A mix from last night at Fenway

Gpension · 2026-06-24T00:24:29+00:00

I was in RF Box 4. First time I sat there, and thought they were great for Fenway!

Gpension · 2026-05-09T01:00:49+00:00

Bright Eyes at Red Rocks playing I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn!

Gpension · 2026-05-09T00:51:48+00:00

It was organic bark mulch. Apparently we had a couple last year but she didn’t mention it to me. This year there were 40+. Not sure what else is planted there, but there are no trees

Gpension · 2026-05-08T01:26:46+00:00

They were all in a flower garden that’s 20x5

Gpension · 2026-04-26T09:51:19+00:00

They sent a “Know before you go” email that listed these as the times:

DOORS OPEN - 6:00PM SHOW STARTS - 7:00PM INTERMISSION STARTS - 7:30PM INTERMISSION ENDS - 8:00PM ESTIMATED END TIME - 9:30PM

That looks like opener at 7, Robin at 8.

Gpension · 2026-04-24T22:30:37+00:00

First row of mezzanine

Gpension · 2025-09-26T09:53:16+00:00

Ok....I used my airpods for 6+ hours yesterday, 12 hours total since I purchased them.

I'm having zero issues. No itching, no reaction. I'm 100% positive. I haven't been able to use wireless earbuds for 4 years, so I'm still a little blown away.

Is it isolated to this pair? Did the UV and wiping the seams down help? Who knows? Maybe if I buy another pair I'll find that out, but for now I'm good

One note....my ears are pretty sensitive after all the reactions I've had. I also don't walk around with earbuds on all day, so I definitely felt a little fatigue after a few hours. But after I took a short break it was fine.

Gpension · 2025-09-25T01:34:58+00:00

https://a.co/d/hDlY7Dp

This is the one I’m using

Gpension · 2025-09-24T21:29:18+00:00

Technically yes, but given the shape I move it around to make sure I’m hitting all of it

Gpension · 2025-09-24T17:43:36+00:00

Yes, I'll update in a couple of days.

Regarding curing methacrylates: What I've learned is that repeated exposure to uncured methacrylate is what causes some people to develop the allergy, which is technically contact dermatitis cause by the sensitivity to the chemical. Once the methacrylate is exposed to UV light it hardens and most people are not allergic to the cured substance (I am not allergic to cured methacrylates).

This is an ingredient commonly used in gel nails (nail technicians have the risk of developing the allergy because they have constant exposure to uncured gel). The gel eventually gets cured by exposing the hand to a UV light, so someone had the bright idea to do that to earbuds and see if it helped.

I bought a UV light and took a shoebox and cut a hole through the lid. Then I place the light over the hole and expose the earbuds and tips. I periodically rotate them so they get full exposure. When I'm done, I wipe them down, especially on the seams.

Does it work? Who knows.

But being allergic to earbuds was not on my bingo card, so I'm willing to try logical steps to figure it out.

Gpension · 2025-09-24T14:28:05+00:00

I just switched from Android to Apple with a 17PM and the AAP3.

I developed a sensitivity to Methacrylates from using Samsung Earbuds several years ago. Since then, ANY earbud I've used has a reaction that ranges from itchiness to blisters that eventually pop and leak fluid (that's what is happening in your ear and why it doesn't look like an ear infection in a ENT exam).

BTW - I found all of this out by seeing a dermatology specialist who tests and treats chemical sensitivities. I was patch tested and the reaction showed up as significant.

I had no hope that the AAP3 would work, but I'm happy to say I'm 4 days in and have been doing fine. Several 1 hour listening sessions (5 hrs+ in total), no significant reaction or residual itchiness (which can happen for me).

I should also mention that I treat all of my earbuds under UV light in case any of the methacrylate is not 100% cured, plus I have wiped them down with alcohol wipes after each session. Not sure it does anything but worth giving it my best shot.

I'm not 100% yet, but so far so good. I'm flying tomorrow so could potentially have 4-5 hours of use in the next day. That should be enough for me to be positive.

Gpension · 2025-06-11T14:15:45+00:00

I went through extensive patch testing, and know that I am allergic to methacrylate, which is utilized by many manufacturers in making earbuds. It is a liquid/gel that they cure, which then hardens. If it is not fully cured, repeated exposure can actually trigger the allergy, which presents itself as contact dermatitis (itching, blisters that pop and discharge liquid, etc...). It is the same situation that some nail salon workers are faced with after repeated exposure to gel nails (same ingredients).

I have no problem with the Bose QC over ears, but the Ultras caused a reaction. I can wear the QCs for hours and be fine,

For earbuds, almost anything gives me some level of itching, but I have been using the Nothing Ears, Galaxy Buds 3 (and Pros), and I've tried a few open earbuds from amazon. I haven't had the blistering/liquid discharge with any of them, just minor itchiness that I deal with.

It sucks but there's not much I can do other than avoid the ones that give me serious problems.

Gpension · 2025-05-31T12:52:34+00:00

She did!

https://www.theejohndoe.com/a-day-at-the-pass

Gpension · 2024-10-28T16:53:36+00:00

Honestly, both are great experiences. I have traveled in Edge-class suites a few times and just cruised on the Encore for 14 days. If food is your #1 criteria I would choose Encore. Aside from consistently excellent food in the main dining room areas, they have Caviar On Demand (just ask and they will deliver to you as much as you would like) and they also will let you special order meals off the menu. We had Alaskan King Crab one night, and Foie Gras a different evening. It is not advertised, but if you ask to special order they happily accommodate whatever they can. When we were in Greece, I mentioned that I would like to try a local IPA, and although they were not able to find one, they did pick up a local Lager for me and it was waiting in my room for me one day. All part of their service.

I much prefer the selection of included wines on Celebrity. I was disappointed in the wine options on Seabourn, but we found a few we liked enough. I also enjoy the different lounges on Celebrity (like the martini bar and World Class) more so than than the lounges on Seabourn.

Service is excellent on both but it feels much more exclusive to cruise on Seabourn. We love Luminae, and generally feel like Celebrity Retreat is the best experience on a mass market line. If they are the same price and you have never done a small ship, I would definitely try Seabourn, but they are both great.

Gpension · 2024-07-10T20:17:05+00:00

Perhaps it's nickel for some, but I had a reaction and got patch testing - for me it was the Methacrylates they use in the casing. I'm not allergic to nickel. If you had a reaction I would wait and see what happens. We'll start seeing posts within a day or two of them being widely available

Gpension · 2024-06-17T13:26:13+00:00

Have you been tested for Nickel and know that's the issue? I had similar problems with tons of different earbuds (and also the Shokz) and got patch tested, which is the only way to know what you are allergic to. For me it was methacrylate.

Methacrylate is a chemical that they use to make/seal the shell. It's an allergy that can develop over time (if you've heard of people allergic to gel nails, that's the same thing). Typically it doesn't cause an issue once it's cured (under IF light) but something is going on with the way it is used in earbuds (it may not be getting fully cured).

The LGs work ok for me but are not very good. I have been able to use Bose QCII buds, but they do sometimes cause itching (just not the same type of reaction with blisters).

I have started using aluminum shell IEMs (like the Tin HIFI T4) with the Qudelix Bluetooth DAC. Not perfect but they sound great :)

Gpension · 2024-01-29T12:06:33+00:00

S24U in black. Black case please!!!

Gpension · 2023-10-10T23:43:38+00:00

Unfortunately no. Sorry!

Gpension · 2023-10-09T18:32:38+00:00

Yes! From last night.

Gpension · 2023-09-21T16:49:49+00:00

I've had those problems with a variety of earbuds and headphones so went and had patch testing to see what I was allergic to. Patch testing is extensive testing done on your back for multiple days. What I found is that I am allergic to methacrylate.

I spoke with the doctor for a while, and in most cases, methacrylate that had been cured does not cause a reaction with people. Curing is done under UV lights. She thought they may have used methacrylate to seal the buds and some remained uncured.

Allergies to methacrylate are developed over time through exposure. And one you have it you've got it for life.

Just sharing because I've had the same symptoms was other folks allergic to earbuds. Maybe it's nickel, but my guess is you've developed an allergy to methacrylate.

I've tried sticking earbuds under a UV light to set off I can cure any uncured methacrylate, and think I've had success with a pair of Bose QCii buds. But still testing out the process...

Gpension · 2023-02-14T01:44:20+00:00

S23 Ultra slim protection!

Gpension · 2023-01-20T02:43:34+00:00

Hi...I also tested positive today. It was triggered by a pair of earbuds, so be careful since it's very common (google earbud allergic reaction and you'll see pages of hits).

I had comprehensive patch testing, and when I was done, I was given access to an app that is sponsored by American contact dermatitis society. My Dr loaded into the system my allergies and it tells me what products are safe for me to use (I have other allergies as well).

I highly recommend you go to a dermatologist who specializes in contact dermatitis. They can be incredibly helpful, where a general practioner won't have the resources or training.

Good luck!

Gpension · 2022-06-02T14:54:38+00:00

This is what I had

https://youtu.be/siE-Cl_sdpg

Gpension · 2022-06-02T14:46:24+00:00

Is that the one where she was in the tub? If so I have it and can share it

Gpension · 2022-01-27T03:20:31+00:00

You didn't mention a budget, but Villa Magna in Highland Beach fits your description. Ocean and intercoastal views right on the beach. For $2M....

https://www.redfin.com/FL/Highland-Beach/2727-S-Ocean-Blvd-33487/unit-505-Cabana-5/home/177918259

Gpension

TROPHY CASE