hanabira ga sara sara
Flower petals softly rustle
肩にふれる
kata ni fureru
as they touch my shoulder
好きですと言えなくて
suki desu to ienakute
I don't want to say "It's Love."
春です
haru desu
It's Spring.
ああかすむような夕やみに
aa kasumu you na yuu yami ni
Ah, In the darkness of evening like a mist,
何もかも見えなくなれば
nani mo kamo mienaku nareba
when nothing is visible,
あなたが他の誰と通りすぎても気づかない
anata ga hoka no dare to toori sugite mo kidzukanai
I'm not worried as you pass by with someone else.
春風にSA-RA SA-RA
harukaze ni SA-RA SA-RA
In the spring breeze, rustling softly
髪もSA-RA SA-RA
kami mo SA-RA SA-RA
my hair, rustling softly
あなたへとなびく恋です
anata he to nabiku koi desu
Is my love fluttering for you.
人知れずSA-RA SA-RA
hitoshirezu SA-RA SA-RA
It's a secret, rustling softly
見つめながら
mitsume nagara
while I gaze at you
好きですと言えない
suki desu to ienai
I won't say "It's love."
私です
watashi desu
It's me.
こんな日はSA-RA SA-RA
konna hi wa sara sara
Days like this softly rustle
夢もSA-RA SA-RA
yume mo sara sara
Even dreams softly rustle
散りそうな片想いです
chirisou na kataomoi desu
It's my unrequited love about to fall and scatter
花びらがSA-RA SA-RA
hanabira ga sara sara
Flower petals softly rustle
肩にふれる
kata ni fureru
as they touch my shoulder
好きですと言えなくて
suki desu to ienakute
I don't want to say "It's Love."
春です
haru desu
It's Spring.
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
It's fun to watch DirecTV's technical staff get results
At
some point this afternoon (1:10 pm to be precise) I was watching
something on History channel when suddenly the feed cut off. This was
odd. DirecTV apparently was working on something which required them to
make over 30 channels on my lineup to go dark for a couple of hours.
When they gradually came back on, TBS and Cartoon Network East WERE LETTERBOXED
AGAIN!! Yay! TNT and TruTV and BET are still not fixed, but hey, I've
not watched CN East for almost 3 months because it was displaying wrong
when it's always been letterboxed.
I called Thursday night to complain when Comedy Central messed up. The
next day, it was fixed but then CNN was messed up. That persisted until
Monday when it got fixed.
It's clear DirecTV's technicians were doing their job and accomplished
quite a lot, even with still more to do. FreeSpeechTV, LinkTV, and
Arirang are messed up but then they were always like that. It would be
nice if the set top box was able to reshape all channels like the local
stations...
