Simple Living

Establishing a Whisky Collection I’m in the process of moving and looking forward to building a more respectable whisky collection . Here are my planned choices for the initial lineup: Macallan 12 Glenlivet 12 Highland 12 Laphroaig 10 Glenfiddich 12 Budget I’m estimating the total cost for these whiskies to be around $300 - $350 . I plan to check my local liquor store to get a better sense of pricing and finalize my selection. Update on Prices I’ve found that Costco has the best prices around! While their selection is somewhat limited, they carry almost all the whiskies I want for my initial collection. Refining My Choices I’ve decided to narrow it down further, as I want to focus on a select few for personal enjoyment. My goal is to build my palate 'memory' before diving deeper into this exciting world. Future Plans After I’ve tried these five starter bottles, I’m considering trying higher-end options like Glenlivet 18 Year and Macallan 18 Year . Then I might circle back to

Early Afternoon Coffee Break I'm taking a moment to enjoy an early afternoon coffee break . While it's not quite the same as fresh brewed, it's quick and convenient for my busy day. Unexpected Find I couldn’t locate any other mug, so I settled for this one I found in the kitchen. To my surprise, it's a $75 Tiffany Cup ! I had no idea where this came from, but it certainly adds a touch of elegance to my coffee break. It’s funny how sometimes the simplest things, like a nice mug, can elevate an everyday moment.

Weekend Espresso Enjoyment This weekend, I'm savoring a nice cup of espresso . There's something special about the rich, bold flavor that makes it the perfect treat to unwind. Dreaming of Italy Someday, I'd love to experience the charm of sipping an espresso in an Italian street café , soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and watching the world go by. For now, though, my cozy setup will have to suffice! There's a certain satisfaction in making the most of what you have, and I'm grateful for this little moment of indulgence.

New Watch Acquisition: Swatch 'Faux Fox' SUOB709 I recently stopped by the Swatch shop and after some deliberation, I decided to go with the 'Faux Fox' model SUOB709 instead of the Sistem51. Purchase Details I paid full retail for it at $70 . While I noticed it’s available online for about $15-20 less, the savings didn’t seem worth the hassle. Why I Chose This Model I really like this watch because it fills a niche between a classic analog automatic and a rugged G-Shock digital. It's perfect for casual wear and allows me to not worry too much about it. Features and Considerations Comfort : It's casual and comfortable, making it great for daily use. Water Resistance : Unfortunately, it lacks water resistance, so I’ll have to keep it away from the pool or any water activities. While I was initially leaning toward something more vibrant, trying on various models made me realize that this subdued, classic look fits my style better.

Roundup of My Modest Watch Collection: The 3 and 3's Here’s a look at my modest yet versatile watch collection, showcasing six timepieces that balance style, functionality, and durability. I’ve divided them into two groups of three: my automatics and my digital/analog quartz watches. Automatics Rolex Explorer 114270 Omega Seamaster 2531.80 Seiko SSB003 - Quartz Digital/Analog Quartz Casio GLX-5600-7 Casio GLX-5600-4 Casio DW-6900-1 Overall, I’m comfortable with what I have in my collection. While I could always add more, I find that I have plenty of options to suit my needs. I typically wear one of the automatics during the week and switch to a G-Shock for outdoor activities or physical work. Future Additions I'm considering a dress watch to round out my collection, and the Nomos Tangente is currently on my radar. I also find myself drawn to the idea of adding some color and fun with a quirky Swatch or a Casio F91WC. Alternatively, a bright-colored G-Shock could also bring a

A Humble Alternative: Seiko 5 SNKK35 Review The Seiko 5 model SNKK35 offers a compelling alternative to the Rolex Explorer I, providing automatic movement and attractive aesthetics at an incredibly accessible price point. Available for around $50 pre-owned (and under $80 brand new), it’s a remarkable option for those seeking style without breaking the bank. Here’s a closer look at five key aspects of this watch: Movement The SNKK35 features the well-known Seiko 7s26/36 automatic movement. While this reliable movement has been in use for years, it lacks a hacking second hand—meaning you can’t stop the second hand while setting the time. This may be a drawback for some, but many find it a minor inconvenience. The accuracy is typically rated at +20 to +30 seconds per day, although some owners have reported accuracy closer to COSC standards at around +5 to +10 seconds per day. My personal experience with several Seiko 5 models aligns with these expectations. Dial The dial is arguably the h

Saturday Bliss: Coffee and Freedom There’s something special about a leisurely Saturday afternoon. Today, I’m just enjoying a cup of coffee, savoring the moment with no agenda or responsibilities pulling at my time. The Perfect Cup The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Whether it’s a rich dark roast or a smooth blend, each sip is a little reminder to slow down and appreciate the day. Embracing the Freedom Having a completely free day is a rare treat. No plans, no commitments—just time to relax and do whatever I feel like. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, perhaps dive into a good book, or simply watch the world go by. Simple Joys Moments like this remind me of the beauty in simplicity. There’s no need for extravagance; just a good cup of coffee and a bit of free time can make for a wonderful afternoon. Here’s to enjoying every second of this blissful Saturday!

Morning Ritual: Coffee, The Economist, and Great Tunes Waking up early turned out to be a blessing in disguise! I decided to head over to Starbucks for a well-deserved morning break. There’s something special about starting the day with a great cup of coffee and a bit of quiet time. Coffee and Reading My two favorites for the morning? A rich cup of Joe and an issue of The Economist magazine. There's nothing quite like sipping on that hot brew while diving into insightful articles. It’s the perfect way to stay informed and engaged with the world. Music to Enhance the Experience To top it off, I added some music to the mix. Next time, I’ll definitely bring my Audio-Technica ATH-M50s along. They provide such incredible sound quality that they really enhance the experience. Whether I’m vibing to my favorite tunes or enjoying the ambiance around me, those headphones make everything more enjoyable. This little morning escape reminds me of the simple pleasures in life—great coffee, thoug

Reviving the Seiko on NATO Straps With all the stunning photos of the Tudor Monte Carlo floating around, I couldn’t help but reflect on my Seiko chronographs. They may not carry the same prestige, but they’re much more affordable and just as functional for everyday wear. The Fun of NATO Straps I decided to switch my Seiko back to a NATO strap, and it’s made a noticeable difference. While the stock bracelet and leather strap were perfectly adequate, there’s something inherently fun about the versatility and comfort of a NATO. It completely changes the vibe of the watch and makes it feel fresh and exciting again. A Small Collection Over time, I’ve accumulated a small collection of about six NATO straps, each offering a different look to match my mood or outfit. Whether I’m dressing casually or going for something a bit more refined, I love being able to customize the watch to fit the occasion. In the end, the Seiko on a NATO strap is a fantastic reminder that you don’t always need to spe

The Joy of Single Malt Scotch There's something uniquely satisfying about savoring a single malt scotch. While blended varieties certainly have their charm and serve well for various occasions, single malts are truly special—reserved for those moments when you want to treat yourself or celebrate something meaningful. An Old Standby Recently, I found an old standby on sale and couldn’t resist picking it up. I had considered grabbing a Macallan, Oban, or even something with a bit more peatiness, but the allure of a familiar favorite won me over. It's a reminder that sometimes, sticking with what you know and love can be just as rewarding as exploring new options. The Allure of a Collection As I reflect on my past preferences, I can’t help but think how nice it would be to build a solid collection of single malts. While a new watch or even a PS4 would be fun, a well-curated scotch collection holds a different kind of appeal. Aiming for at least half a dozen bottles to start would

Review of the Seiko Chronograph SSB003 I purchased the Seiko Chronograph model SSB003 about four months ago in November 2014, and it has quickly become a favorite in my collection. Here’s a brief overview of my experience with this timepiece. Design and Comfort The stock metal bracelet is comfortable enough for daily wear, but I prefer the look and feel of the watch on a leather strap. Currently, I have it paired with a Hirsch Liberty strap, which contrasts beautifully with the silver dial. This combination gives the watch a classic yet understated appearance—almost like a 'poor man's' Hamilton Khaki. Performance and Usability While the SSB003 has its flaws, I believe it’s worth every penny. The main issue is its legibility in low-light conditions; the lack of luminescent materials on the hour markers and hands makes it challenging to read the time when it's dim. However, considering the price point, this watch has performed admirably, and its size is a perfect fit for

I was able to create a Linux RAID 0 Array with two (2) SanDisk 32gb Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drives.  I opted for RAID 0 - Striping as it would give me one logical 64gb Drive with theoretically 'double' the speed. Due to the Linux Test Machine having only USB 2.0 ports, the theoretical max it could achieve is limited by USB 2.0 max speed of 480mbits/sec (roughly 60mb/sec).  Initial test of Single USB Flash Drive -- 30mb/sec Read Speed. Create RAID 0 I installed mdadm .  It was conveniently located in the Ubuntu Software Center.  Reviewed other users guides and none worked exactly as described, but after reviewing each one, I was able to piece together the necessary terminal commands and steps to take. Steps Taken: sudo -s Enter Admin Password mdadm -Cv /dev/md0 -l0 -n2 /dev/sdc /dev/sdd mke2fs /dev/md0 mount /dev/md0 /mnt/samsung I had to also mess around in disks to get things to work.  And then renamed the Lost+Found folder to 'USB Files' as that was

Quick Review of the SanDisk CZ48 USB 3.0 Ultra Flash Drives I recently purchased two 32GB SanDisk CZ48 USB 3.0 Ultra Flash Drives for $17 each on Amazon. If I had acted a bit sooner, I might have snagged them for $14.99 each, but that’s hindsight for you. Here’s a breakdown of my experience with one of these drives, particularly during large file transfers. Performance Read/Write Speeds Read Speed: 75 MB/second Write Speed: 25 MB/second SanDisk clearly states that the CZ48 drives are optimized for read speed. The write speed of 25 MB/second is decent, especially compared to the 4-10 MB/second speeds I typically got with USB 2.0 drives. Given that these drives are priced similarly to USB 2.0 Cruzer Glides of the same capacity, opting for the CZ48 Ultra is a no-brainer. However, if you require faster write speeds, I recommend looking into the Extreme CZ80 or Extreme Pro CZ88 models. Pros Decent Read Speed: The read speeds are impressive for the price point. Good Price: Comparable to

Audio-Technica MTH-50 Review: One Year Later It has been almost a year since I purchased the Audio-Technica MTH-50 headphones, and they are still going strong. I blogged about them back in March 2014, and I can confidently say they continue to sound fantastic—perhaps even better than when I first got them. While I wouldn’t necessarily attribute this improvement to "burn-in," I do think that as you become accustomed to their sound signature, you start to notice more of the subtle details that might have been blurry or drowned out in cheaper headphones. Durability and Wear In hindsight, the 'white' color looked cool initially, but it has proven to be a magnet for dirt and grime. The pleather headband, in particular, is showing some wear and tear, and I worry that it may eventually peel and crack. However, this wear doesn’t detract from the sound quality, and I believe these headphones will remain usable for a long time. That said, I do wish Audio-Technica