Simple Living

I took the plunge and purchased a Seiko Orange Monster model # SKX781.  It is a very popular model from the Seiko 5 lineup that rivals the equally popular SKX007.  Both are Dive Watches rated for 200 Meter Water Resistance.  Having previously owned an SKX007, I always wanted to try an Orange Monster. There are many reviews on the Orange Monster, this is just my personal notes of why I decided to get one.  It was surprisingly a fairly difficult decision for me as I already own more expensive automatic watches and got rid of several Seiko 5 watches over the years as I wanted to simplify my collection, but in the end I needed something to fill that niche of an inexpensive automatic beater.  Quartz, while accurate and reliable just didn't feel the same as a true automatic mechanical watch. Enter the Seiko SKX781... 20mm Lug Width What drew me to the Seiko SKX781 was the 20mm lug width.  This helps me standardize and keep simple my collection of watch bands across all my wa

Exam prep.  Reviewing my notes and taking practice questions on the CD.  Starbucks Green Tea Frap.

The battery died in the Seiko SSB003.  Popped it open to see what battery it needs and replaced it.  It needed an SR936SW battery. Kinda cool looking at the 6T63A movement.  Nothing fancy, but interesting all the same.  Standard screwback. The battery is locked into place by a thin metal strip running across it.  You can gently unlock it from pushing slightly on the part of the metal bar nearest the edge of the case.

On April 2016 Starbucks will make another change to their Gold Card program.  I've been a Gold Card member since 2010 and experienced all the changes since.  For the most part I don't really care what they do as I'm there to buy coffee or a snack.  It was nice to get 'some' discount by way of a free item every so often, but in reality you can save money by simply shopping elsewhere.  7-Eleven and McDonald's have excellent coffee for a lower price and often that's all I want...a plain cup of hot coffee black.  This new change was something I anticipated they would eventually do and in some ways is 'better' as it makes the program more exclusive.  You now must spend at least $150 per year to maintain Gold status.  Now it all depends on what they will offer to members who spend that much as they raised the cost of earning a free item to $62.50 when you could easily earn one under the old system of 12 stars by spending about $30 ($2.50 X 12).  For me?  I

[Study Only ; Cancelled Exam] I'm taking the optional exam 70-411 Administering Window Server 2012 in lieu of 70-463 Data Warehouses, WS 12 is more relevant and useful to me.  I've always wanted to learn more of the nuances and basics of the Window Server Platform.  Here's my chance and have it count for the MCSA SQL Server 2012 certificate.  If all goes well, I may consider taking 70-410 and qualify for the dual MCSA Window Server 2012 along with MCSA SQL Server 2012.  But no promises. Study Plan 2/6 - Chapter 1,2,3 2/7 - Chapter 4 2/10 - Ch 5 2/16 - Ch 6 2/17 - Ch 7 2/18 - Ch 8 2/19 - Ch 9 2/24 - Ch 10 HOLD - Until I pass 70-462 Cancelled.   Going to study 70-463 instead, makes more sense for my career.  Was a good read though. 2/7/16 Omega and Grado keeping me company as I begin Chapter 5... 2/10/16 I'm a bit behind and haven't gone past 5.  I'll play catch up tomorrow and try to break into 6 and 7.  That would put be back on track.  Learning some great new s

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.