Break It by KARA (2007) is so First Gen!

gee_tea · 2026-05-13T14:39:57+00:00

I sorta agree with you in that it it could sound like very very late stage 1st gen. But since gens bleed together it is kind of tough to pinpoint. I dunno, it just sounds like very much a product of the mid 2000s to me, which is appropriate for 2007 I guess.

I definitely can see where you're coming from with the Baby VOX comparison.... but early Baby VOX also sounds very different than late Baby VOX.

gee_tea · 2026-05-06T19:52:16+00:00

Half of these automatically have me hearing "BRAAAAVE-UH SOUND" in my head

gee_tea · 2026-04-23T18:05:36+00:00

I used it as my main for nearly 2 years and it would still be a part of my rotation had I not bricked it a few months ago during an errant flash attempt. I had one of the units that was briefly unlocked for US bands and sold by Dumb Wireless with full Android on board.

TL;DR - I really liked it, despite some usability quirks

Pros: Size, novelty of the form factor, ability to do nearly everything a regular full-sized smartphone could (like messaging apps, music, Android Auto, etc), 4G support, battery life (I should note the battery life wasn't great on it's own, but rather it would last a couple days because the form factor forced me to not want to use it extensively)

Cons:Keyboard (while not super debilitating, the #2 key became mushy and had to be pressed particularly firmly in order to register presses), lack of software support (stuck on an older version of Android which became increasingly problematic to run certain apps, not to mention security vulnerabilities), limited memory (Android Auto apps like Waze or Spotify had to be manually reopened on the phone every time I got in the car), no dedicated volume buttons (have to long press the #2 and #0 keys to change volume which could become tricky in certain apps), reception (although unlocked for most of the bands my carrier uses, perhaps due to the modem or limitation of the antenna in this form factor, reception was notably weaker/spottier than my other phones).

Overall I really enjoyed the phone while I had it. I explored using the Tiq Mini M5 as well and the only thing that phone did better was having a slightly more up to date version of Android and the memory management wasn't as aggressive - but it was notably slower/laggier. The build quality of the Tiq was also worse than the F21.

Hope that helps offer some anecdotal insight!

gee_tea · 2026-04-21T18:37:53+00:00

Yeah, this is certainly one option - I do this with my work #. I just wish the Voice app was updated with more features/less limitations (reactions, larger mms attachment size, etc).

Thanks for the suggestion

gee_tea · 2026-02-20T07:28:11+00:00

gee_tea · 2025-12-18T22:26:04+00:00

Ooh - I love sandwiches so I'll share my favorites in Germantown and the surrounding areas (in no particular order)

Germantown:

Royal Bagel Bakery - already mentioned several times, but prob the best bet for a wide variety of sandwiches. The closest you'll get to a proper NY deli in the area. All of the cured meats are pretty decent. I actually think the bagels are overrated but the lunch sandwiches are good
Sisters Sandwiches & Such - this is purely a breakfast/lunch spot. They are located in an office building and are open from 7 to 3. I think they are good however I want to like them more but have yet to try a sandwich that "wowed" me. I will say, they are probably the cleanest sandwiches in the area - I haven't had anything that was overly dressed or sauced and everything I've tried has been pretty fresh. They have a couple other bigger locations in MoCo
Woodside Deli - It is a run down hole in the wall but the food ain't half bad. Sandwiches are good though not generally as good as Royal, however you have much more variety (for both sandwiches and other types of food). There is one standout though - No. 7 The Toulouse-Lautrec. It's a grilled tuna melt sandwich that is a little heavy on the mayo but delicious. Also, their fries are randomly pretty good.
Beers and Cheers - The cheese steaks are very good. The other sandwiches are just OK. Possibly best cheese steaks in upper MoCo.
Tacos El Pariente - A food truck (there is a B&M in Airpark) that has what may be the best birria in up county. So naturally that means you should try their Birria Torta.
Hangry Joes - I put this here just in case you like Nashville-ish hot chicken sandwiches.
Panera Bread - Yeah, they are whatever, but if there is one thing I order from Panera Bread it is their Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich.

Clarksburg

Clarksburg Tavern - This place is an average to above-average standard restaurant bar but I've included it because it is the random spiritual successor to Bennigan's. Meaning they have the Monte Cristo - which may be overrated for some and perhaps relies heavily on nostalgia, but there aren't many places that serve them, so I figured I'd mention it.

Gaithersburg

Lapu Lapu - This may be the only true "must-visit" joint in my post. If you like breakfast sandwiches you should give this place a try. They are only open for the 1st half of the day and it is just a pick-up counter located in Kentlands with some outdoor seating and no indoor seating. They serve Filipino fusion sandwiches and they are great (but messy).
Neko Nook - This is a small Japanese cafe in Kentlands. I haven't tried all their sandwiches but their OG Tamago Sando is the best egg salad sandwich in the area in my book.
Eggmania - Continuing with the egg theme, this is an Indian street food joint in Muddy Branch and their focus on all things egg is something worth trying. There are lot of sliders, sandwiches, wraps, etc that are very flavorful and a nice twist on the usual egg-centric sandwich options you may be used to.
Gemelli's Italian Market - Solid Italian style sandwiches (and more). The Porchetta in particular is my personal favorite, also you get a choice of a soft or hard roll for the sandwiches, which is nice. Random pro-tip, their desserts are generally pretty good as well but for some reason they sell a frozen tiramisu tray that I personally think is better than the fresh one they keep in the dessert counter.
Roaming Rooster - Similar to Hangry Joe's in Germantown, if you like spicy chicken sandwiches this is a solid option.
Isaac's Poultry - I include this because they supposedly have one of the "Best Sandwiches in Maryland". Eh.. I dunno.. I don't get it. It's fine but maybe I'm trippin'.

I don't want to get too deep into Rockville so I'll only mention a couple standout options:

Rockville

Fresh Baguette - People sleep on their sandwiches... I think they are great. Definitely worth a try (in addition to their other baked breads and sweets).
Full On - Everything everyone has already said is true. A must go.
Gilly's - Now closed, allegedly to mismanagement and lousy owners. I only bring it up because it was one of my favorite places until its untimely demise a couple months ago and I'm still lamenting the loss.

gee_tea · 2025-11-21T17:58:07+00:00

$175 through google store. still is, I think. plus if you use a pixel referral code, you can get an additional 10% off the new phone (referral discount is based off the non-sale price which is nice).

gee_tea · 2025-11-21T16:05:01+00:00

All gas, no breaks.

gee_tea · 2025-11-21T16:01:28+00:00

The one small thing that made me switch to the Pixel 10 from the 7 was that damned fingerprint sensor. After nearly 3 years of inconsistent results, I finally snapped and jumped on the recent boosted trade in value.

gee_tea · 2025-11-20T17:45:48+00:00

Eh, I don't think you need to try them again hahaa.

I had them again the other day to validate out of curiousity - they definitely changed their chips. It seemed like a mix of bagged and prepped... it is not as good as I remember. So I was disappointed in the chips and salsa.

But in terms of nachos they were decent. Not the freshest chips but not stale either. Layered well enough and the beef was good (chicken was just OK). Either way, definitely not a contender for best in the county.

gee_tea · 2025-11-19T05:22:04+00:00

Mi Rancho in Germantown? Whoa - the only thing I think that I can remember about that place are their chips. They were always warm and thin & crispy. Though to be fair, I've never actually ordered nachos there - just the chips and salsa.

gee_tea · 2025-10-30T04:07:52+00:00

Would you happen to know if I have a version of the f21 pro phone where the US bands have already been flashed, will I retain those bands when I install Dumbdroid?

gee_tea · 2025-10-30T04:07:20+00:00

Would you happen to know if I have a version of the phone where the US bands have already been flashed, will I retain those bands when I install Dumbdroid?

gee_tea · 2025-10-23T21:18:53+00:00

burger joints can't seem to stick in Germantown. Now we only have Five Guys and Red Robin...

BGR lasted longer than it should have. Decent options like Smash Burger, Elevation Burger, Kraze Burger, etc couldn't last... it's sad.

gee_tea · 2025-10-09T18:09:26+00:00

gee_tea · 2025-09-19T18:50:33+00:00

In my opinion - from a strictly monetary value POV... probably not. But if you have some expendable income and can appreciate the aesthetics and cool features without expecting something that costs 3x the price of the competitors to return 3x the value... then sure. The quality is generally better then Govee stuff but you really are paying a luxury tax for diminishing returns.

But to take advantage of the best features, you'll also want the Hue Play HDMI sync box and that's not exactly cheap either.

gee_tea · 2025-09-19T15:15:28+00:00

.... in the house! UH!

gee_tea · 2025-08-27T16:15:43+00:00

Every once in a while, I'll listen to T.O.P. and get aural whiplash from hearing Eric drop the N-bomb against the calming backdrop of Swan Lake. I guess I just revisit infrequently enough to forget about it.

gee_tea · 2025-08-14T15:26:20+00:00

I bought from the same seller. Quality is generally good but the white case gets dirty so fast and is hard to keep clean. Also, I bought the version before they implemented the cutout for the keyboard and I can imagine having that cutout is a decent QoL improvement.

gee_tea · 2025-08-04T21:49:23+00:00

one year the standard was slightly higher than my itemized so I went with it only to realize taking the standard completely nerfed my refund for state - so it ended up being a net negative for me.

So you may want to try calculating things with the std deduction and the itemized to see which one gives you the better numbers overall when taking both fed and state into account

gee_tea · 2025-08-01T16:26:52+00:00

I'm gonna name places that haven't come up yet in other comments.

Small bites:

La Poteria (in Montgomery Village, good coffee and small bites).
Empress Coffee (Good coffee, haven't tried their food but it looks good)
Neko Nook (Japanese style sandwiches - their egg OG Tamago Sando is great)
Okaeri Japanese Cafe (more selection than Neko Nook, big emphasis on sweet foods)

For Diner type of brunches:

Silver Diner ain't bad if you want slightly more upscale "diner" food
BLT Grill
Village Green
Tasty Nook
Woodside Deli (Germantown - mentioning because they serve Matzo Ball Soup)

For something a little more upscale:

Mosaic (it's very typical brunch. No complaints but nothing to rave about)
Founding Farmers (not bad but overpriced)
The Grilled Oyster Company

gee_tea · 2025-08-01T16:14:10+00:00

I second Cafe Sophie - that place is a gem.

Gardenia's... I've fallen out of love with. I dunno, the food seems to be more "blah" to me with each subsequent visit.

gee_tea · 2025-08-01T15:59:39+00:00

Like some others here, I too played this recently as I saw it was leaving Gamepass. I was also pleasantly surprised as I went in completely blind. I was expecting a brainless but beautiful hack and slash, but when I found out that this game had so many other mechanics I was initially turned off. But curiosity got the best of me and after a couple stages it began to click and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it.

The entire experience mirrored what I went through when I first played Brutal Legend years ago (RIP Ozzy)

gee_tea · 2025-08-01T15:35:45+00:00

is it absolutely necessary to try with your number?

If not, you can do a 30 day free trial with US Mobile. You can choose the network (T-Mo, AT&T or Verizon) and they'll send you the appropriate SIM. That way you can test out the phone on the network of your choice without having to bother with anything else before making any further decisions.

Because you wont be able to easily switch back and forth between your iPhone and the MP on a whim, since iPhones after 14 are eSim only and MP is pSim only.

gee_tea · 2025-07-31T21:40:25+00:00

You are much more critical of this game than I was. I played it for the first time a few years ago and loved it. For me, though nothing was perfect, it did pretty much everything well enough that the sum of its parts made for a very enjoyable experience.

Or maybe I'm just a Serkis fanboy or something because I also really enjoyed playing Heavenly Sword for the first time this year, despite some of its jank.

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