Simple Living

It's been about two years now and the original earpads have deteriorated to the point I get white flakes on my shoulders.  Purchased some new aftermarket ear pads and tried them on.  Overall not bad, they are certainly bigger than the original pads and maybe next time I'll try velour pads.  I only wish they sold a replacement for the headband which is flaking badly as well. Was interesting to see that the speakers inside the headphones are angled making L/R actually meaningful. Earpads cost me $20.  Kinda pricy, but necessary. Update 3/2019 I barely used the M50's and after 2 years the 'new' ear pads disintegrated.  I purchased some velour ear pads instead, but am regretting it as it completely changes the sound signature of the M50's.  Although they do not last for more than 1-2 years, the traditional vinyl ear pads are better.  Accept it as cost of ownership.

Brand:  Grado Model:  SR80e Frequency:  20 Hz - 20,000 Hz Sensitivity:  99.8 dB Impedence:  32 ohms Price:  $99 @ Amazon The Grado SR80e represent one of the best deals in Headphones.  Second only to the legendary Audio Technica ATH-M50's having both in even a modest Headphone Collection should provide sufficient range & options for most Music enthusiasts.  I own both and agree with many of the reviews of this Headphone Combo. I've debated on adding an Open Air Headphone and it took a while as I seriously considered the similarly priced Audio Technica AD700x.  Perhaps it was the Retro Styling, but the Grado's won and I'm very pleased with my decision. These are strictly for Indoor Use and stay close to my PC and PS4.  I reach for these mostly when watching a Movie, Video Games or Music.  Oddly, I stick with the M50x or MSR7 when listening to music on the iPhone, even when at home. The Grado's are NOT perfect for every type of Music Genre and while n

The Hirsch Robby Sailcloth Performance Strap arrived today.  Purchased the version in Black with Red Stitching.  Cost me $ 108 from Amazon and is the priciest strap I've bought thus far, but felt it's a worthy investment as I plan to use it daily. First Impression The black texture on the outside feels like a pair of gortex gloves and the detail is quite good as it should be for a fairly expensive watch band. Stitching is excellent and the red rubber underside while coarse at first is comfortable. I got the 20 mm version and tried it on an Omega Seamaster 2531.80. And it works quite well. It's too soon to give this a verdict, but overall I'm satisfied that it is a premium grade watch strap. The Omega needed some new legs as I was tired of the bracelet accumulating scratches.  It does feel more sporty casual with the Hirsh strap. Update 2/6/16 It's been about a week since receiving the Hirsch Robby Performance strap and I must say it's

I'm halfway through the next book in the MCSA SS 2012 certification path; 70-462 SQL Server 2012 Administrator.  Fortunately, I have done quite a bit of what the book discusses already at work when I built a Web App from scratch and also deploying quite a few vendor solutions that run on SQL Server.  Kinda cool and I guess in a way better I read the book 'after' I did the practical hands on.  Makes more sense when reading as if second-nature; or so I hope.  I'll bum rush through the rest of the book and sit for the second exam possibly as early as this coming Friday or next week.  However, a lot of this is geared more towards a DBA, which is not my professional goal, but hey better to learn a bit than none at all? Study Plan 1/19 - Chapter 1 1/20 - Chapter 2 1/22 - Chapter 3 1/23 - Chapter 4, 5, 6 1/24 - Chapter 7, 8, 9 1/25 - Chapter 10 1/26 - Chapter 11 1/27 - Chapter 12 1/28 - 2/4 - Exam Prep 2/5 - Exam - Failed - 678 / 700 3/5 - Exam - Failed - 679 / 700 4/1 - Exam

When I pass all my exams for the MCSA I'll reward myself with a nice pair of headphones.  I currently own only the Audio Technica M50x which have served me well, but I feel it's time to add another selection to my growing collection.  I'm willing to spend $250 and reviewing my options.  I've started evaluating and studying the ATH M70x, MSR7 and Sony MDR-1A as possible candidates for my next set.  Before I do that, I wanted to catalog my current collection and see where I want to expand and focus on.  Excluding the M50's and WM77, the rest of my assortment are basic headphones and eventually I may 'retire' as my collection improves.  For now I'm leaning towards the MSR7's, but going based on simply specs is misleading and I would like to try each of them and a few other brands and models before deciding. While superficial, one area I would like to see improvement is overall build quality with metal for the hinges and areas that would have the most

I was at the Shopping Mall studying for the next exam and realized I didn't bring a pair of headphones.  Rather than drive back home (two hour drive), figured I just buy a pair of basic headphones.  Browsing the choices I came across the iLive IA54B for $ 10 @ Sears.  They are just basic headphones and fit my needs. Basic Specs: Range:  20hz - 20khz 100db Sensitivity 32 ohm Impedence 1/8" Stereo Adapter Sound Quality Don't expect much as these are $10 Headphones and when you take that into consideration you will understand tolerate them for what they are...something to hear music when you have nothing else. Initially, they sounded horrible as they were tuned to exaggerate the bass, mids are almost non-existent and certain tracks I know have some notes in the high and mid were imperceptible.  I was using my iPhone5 and to help improve sound quality required setting the EQ to 'Treble Boost' and at 65% Volume the IA54B were quite decent.  After this adjus

This is it....the final chapter 17 of the 70-461 Query Microsoft SQL Server.  Pumping it today to finish strong and begin practicing for the exam.  Hopefully in a week of practice I'll go and take the real 70-461 test.  Wish me luck.

Closing in on the end.  Chapter 16.

Taking a break...Gloria Jeans Signature Iced Coffee.

Stuff is deep and taking while to read and understand.  Hitting Chapter 15 -- Indexes & Statistics.  Maybe I'll make it to 17 by Sunday, if not by Christmas?  Still a good pace and almost done.

I'm making a good pace in the 70-461 book.  Although I took two weeks worth of breaks, I've managed to finish 75% of the book and should finish the whole book within a month of starting (11/22 - 12/22).  I'm thinking I can finish each MCSA exam portion (read the book , practice exams) In about 6-7 weeks total, so I can wrap this whole MCSA thing in about 18-21 weeks and leave me time to tackle the MCSE!  Now I've already accumulated five years of practical experience and the exams are just a way to test my aptitude and expose me to things I don't normally have an opportunity to use much at work.  In any case, MCSE sounds like a good goal, after the MCSA of course.  After that?  Hmm...more dev stuff, which might not be covered in any formal exam or go back to school and snag a Math Degree.  Ha. Goals March 2016 -- MCSA certification June 2016 -- MCSE certification Rest of 2016 -- study code!

Getting closer to the final stretch.  Chapter 14 -- Query Performance Tools.

Took a break, but back in the game.  Chapter 13 - T-SQL routines

Behind schedule, but still going.  Now Chapter 12.