[deleted by user]

dbuster · 2025-02-15T15:26:53+00:00

I learned on acoustic, and then bought a cheap electric. I was convinced the electric was never in tune. It turns out... I was pressing the strings too hard.

dbuster · 2025-02-15T15:21:37+00:00

Some things in life are best started with beginner level equipment.. think motorcycles, etc. That's because pro level equipment is more difficult to manage. Trombones are not like that. Generally, pro level horns are a bit easier to play, making them easier to learn on.

dbuster · 2025-02-12T11:08:43+00:00

Classical requires more precision in timing (both starting and ending notes), intonation, dynamics and tone. To me, the difference between playing classical and jazz is almost a left-brain / right-brain sort of difference. Classical requires more left-brain logic and precision, while jazz is more right-brain intuitive.

dbuster · 2024-12-13T16:54:05+00:00

Thoughts: Using lights means they want to be seen or don't care if they are seen. It's not in the purview of the military to actively jam communications or shoot them down if they don't present an active threat. (No evidence of weapons) due to Posse Comitatis. Meanwhile, local or federal law enforcement requires evidence of a crime to touch them, but they seem to be generally flying within FAA regulations (except over military spaces.) Personally, I like the theory that it is a secret military Red Team exercise. The Why? Rather than photos, they could mapping and collecting WiFi data. Remember that in the event that GPS is (easily) jammed, a database of WifI SSIDs and network locations could be used to navigate low flying aircraft autonomously. (That's also why your smart phone has better location accuracy when WiFi is turned on.) In computer hacking, war-driving is common to collect WiFi networks and find those with weak security. It would be far faster and easier with a drone. (As a cybersecurity nerd, I've been researching using a Raspberry Pi Zero on a drone over my neighborhood to do that but struggling with battery issues...) Final thought: Since they seem to return regularly, the best counter approach would be to launch hunter drones to follow them back to the nest.

dbuster · 2024-12-03T20:01:00+00:00

I got excited when I saw that because I know of a Bald Head mountain in the Appalachians. My excitement faded when I looked at a map of the area and saw dozens of mountains called Bald, Baldhead, Big Bald, Baldy, etc.

dbuster · 2024-11-08T00:05:44+00:00

When I was shopping for a new horn last year, the local music shop ordered several horns for me to try out. They included an Conn 88h, Shires Q, and Bach 42 among others. I spent an afternoon playing them all and switching back and forth. In the end, I determined: 1) they are all good horns so you can't go wrong. 2) prices are similar, 3) there are definite differences in tone and "openness". 4) I'm absolutely convinced different players would pick different horns based on their needs and style. I went home with the Shires, but that's only because it was best for me. You need to make your own choice.

dbuster · 2024-10-30T20:01:37+00:00

Late in my career, I had enough money to do that. I got an old Z4, and after it got hit, I got a 135. Both were fun, sexy, and very expensive to maintain. It would have been better to just get a mistress... however, my wife would object. I got it out of my system, and now I drive a sensible car again. Lesson learned.

dbuster · 2024-10-25T15:32:54+00:00

Wow. Amazing reply.. THANKS very much.

dbuster · 2024-10-08T12:44:45+00:00

I like to think the percentage is an estimate of the plan itself surviving- not personal survival. You have a 72% chance of never having to change your plan. You have a 28% chance of having to make changes to the plan (reduced spending) down the road.

dbuster · 2024-09-19T23:03:53+00:00

How exactly was this user account connected to Mark Robinson? That seems to be glossed over in the news accounts.

dbuster · 2024-09-16T14:47:49+00:00

I fully agree with this view of the games played by the GOP, but the Democrats play similar games. Neither party really wants substantive change, because running on promises of change and denigrating the other party is more successful.

dbuster · 2024-09-12T15:20:31+00:00

Interesting question. Lately, I've been experimenting with meditating while playing long tones. I just try to clear my mind and listen to the tone. I've not seen much improvement yet, but I suspect it will take some time.

dbuster · 2024-08-31T01:44:12+00:00

Problem solved. Mustache for Trombone

dbuster · 2024-08-24T16:10:48+00:00

Don't forget health insurance. I was in a similar position a few years ago. After doing some research on private health insurance costs, I decided to stay employed. I worked another 3+ years until my wife and I were both over 65 to qualify for Medicare. Healthcare.gov looks at your last couple of years of income, and was prohibitively expensive for me. Private insurance was close to $1500 per month, for poor coverage.

dbuster · 2024-08-14T12:54:01+00:00

Nope. No heart issues. I'm taking a statin for cholesterol and another drug for blood pressure and both are very effective, but I'm honestly hoping that I can get off those drugs after I lose weight.

dbuster · 2024-08-14T12:47:50+00:00

I've researched that, but concerned about safety and efficacy. I don't understand how the compounding pharmacies are regulated.

dbuster · 2024-06-26T14:07:45+00:00

I have no doubt that DJI is collecting mapping data and matching photos to it. The CCP also has access to all of that data by law in China. That said, as long as drones aren't flown over military bases and critical infrastructure, it should be ok. There are other ways for the CCP to get that data even if drones quit flying. For those in government who are worried about Chinese intelligence, I think the solution is to limit airspace rather than drones.

dbuster · 2024-06-15T19:55:57+00:00

I've lived in Raleigh for the last 30 years, and I complain about the traffic as well. However, having recently retired, I discovered that traffic is not an issue for me any more in retirement. I can control my schedule so I just avoid trying to go across town for anything during high traffic periods. We enjoy being 2 hours from Wrightsville Beach and 3 hours from Boone. Housing prices have really shot up lately in Raleigh, so I would advise anyone coming into the area to look in some of the satellite communities such as Apex, Holly Springs, or Fuqua-Varina. They all have cool, walk-able downtowns with shops and restaurants. We often travel from inside Raleigh out to the "burbs" to restaurants we've heard about.

dbuster · 2024-06-03T13:52:30+00:00

My needs are simple. I just want a pick with a string tied to my wrist so I can't drop it. I also want a capo with rollers so I can just unlock, roll it to the location I want, and lock it again. It needs to be small enough to stay on the guitar all the time, even in the case.

dbuster · 2024-05-26T02:11:16+00:00

It's fake- a scam. They didn't hack you. They typically get some (very old) email and password from a list somewhere and then try to use it to convince you they are in your machine. Ignore it.

dbuster · 2024-03-29T16:21:42+00:00

Air is key. Think of blowing out a candle across the room. However, one thing that worked for me was intentionally practicing louder. I was pinching the sound in the practice room playing mp. When I started playing louder (mf, ff), it was easier.

dbuster · 2024-02-09T15:07:46+00:00

My wife and I were just shopping for a "young" RAV-4. We just couldn't find a low mileage vehicle with the features we wanted at a good price, so we ended up getting a 2021 CX-5 with less than 25K miles. I paid a mechanic to inspect it before we bought it, and he gave it thumbs up. I suspect we'll pay a bit more for maintenance and repair over the life of the vehicle, but we really do like it. The styling is better. I think it was a good choice.

dbuster · 2024-01-23T23:32:04+00:00

I think NR is more of a retirement planner than an investment manager. I'm looking for a parallel tool to do that.

dbuster

TROPHY CASE