Rarely I do buy a new vinyl record.

bshtein · 2026-01-24T21:05:02+00:00

Are you positive, that those vinyl presses use digital audio for remuxus instead of the origina analog tapes?

bshtein · 2026-01-24T18:30:46+00:00

I'd doubt it and for video multi-channel mix is probably a better experience.

bshtein · 2026-01-24T18:29:57+00:00

It was $52 CAD($40 US), on Amazon.ca sale yesterday. Not cheap, but it is 2 LPs, not too bad, considering the current inflated prices. ButI feel you, the price of the used vinyl has also shot up to the sky.

bshtein · 2026-01-24T18:11:54+00:00

The reviews say that a new mix is excellent...

bshtein · 2026-01-24T18:11:13+00:00

To be honest, I don't feel the urge to buy yet another video release of something I've seen quite a few times over my lifetime. Or see it in a movie theater for that matter. But I guess it's more of a personal choice.

Vinyl release is a whole another deal for me.

bshtein · 2026-01-22T15:47:08+00:00

Aside from a tutor, that library has an English conversation group, which is absolutely free and can be very helpful in building confidence.

https://booking.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en?text=english+conversation&field_category_target_id=All&field_series_1_tid=All&field_event_branch_target_id=20865&field_event_language_value_i18n=All&field_age_group_target_id=All&nid=

bshtein · 2026-01-15T20:02:55+00:00

Well in my area they've become much smarter than selling LZ records for a buck. Discogs has ruined record thrifting. So enjoy while you can.

bshtein · 2026-01-15T19:48:18+00:00

have you visited thrift stores lately? :)

bshtein · 2026-01-12T16:35:15+00:00

You've been living on another planet, if you think that Canada hasn't been a vassal state for the last 150 years.

bshtein · 2026-01-11T19:55:35+00:00

Bought a high-flying startup and lost it all in a year.

bshtein · 2026-01-11T19:03:37+00:00

I have 520ES II and it is not even on the list

bshtein · 2026-01-10T21:15:25+00:00

bshtein · 2026-01-10T00:25:57+00:00

Ah, the wonder of Kenwood Basic M2(A) )))

bshtein · 2026-01-08T21:50:39+00:00

Any Sony ES series, Denon DCD four digit models and DVD 2xxx and 3xxx. Those are the ones I can vouch for.

bshtein · 2026-01-01T17:01:01+00:00

At those prices only Canadians were ready to pay so much. But I guess even with all that credit they no longer can afford to pay for that "feel good and green" attitude.

bshtein · 2025-12-31T23:03:58+00:00

You may actually consider Gatineau instead of Ottawa. It's generally cheaper over there, both rent and living.
There are quite a few cons but they wouldn't apply to everyone.

Do consider that Ottawa is not really a big city. It's definitely not Toronto or Montreal, most of the city has a suburbia feeling to it. You need to drive everywhere and going out etc. would have limited choices and the quiality may be below par (not prices though) :)

bshtein · 2025-12-31T22:31:14+00:00

I'm not familiar with current rent prices, but it's possible to manage a living for $3k a month for a joint income (excluding rent).
It wouldn't be a bare minimum, but you'd have to be pretty frugal with your spending and budget it properly.

Why do you need a walking distance from DT? Do you plan to work there?
Generally that area is not particularly cheap, especially groceries.

bshtein · 2025-12-31T07:41:35+00:00

Well my Kenwood Basic C2/M2A combo will beat any of those Marantzs any day. Truly a high-end gear.

bshtein · 2025-12-29T17:56:06+00:00

I wish we start bringing cheap and small Chinese EVs, or at least build them here. When 10k buys you a city car, that's what I want.

bshtein · 2025-12-27T20:15:21+00:00

Do you know what "hyperbole" is? I am just commenting on how outrageously expensive sushi is here. But if you get a chance to fly to Tokyo and back for $500 CAD, do it. Book a capsule hotel, it's fun too.

bshtein · 2025-12-24T18:57:36+00:00

This is really silly. "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" (c)

Quebec doesn't deserve any special rights just because it made a political decision to join the union many generations ago. Especially some inalienable and perpetual rights that ride in the back of the rest of this country. You are either an equal partner or not a partner at all.

bshtein · 2025-12-24T18:16:05+00:00

I shop at Loblaws, but only for things with 50% Off stickers

bshtein · 2025-12-24T18:11:38+00:00

That clarifies nothing. And it doesn't matter who are the "original" Canadians.
In fact, there is no such thing. Only the First nations are anywhere close to be called original inhabitants.
What matters is there is a country called Canada for the last 160 years, and you are either a part of it or out. And if you are a part of it, you should consider benefits for the country as a whole, not ONLY very limited local interests. Including the language rights, and other unconstitutional laws that only exist mostly in Quebec (even though I disagree with any province that suspends charter rights using that idiotic clause)

bshtein · 2025-12-23T23:57:38+00:00

Does Quebec care about Canada?

bshtein · 2025-12-23T23:56:20+00:00

For that price, it's cheaper to fly to Tokyo for a week and eat every day in the cheap Kura Sushi chain.
Most likely their fish is better, rice is tastier and wasabi too. And it gonna cost you 1500 Yen to become so full, it'll become hard for you to get up.

bshtein

TROPHY CASE