Simple Living

Setting My Sights on Data Analytics Certification I have set my sights on my first certification in my journey to the Data Analytics realm, specifically the Microsoft MTA Exam - 98-381 - Introduction to Programming with Python. My Preparation Books Intro to Python, 5th Edition - Mark Lutz Programming in Python - Mark Lutz Self-Practice Writing Python applications Timeline 180 Days (December 2017 – May 2018) Tentative Exam Date : Early May 2018 Note I won't feel competent in Python until I have spent at least a full year writing serious code. For now, I want to understand the basics and apply them at work. I have some small projects in mind to gain practical experience with Python, and I plan to implement them in 2018. I consider this the foundational step to solidify my Python knowledge. Updates Update (2/1/18) I got busy at work and had to push back my Python studies. I am still studying, but my progress is slower than I had hoped. However, I am committed to continuing. Update

Starting My Journey into Data Science It's time to start studying again, and I've decided against pursuing .NET/Web Programming in favor of Data Science. I've only begun researching what I need to learn to get better acquainted with Data Science, and for now, I will focus on Python Programming. I'm already pretty good with SQL and Relational Databases (SQL Server, Oracle), but there's much more to explore. Beyond Math and Statistics, I want to understand how to work with unstructured data. Subject List My initial study list (subject to change as I learn what I need) includes the following topics, presented in no particular order: Python Language R Language MongoDB / NoSQL Big Data (Hadoop, Hive) Cloud Tools (Amazon S3) Additionally, I will need to brush up on my Math and Statistics skills, as it has been a few years since university. Reading Estimate 4,000 Pages [5 to 6 books, each 500 to 800 pages] 10 months [100 pages per week] // Estimated Completion Time: Octo

Here’s a list of the Apple Watch Activity Achievement Challenge badges available for 2017, which were offered for one day only: 2017 Apple Watch Activity Achievement Challenge Badges April 22: Earth Day May 14: Mother's Day July 15: National Park Day November 11: Veteran's Day November 23: Thanksgiving Day

Comparison of Klipsch R6i and AKG EO-IG955 Earbuds Having invested in the Klipsch R6i earbuds back in 2016, I’ve found them to be quite useful for short transit and plane trips. They perform significantly better than the stock Apple earbuds or the AKG EO-IG955s that come with Samsung's Galaxy S8. After recently acquiring a free pair of the AKG IG955s and spending some time with them, I can appreciate both models for different purposes. Specifications Klipsch R6i Specs: Driver Size: 6.5mm Frequency Response: 10 ~ 19,000 Hz Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW Impedance: 18 Ohms Noise Isolation: -22 dB Connector: 3.5mm Plug (Gold) Cable Type: Flat (Tangle-Free) Features: Microphone, In-Line Control (Volume Up/Down, Start/Pause) Price: $60 @ Amazon AKG EO-IG955 Specs: Driver Size: Unknown Frequency Response: 20 ~ 20,000 Hz* Sensitivity: 93.2 dB/mW Impedance: 32 Ohms Connector: 3.5mm Plug (Non-Gold) Cable Type: Partial Braided (Sorta Tangle-Free) Features: Microphone, In-Line Control

Reflections on Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility Tetralogy: The Decay of the Angel Having recently finished the fourth and final book of Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility tetralogy, titled The Decay of the Angel , I wanted to share my thoughts. This series was meant to be Mishima's masterpiece, and although I’ve only read the last two installments, I can say they offer a rich and engaging experience, though perhaps not on the same level as Tolstoy's War and Peace . A Profound Exploration of Life and Death I found The Decay of the Angel to be an enthralling read that raises profound questions about how we live our lives and confront our inevitable mortality. A particularly poignant observation I came across was the idea that the tetralogy can be summed up in Mr. Honda's realization that we have just "one shot at life." This concept resonates throughout the narrative and invites readers to reflect on the choices we make. Insights into Post-War Japan While I

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs. ATH-MSR7: A Comparative Review Having owned both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and ATH-MSR7 headphones for several months now, I wanted to provide a thorough comparison between these two models. While the M50x has achieved legendary status for its value, the MSR7 appears to be a worthy successor. Price: M50x Wins ATH-M50x : MSRP around $169 USD (typically found on Amazon for $130 to $150). ATH-MSR7 : MSRP for $249 USD, but often available for around $200. The M50x offers a more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. Sound Quality: MSR7 Wins Both models feature 45mm drivers, but there are notable differences in their specifications: MSR7 Frequency Range: 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz Impedance: 35 Ohm Power Handling: 2,000 mW M50x Frequency Range: 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz Impedance: 38 Ohm Power Handling: 1,600 mW In terms of sound quality, the MSR7s outperform the M50x with a tighter response, improved defin

Exploring Brandy: My First Experience with Hennessy VSOP As I aimed to broaden my palate beyond whisky, I dove into the fascinating world of brandies, particularly the renowned French cognacs. With so many varieties and brands available, I was excited to start my journey. For my initial exploration, I chose a VSOP from the House of Hennessy (LVMH) for about $18 USD in a 200 mL bottle. Initial Reaction Upon my first taste, I found the Hennessy VSOP to be flavorful and sweet, with a pleasant nose. In terms of taste, it struck me as being on par with Johnnie Walker Black but less complex than Highland Park 12. The sweetness was reminiscent of Macallan 12, and I was surprised by the syrupy viscosity, akin to adding maple syrup to a less-than-stellar bottle of whisky. While this was unexpected, it wasn't off-putting; it just highlighted how different cognac can be from whisky. Although I don’t see myself abandoning whisky for cognac, I appreciate how this experience enhances my understa

Seiko Orange Monster on Bonetto Cinturini 285 Strap Review I recently gave the Seiko Orange Monster a try on the Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap, and I was pleasantly surprised by the transformation. Having never been a fan of the stock metal bracelet, the switch to a black rubber strap made a notable difference in both aesthetics and comfort. Aesthetic Appeal The Bonetto Cinturini 285 strap complements the bold design of the Orange Monster beautifully. The black rubber provides a sleek, sporty look that enhances the watch's dive capabilities while maintaining its iconic appeal. The strap’s design also aligns well with the Orange Monster's vibrant dial, creating a striking contrast that’s both functional and stylish. Comfort and Durability One of the standout features of the Bonetto strap is its comfort. It feels soft against the skin, making it ideal for everyday wear, especially in warmer weather or during aquatic activities. The strap's flexibility allows for a snug fit, ens

Sony ZX Series Headphones Review: A Budget-Friendly Sound Choice If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly headphones with decent quality, the Sony ZX Series is definitely worth considering. I happen to own several models from the lineup: ZX-100 ZX-110 ZX-310 Let’s dive into how they compare in terms of build quality, cost, specs, sound, and overall value. Build Quality: ZX-310 Takes the Lead The Sony ZX series headphones primarily feature a durable plastic construction. My ZX-100 has lasted over 2½ years, enduring countless tosses into my backpack and car without any issues. However, the lower-end ZX-100 and ZX-110 models have a significant downside: poor-quality earpads. Over time, these earpads disintegrate, leaving vinyl flakes that stick to your hair and ears. The ZX-310, on the other hand, comes with upgraded earpads that don’t suffer from this problem, making them a clear winner in the build department. Cost Comparison: ZX-100/110 Wins for Affordability While the ZX-310 model co

Review of the Seiko SKX007 The Seiko SKX007 is one of the best deals available for a genuine diver's watch. I purchased mine for about $179 from Amazon and was quite satisfied with it, though I found it a bit too large for my taste, featuring 22mm bands and a 45mm watch face. My preference leans towards a maximum of 20mm bands and watch faces between 39mm and 41mm. Performance and Features It's hard to say anything negative about the SKX007. It boasts a 7s26/36 automatic movement and offers an impressive water resistance of up to 200 meters, all for a fraction of the price of comparable luxury diver watches like the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster. Specifications of the SKX007 Model : SKX007 Movement : Automatic 7s26/36 Size : 45mm Band Width : 22mm The SKX007 remains a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable diver's watch, but for my preferences, the SKX781 is a better fit.  

Reflection on the Zodiac SeaDragon The Zodiac SeaDragon was one of my first forays into watch collecting and marked my third or fourth watch since my venerable "first watch," a Guess Waterpro. At that time, I was particularly attracted to diver-style watches. Overview The SeaDragon was a very good watch, and I truly enjoyed wearing it. Unfortunately, since parting with it, I've learned that Zodiac has abandoned quartz watches in favor of automatic models, making these older quartz versions increasingly uncommon and potentially rare in the future. I recall selling it for around $40, and now I see them selling for close to $100 on eBay. I believe I paid about $119 to $129 retail. While I wouldn’t be surprised if it sells for more than MSRP in a decade, I don't expect it to fetch much more than that, as it is still just a quartz watch. Design Flaws One drawback of this watch is that the bezel is not unidirectional and can easily get jammed, rendering it primarily decorat

My Growing Headphone Collection My headphone collection has grown significantly over time. I've moved on from Skullcandy and Beats in favor of Audio Technica and Grado. In hindsight, I wish I had purchased a pair of M50s many years ago. Here are my current headphones in all their glory, from left to right: Audio Technica — M50x (Purchased 2014) Audio Technica — MSR7 (Purchased 2017) Grado — SR80e (Purchased 2016) Future Plans As for future acquisitions, I’m not entirely sure. I have both closed and open reference cans covered, so my next move will either be to go upmarket to the $1k range with brands like Fostex or Ultrasone, or I might consider the tier below with options like the ATH M70x, Sony MDR1A, or other brands such as Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, or AKG. Realistically, it will likely be another pair of Audio Technica headphones, possibly the M70s or an open reference model like the R70 or AD700.

Sampling Johnnie Walker Blue Label It seems people know I have a fondness for whisky, as a friend recently gifted me a small 200 mL bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. This is a fantastic opportunity to sample Blue Label without having to open the larger bottle. I plan to save it for something special, likely to enjoy it during New Year's celebrations.  

Review of Sony Earbuds MDR-EX15ap I picked up a pair of Sony earbuds, model MDR-EX15ap, over a year ago. They were on sale for about $5, and I couldn't resist the deal. While these earbuds are not great, they aren't terrible either. I keep them in the car as an emergency backup pair of headphones when I'm in a study session mood. Sub-Models From my research, I found there are two sub-models of the EX15s: AP : Android compatible LP : Standard version The 'AP' designation likely refers to the single push button on the in-line microphone, which is used for on/off functionality during phone calls or music playback. Basic Specifications Drivers : 9mm Frequency Response : 8 - 22,000 Hz Sensitivity : 100 dB/mW Impedance : 16 ohms Cable Length : 3.94 ft with in-line microphone Overall, the Sony MDR-EX15ap earbuds serve their purpose as a reliable backup option.

Highland Park New Packaging & Branding Highland Park has released new packaging and branding for their 10, 12, and 18-year-old single malt whiskies. I recently picked up the 12 Year Old - Viking Honour to replenish my stock, as it's been almost two years since I last enjoyed a dram of HP12. I’m eagerly waiting to give it a try later this month. Original Notes Highland Park 12 Year Old 2015   Update: 9/30/17 I popped it open and had two pours. Both were phenomenal, and I’m very happy I decided to pick up the Highland Park 12. It’s not as sweet as a Macallan, but it’s perfectly easy to drink neat. Update: 10/13/17 I’ve already consumed half the bottle and need to slow down. What’s particularly amazing about Highland Park 12 is the nose. I can’t get enough of the aroma, and drinking from a proper curved glass allows me to fully take it in.

Maintenance Cost Summary Total Maintenance Cost Lifetime: 2017: $0 2018: $58 2019: $134 2020: $1,328 2021: $379 2022: $1,448 2023: $1,960 2024: $333 2025:  $800 2026:  $200 2027:  $200 Total: $5,640 (+$1,400) This equates to an average of $705 per year, with approximately one-third of costs for preventive maintenance (oil and fluid changes) and the remaining two-thirds for consumables like tires and brakes. Maintenance Cost by Type Consumables (66%) New Tires : $2,073 Tire Rotations : $80 Brakes and Rotors : $1,430 Battery-Related Services : $142 Preventive (32%) Oil Changes : $1,257 Fluid Change/Cleaning: $530 Other Services : $428 Total Maintenance Cost : $5,640 Reflecting back on all the maintenance cost its actually quite good as most of it was either preventive (oil or fluid changes) or consumables like tires and brakes. Maintenance Log for 2016 Toyota Highlander 2017 Mar 2017 Service: Oil Change, Tire Rotation at 5,340 miles Cost: Free Oct 2017 Service: Oil Change,

Expanding My Fountain Pen Collection My current focus is on my nascent fountain pen collection, and I have been planning how best to proceed over the next 12 months to increase my collection to a total of six pens. Presently, I own only three Metropolitan pens, and I feel it's necessary to add some variety and quality. Current Inventory Pilot Metropolitan Classic (Black) Retro Pop (Turquoise) Retro Pop (Purple) Iroshizuku Ink Kon-Peki Murasaki-Shikibu Future Desired Additions Pens Pilot Custom 74 Black — $75 — Mar 2018 Platinum 3776 Blue — $75 — Aug 2018 Platinum 3776 Red — $75 — Dec 2018 Accessories Pen Case (3 Pack) — $25 — Aug 2018 Estimated Outlay : $250 Update: 12/31/17 I've delayed my planned purchases and will make them contingent on successfully passing my certification exams for Python and R. While the dates may vary, I want to ‘win’ these pens by passing the examinations. The Metropolitans have held up well and are being reinked every few days due to my studies. U

New Additions to My Fountain Pen Collection I recently ordered two Pilot Metropolitan fountain pens from the Retro Pop collection in Turquoise and Purple. Both pens feature fine point nibs and, aside from the color and design patterns on the cross section, they are identical to the Metropolitan Classic collection. The Benefits of Multiple Pens I’m glad I purchased additional Metropolitan fountain pens. Having several options to choose from makes life easier than relying on a single pen. Packaging Contents The pens come in the same standard packaging as other Pilot Metropolitan models, which includes a single black cartridge and a Con-20 style ink converter. This setup makes the Metropolitan one of the best starter pens, as it provides everything needed to begin writing. Nib Performance After their first inking with Iroshizuku ink, both pens felt a bit scratchy. I grabbed my Metropolitan Classic to compare and found it writes much smoother. I suspect the new pens just need some time to

Researching Entry-Level Pilot Fountain Pens As I delve into the various models of entry-level Pilot fountain pens, I’ve established some criteria for what qualifies as "entry level." Criteria for Entry Level Price Range : $10 to $60 MSRP Refillable Options : Normal refillable systems (converter/cartridge, etc.) List of Models Pilot 78G Pilot Cavalier Pilot Cocoon Pilot Ecrino Pilot Kakuno Pilot Knight Pilot Lucina Pilot Metropolitan Classic Retro Pop Animal Print Pilot Minuet Pilot Penmanship Pilot Petit1 Pilot Plumix Pilot Prera This list will help me compare and choose the best option as I continue my research.

Loss of My Platinum Century 3776 Fountain Pen It appears I've misplaced and possibly lost my beloved Platinum Century 3776 fountain pen. This is unfortunate, as it cost me quite a bit of money, estimating around $75 ($65 for the pen and $10 for the converter). Current Alternatives While I still have my Pilot Metropolitan, it simply isn't the same as having a gold nib pen. The writing experience with the Platinum is unmatched, and I truly miss it. Future Considerations I’m not ready yet to invest in another expensive fountain pen. Instead, I need to think about how to better ensure I avoid misplacing and losing such valuable items in the future. This situation has definitely been a disappointment.