The Boot Theory or Economics as understood by someone who never went to college (Opinions no one asked for)

The Same Vimes Boot Theory is based on the conception that it's easier to save money when you're rich. AKA socioeconomic unfairness. No I'm not whining, but in reality I am. But also here's my new theory I ran into. 

It depends on what boots you're born with. 

Current system of economics means that it's cheaper to produce a better boot for less work time. But that doesn't mean we're in a better place, quite the opposite. For this to function there must be an imbalance of wealth in great proportions. And that's bad. 

Boots have gone down in price, they are no longer the custom made hand designed amazing 10 year boots from 100 years ago. Now you can pay 200-300 for a good pair and technically that's a week's pay on minimum wage. But you know what has gone up in price? Everything else. There's a few things that exist nowadays that existed then. Let's go over some of them. 

Homes. If you want to live in a home, you have quite a few options. Some of the cheapest options are renting an apartment for 800-1000. I'm using the town of Sacramento as an example. This is the LOW end. Let's go higher. 1,200-1,400 for a decent apartment. Yes I've lived in both scenarios and the price goes up $100 to $50 every YEAR. I'm not kidding. This is the true inflation and social economic unfairness. In 2030 we can expect $2000 rent for a decent apartment, and you know maybe sooner thanks for the inflation rate we're going through. 

The reality is inflation is generally not seen in the cost of the consumer goods, (until recently) but living expenses and associated costs. Having worked for the Department of Housing and Community Development I personally saw the demand for low income housing rise within the past 5 years and fewer living opportunities just because it's not as profitable as other ventures. I've been in the meetings where we try to incentivize owners, businesses and companies to do this, with grants, free money and yet Capitalism just don't care about that until it's economically viable for them to do it, and by then any agreements will only be temporary profits can be maximized. 

These negotiations were tough and frankly pathetic.
"Oh it's not profitable for me to make low income housing"
"What if we guarantee tenants, that we provide? and back their rent?"
"Nah, it's going to lower my property value."
"We can ensure it won't." 
"I can't afford to make it low income".
"We'll pay you in government money?"
"Hmm maybe only 10% and for 5 years."
"YAY?"
And they take the money, and lie. Nothing happens. 

Do we really want to rely those who only care about profits to watch out for you? Of course not. Do you have a choice. HAHA no. So what do we do? Don't play the capitalism game, fall for their traps and just keep your expenses down. 

Credit cards, sure you can get a good credit card, but let's rack up points shall we? Those free points that give you airline miles so you can go on vacation, the flight is free and all your business expenses are put on the card and wammoo. you pay it off every month and have enough to fly the world at least once a year. Sure we can all do that! HAHA no. That's just incentive to make you spend more, and on a trip to boot! 

Like most poor thrifty people we limit to how much we spend every month. Keep it as low as possible. Any extra that does happen like an unexpected expense we use our savings or put it on a card because we HAVE to, not because we're racking up points. Sure you can put stuff on the credit card and pay it off at the end of the month and rack a few points. But what's wrong with that? When you are poor, there are guaranteed unexpected expenses, if you have little to no debt, you are a hairline away from going over budget. And this happens. So not a good idea to put your life on credit because when you do encounter that expected unexpected expense, your credit may not handle it, and guess what's paying for it? The credit card's monthly payment, and now you're set back a month. Stressful, not fun and your are definitely not going to Europe this year. 

In fact, most responsibly economic poor folk avoid credit cards and using their credit, save FIAT currency for the trips and just live like that, is it limiting? Of course but what choice is there?

The old boot theory goes like this. 
You work hard and can either pay for:
1. A cheap pair of boots that will last a short while and probably hurt you in the long run.
2. The nice boots that cost more but will last LONGER and let you work more with less foot pain. 

If you're broke, the idea is that spending money on assets or things that will benefit you in the long run is difficult to see or choose in the moment. Why put myself further into debt if I don't need to? But the boot theory no longer literally applies. I can go to Walmart, buy a cheap pair of $20 boots, modify them with sole inserts and bam I have good working boots since I work in IT and don't need Redwings since I don't do construction that often. But when I do... I can use my cheap ones that will last a long time, because I will not be on my feet all day like a real  construction worker. Therefore my options are...

1. A cheap pair of boots I will only use a few times for around the house projects, then toss when I no longer have room for them. 
2. The nice boots I will only use a few times for around the house projects, then feel bad when I toss when I no longer have room for them. 

I've discussed scenarios with my peers and we disagree on when this applies. So everyone is clearly different. Don't listen to me, but determine your actual "needs" I've seen so many Doc Martens at the thrift store barely used. I've actually purchased a $120 pair of Doc's for my daily non-work use and yes I can say I've gotten my money's worth but to each their own. Sometimes you have to buy the cheapest thing, and sometimes you need the more expensive one. I've gifted a pair of Redwings to my in-law since he DOES need them. I would never buy that for myself so it goes to show, we don't all need the same thing, but we all do need to think about how we're making these choices. 

And lastly let's look at the other side of the coin, even if you are broke and you NEED the boots because you work in construction, you should buy them even on credit, because doing that will save you money and pain in the long run. We have a small cheat code not available in the past, easy credit, so long as it's used for those needs. We're meant to abuse that cheap code and in today's world of commercialism, we're told we need the best. But really we don't. Cheat codes are fun when used sparingly, not abused.

And yet, we're also constantly told that buying cheap stuff will cost more in the long run, but realistically.... Being broke already does that. We pay more for transportation, food, housing and travel compared to rich folk. While they can live for free in their homes because all their rentals cover the mortgage. We pay more. While they travel in new cars because fuel economy is better, we pay to repair our daily junker. The boot theory no longer applies because we're born with cheap boots. So when you start at that disadvantage, moving onto new boots is harder and takes longer. Understanding that disadvantage is something that people with nice boots struggle with, because it's easy for them to save. And being broke means we need to spend more in order to save less. If that makes sense. 

Great cars to buy Under $5000 (2020 Edition)

About 6 years ago I wrote a blog post on my opinion on the best cars for your money. Under $5000.  I don't think I was wrong then, but cars that were available in 2014 are getting hard to find in 2020 and honestly, newer cars became old, older cars became harder to find and one of the cars on my list is now considered a classic and the others are beat to death drift machines that finding a clean version is just next to impossible. And the 2nd gen F bodys are just amazing rust buckets. Love those cars, hard to find now but still cheap. 

http://zerinsakech.blogspot.com/2014/11/great-cars-for-under-5000-just-my.html

Thanks for a global pandemic, everyone's selling their project car and if you're doing well enough to buy a $5000 sports car, welcome to the right place. Another side note. I do not pick cars that are just BARELY under $5000 like most car people. I'm realistic. Yes there may be other cars you can find for the same price, but I'm being safe here. These are cars you can realistically buy for under $5000 and have money left over. So there. Let's begin. 

1. Mini Cooper R56

Having owned a cheap Mini R53 (2001-2006) Sooper, I've enjoyed driving the Mini Cooper S around, I was surprised at the power on can make, but not at part prices and repair, and maintenance is higher than a needy girlfriend. So get a slightly more reliable R56 turbo and enjoy the ride. You've still got 180 Horsepower, still relatively low weight and a nice street car for under $5000. Don't even bother making it faster, you want it to handle. upgrade the shocks, strut bar,engine mounts, IDK have fun just remember that motor is good enough with a tune and some reliability upgrades. I like how they are decent BMW's out of the factory that lose their value faster than they can take a corner. Take advantage of that and pick one up for real cheap. Quite a deal. 

2. Fiat 500 Abarth

They've stopped making them now, but hey at least you can pick one up for cheap. They really are the definition of cheap cars due to bad parts and build quality, but at least you'll enjoy paying less than whoever bought it new, and yes, it's a fast run turbo car. Wow two front wheel drive turbo cars. Do I sense a pattern?

3. Any motorcycle. 

No, I've tricked you. Let's pull a complete 360 and talk about bikes. A motorcycle is cheaper than a car, used. The money you save you can spend on lessons. Trust me I took the riding course twice and it's worth it. Now for the advanced course! Motorcycles are tough to ride in California streets, the streets are bad, rough and too fast for a bike, but... If you're responsible enough and you just want to ride... get a bike, you won't regret it. Unless you crash and die, then maybe..... at least resale value keeps, So long as you buy it used. All in all a bike is a must for anyone who's into cars, just to try out even. You'll feel more complete. What bike should I get? anything with 900 CC or less for a cruiser or 360cc or less for a street bike. Let's start small and cheap shall we? Maybe later on I'll make a bike post like this. 

4.  Nissan 350z

Yes these Japanese cars are getting cheap now! Finally, all my friends had one for a while and yeah, they're cool. Not much needed to be said, but due to the new 400z coming out, you can pick this up second hand, clean, for less than a down payment for a new car. 

5. Ford Crown Victoria / Cop Car / Taxi car

Congrats Ford, you've snuck onto my list. Why? The crown vics are cheap cars made for comfort and the American Highway, guess where I live?! Having driven one around, you can't find a better road trip car, comfortable ride, with enough power to get moving, not fast mind you, but enough....and people just get out of your way! Paint it dark blue, all black, all white, but try not to be annoying about it. Just drive the thing and have fun on the last great American V8 car. 

That's my list for now. Yes I've picked some lame cars now, but I'm older, wiser and honestly don't care too much about speed anymore. I'm also waiting for the Toyota 86 to drop down in value so I can buy one, but It's that Motor I just don't like... who knows how long that'll last, but i am looking forward to more cars losing their value because you know that's when we can afford them. 

Why does everything need to be a video

Dear News articles on the internet and YouTub-ers.

  If you don't have footage or anything new to share like YOUR OWN OPINION, you don't need a video of a reporter reading the article I was just on, with a slideshow of some pictures and happy music playing in the background. I'm not a gerbil with a short attention span, well maybe I am, but I'm also a gerbil that can read.

  I ran into this issue when trying to review a new motorcycle (Buccaneer Cafe) that's coming to the US. there's no real rider reviews and the video reviews I could find are just these young adults reading the articles, spec sheet and showing the photos from the bike's website. Thank you, I've become so lazy in browsing the web, I could just watch you do it for me. (sarcasm font). Please stop this.

  Funny side story. I found great review from YouTub-ers in Thailand, but they only spoke Thai. Even then, their reviews were pretty good and they seem to really appreciate cheaper Chinese bikes.

Ghost in the Shell (Both of them) (Movie reviews no one asked for)

Oh look, she’s not wearing much clothes.... Don’t let that distract you from the fact that this robot is suffering through an existential crisis. 

Although both movies portray this idea well, one simplifies it to the point where we don’t sympathize with the character and the other leaves you thinking about it, long after the movie’s over and has so much to talk about. Guess which one is better?

The original is the 1995 "Ghost in the shell" anime. Doing a quick google search doesn’t really inspire you to watch this film since it looks like any other slutty anime flick, but it’s not. More of an artsy, thinking kind of film, miss a few scenes and you're left with.... wait, what happened? What is an identity? Or what is human? 

It’s a captivating film and whether you prefer reading the subtitles or watching the dub it doesn’t change the film so I enjoyed it, and the quality was way up there among some of the best anime styles out there. 

So when I heard that a Live Action feature was being planned. I just had to watch it. By myself because at the time, I didn’t know anyone else who was interested, but it let me focus on certain key points. Such as the main actress, she did a good job for the character, but I did not like this overly simplified confused Major who changed her name like she changed her mind about who she was. I received a special ticket that looked more like a special pass for a concert, IDK maybe they thought this movie was gonna be HUGE. I smiled when I walked in and I was the 5th person in the audience. I felt special. 

So unlike the anime, the live action version seemed to focus on... are you still the same person even if your memories are wiped? And are put in a robot? Are you my mommy? Who am I? Doesn’t matter because the anime Major seemed to be focused on what was right and who she was going to become, THAT was much more interesting. But to each his own. I suppose if I had watched them in reverse, I may have enjoyed them more. But even after introducing these films to my wife as we are slowly trying to watch more anime. We both lost interest in the live action version because it was not as compelling as the anime. 

Both had very beautiful visuals, backgrounds and the live action had great CGI. But story wise, the anime wins, and that’s what people will remember most about a movie. Story. Unless you’re making Speed Racer but that’s another review. :)

Mad Max - The First ONE (Movie reviews no one asked for)

Oh my goodness, next to the Star wars Holiday special have I ever seen a film so slowly paced, confusingly cut and with a plot so small it can be summed up in 5 minutes by a ten year old. It goes without saying that the film has decent, action, gore and actually some potential in some scenes, it just felt dragging, confusing and hard to read. Most of the time, I was thinking, what's going on? What's he saying? Who's who?.... and so on.

About halfway through the movie me and my friends where like, "Well it's too late to change the movie now, and we won't have time to finish another one, so let's just keep going till the end. By the way what's going on? I'm going to nap." We then had fun trying to capture bits of the story from what everyone else understood, we found ourselves telling the story of Mad Max as we understood it and it's a very good movie if you don't have ANY A.D.H.D in your system. And can focus on things very well, .... oh and speak Australian. It helps if you can understand their accent.

To it's merit, it's a lower budget, Australian (is that a bad thing?), artful film. In it's own right I like it, but not to watch with a group, maybe late nights drinking a beer and just chilling as I watch the world of Mad max unfold. Plus the fact that it spawned interesting and better sequels is something else entirely. Just don't make it the first Mad Max film to watch if you've never seen any. It's not a fair comparison. Now for Fury road, that is another beast.

(Ben Hur) Movie Opinions No One Asked For

Quick while it's still fresh on my mind, what was the movie Ben Hur like?

Well I'll begin without preconceptions. The only thing I new going into the theatre was that I wanted to watch Kubo instead of this movie, but my friend who isn't into animation as much as I am told me we should compromise, which is the overall vibe this movie gave off. Anyways we both agreed that a Ben Hur action movie sounded cooler for both of us. So we walk in, my friend arrives late as always missing out on a decent intro and since the 3d showing is the only convenient time we let the movie roll by.

It captured my attention and held it. Recently few films have had a decent story and some action to keep me watching and Ben Hur does that, the actors did a good job and the effects where good, story made sense, the overall look was great... and then I saw Jesus. He was doing some carpentry in Jerusalem, maybe making some extra cash to fund his work, but I don't know... I thought it seemed out of place, but the whole movie had a good feelings happy kind of vibe. Forgiveness, family, love and it was soooo sappy. And I liked it, it was like a sappy drama action movie that your parents liked to watch, but without the epic tale or memorable characters to go with it. (Prince of Egypt?) It could have removed the religious portions and been a fine movie on it's own, but most audiences will have groaned at the cheesy ending Ben Hur had. Me on the other hand, being a religious guy who likes cheesy 90's movies from time to time this really hit the spot. Although the chariot race blood batch really feels out of place now doesn't it? I don't know if the producers wanted to include a little bit of everything for everyone but alright you're going to end up with a compromised film. Which very few people would like.

Would I watch it again? Maybe in a few years but it's no gladiator that's for sure. Do I recommend it? Sure, maybe for a DVD rental and a home popcorn movie night. Enjoy.

Why I like CAKE (the band, well I like regular cake too, but that's not the point)

The main singer drones on about something he feels strongly about, the drummer keeps pace despite having little in common with the guitar or trumpet's fare. The bass is in a league of his own as he steadily basses on like a pillar in the band and the tune is as common as the air we breathe.

It's cake, in all it's glory
It's cake and their story
writing their own songs
ignoring what is hot
you'll never know if it's right
or when to stop.

My New Favorite Band

No it's not going to be my top pick for every road trip, or the thing I listen to every day. but I have a list of favorite bands in my head and guess who just made the list?

CAKE

As a young man I've heard one or two songs, and liked said songs, but never realized who played them, I even thought them to be made by separate band, but no, the songs I heard were by the same artists. I'm not trying to convince you to like them like I do. In fact I prefer you don't since it really enforces the stereotype that is my taste in music, which is not really determined by popularity or constant drilling into my mind like radio tends do to. "You will like this song because I'm playing it nonstop!" kind of deal.

Cake is a band based in my hometown of Sac. They sound like a typical stoner band, but a really good one. The main singer has monotone, but really hits those notes. Flatly but he hits them with the sureness of a drunk man who really hates that guy. The Bass, oh wow I wish I could come up with baseline like this dude, I really really like the bass player's creativity and skill to entertain me. And the guitars, trumpets and guitars, they both have their sound down to a fine piece of musical art, they know their place and it's strangely not in the front.

The songs are good, varied and catchy. Some songs have meaning, some don't, but good songs all around. I could listen to every single song and not feel a need to skip it, unless it's like 10 slow songs in a row, then I might shuffle it up by then.

How did I not know they existed? Like Rush, they're popular enough and they are of a certain taste, but I'm still genuinely supervised I never heard an entire album until this year. Why? because I blame my friends that's why. Pop music really tells you what to like and since I'm not a 90's teen, I guess I missed them by that.... much....

One of my workmates said Cake was one of his favorite bands. I casually mentioned I liked one or two songs of them but didn't enjoy the singer. He said, "Well I like the band as a whole" Which got me thinking, maybe I should look into them. And it was a good decision as I ended up liking the band too. A lot. Purchased three of their albums. Listened to all their songs and now I learn how to play a few of their songs in hopes to share their style music with others.

It doesn't matter that they have no plans to make more music, it doesn't matter that they're not popular as they once where before. However they are good at what distinct sound they produce and admire that.

The sound they make isn't messy or even overwhelming. When you need to hear the guitar riff or trumpet blare, you'll hear it clear as day, then the sound switches back to the melody bass line as the drums accent and keep the rhythm to the song, filling in those needed roles or drum spice.

Have you ever run into a CD and it all sounds the same? Well we could argue that CAKE is one of those artists, but we'd also say that you're not listening to the songs. Unlike other bands that copy the same tune(Beach Boys), same riffs for every song(Chuck Berry), and same song structure (Every rock band ever) or even singing that sounds like the last tracks's song (NickelBack). Cake actually progresses through their genre with grace and class. Finding all the intros and solos only they can pull off. Making it varied within their niche. And that's pretty darn special for a band that sounds the same throughout the years.

So you think you can critique.

You know what irks me, like really ughs my bones is when people who have not a shred of musical talent, can't play a thing, think they know they best music and when you show them a song you composed, I can almost guarantee you they are already comparing it to a hit song on the radio and then mentioning why your song isn't good enough like that one. But they don't bring up a straight comparison, no they mention one or two things they don't like about your song because it's recorded on a potatoe, because the singing isn't as good as Ray Charles or whatever, they don't even try to compare you they just say oh now your rhythm is off or the singing is out of tune, maybe a drum is too loud or the guitar too noisy. I didn't ask for an in depth analysis, just listen to the song as a song, not as a critic, I don't care about your opinion. I just want to share my music, but you made me change my mind! You wannabe Eoger and Eggbert or whatever they are. Do you feel like a more knowledgeable person when you critique someone with a fine tooth comb on something they worked hard for and you couldn't even do if you tried really hard. Is it so hard to admit that the song you think is nail scratching horribleness might be 10 times better than what YOU can do? No you don't think about that because you're full of yourself. I'm not showing you anymore of my songs.

These songs aren't even mine, I played the guitar on them and these artists have worked on their craft for years, so maybe we are slightly out of tune, yes it's on a cassette recorder and unless you are in a band and can play better than this, then maybe you have the right to express your opinion on why these songs suck but otherwise keep your trap shut.

Creep (Short Film Project)

To Mario. 

This is the short summary of the short film we made. If you're editing you might as well know the story so the scenes are in order. 

------------------------------------------------
Summary
------------------------------------------------
Erik creepy guy moves into this house renting a room, he's a computer technician, but the kid doesn't trust him, the mom treats him nice so he'll stay because he pays rent ahead on time. One day mom leaves the guy in charge of the house and the kids invites some friends over. The friends start to disappear one by one, the remaining friends investigate and suspect the guy. Then they notice he's building a bomb and they call the FBI but he cuts the call an tells them please not to. He explains it's not a bomb but an art project. They don't beleive him. When the FBI comes he runs out with the bomb and mini bike chase ensues. Bicycle chase then car. But they lead up to the river, Erik throws the bomb in river and then runs back to his room to get rid of the evidence, but the cops and the Mystery crew were there investigating everything.

The kids try to capture the guy but leaving a laptop in a trap and Erik falls into it and they rope him in. The Mystery crew and cops throw him in the car. As they take him they feel so successful but when the mom returns she gets mad at him. Some of the kids simply went home and she drove them herself. The art project was recovered and it really was an art project not a bomb. Also he was creepy because he was antisocial and got scared because his laptop had a lot of pirated movies. But there was bigger fish to fry and the cops let him go. When Erik goes back to his room the kid wants to apologize but the guy is so mad that he wants to move. The mom and son want to apologize but he feels like he should just go. When the kids explains his mistakes Erik understands and decides to stay. When the door closes he reboots his laptop and proceeds to finish working on his "art project" which looks suspiciously more like a bomb now after adding more parts to it. 

---notes

Normally i'd make a full 3 or 4 page script with lines and scenes, but it was much easier considering it was mostly action and acting in this one. Also Gricel replaced me in the role for the Creep. 

Boring book, not my cup of tea.

Why do people enjoy reading about other ordinary people? Can they relate to them? maybe, but they are not interesting. Like at all. Not one bit.

I see a book, it's about a man and a woman, they work in a bank, they fall in love, the end. Sooooo boring. Sorry but my choice in books is to escape to a fantasy world where things are either super awesome or super bad that it makes me appreciate reality. But those in the middle of this are book that are just like real life, mundane and dull, why do they even exist? why are they so good? I'd rather much read a documentary, biography, a text book on molecular science from 1991 or even a how-to documentation and manuals for software I barely use, which are more interesting than some novels about ordinary people. Sigh. Life can be wasted. Like those who rant their emotions online simply because no one else will listen. But not such a wasted life as those who read the rants online.

On the Light Rail

I wrote a little Poem while I was on the light rail in Sacramento. Going to work.

Weary and tummy aches,

head is hurting and something smells funny

people and can’t look at, eye to eye.

The little part inside of me, doesn’t want to talk to anyone

but it’s a 1 hour ride.

On the light rail.

So I’ll sit here quietly, staring at nothing in particular.

Cause I can’t look straight at you.

But it’s hard to do so, cause my neck is pretty strained,

Looking this way

On the light rail

You noticed I glaced a couple times in your direction

You didn’t seem to care so I gazed a little longer.

My foot began to fall asleep being in the same position.

So i shifted.

Here we are now, staring at each other

on the light rail.

Should I smile?

Is that too creepy?

Or is this frowny face I have on alright?

I just want to get off now, avoid unusual confrontation.

Look it’s not my stop, but I’ll get off anyways.

Ohh wait, so did you.

Now you’re walking going somewhere.

Probably off to work.

Maybe you didn’t notice me, and now I’m on my own.

Waiting at this stop.

For the light rail.

Selling an old car

Sob sob, cry cry, weep, weep...

I've had the hard choice of selling my car. The old Dodge Dart has got to go, and soon before it rusts into a lump of worthless metal. It's not the first time this though has passed through my mind, but this time I think it's the last nail on the coffin.

In today's world, most people buy high and sell low despite what they say. No one really makes a profit on trades unless that's your business. And cars are the same. The value of cars drop and you reach a point where it's no longer economically feasible to keep throwing money at it. Sometimes you've got to cut your loses and move on.

The Dodge Dart Swinger I've mentioned on this blog post before is a great car. I wish I could afford to keep it the way it is and even though I probably can after making a few sacrifices. I think the fun has been had.

The Dodge Lives!!!

Old Band Pics and a Video

I almost lost these once but not anymore! Anyways since we never got famous, here's the old band.

Water and Our Slight Obsession with it in America.

Browsing the internet, I read somewhere that Americans visiting other countries seem to have an obsession with being over prepared, an example being... carrying water and backpacks full of stuff. Almost as of they are preparing for extreme sports or Mad Max end of the world type of deal, but that's not so ridiculous as it seems. As I type the words you read, I have a backpack full of nothing but waters and a few aspirins and snack bars. Why, am I going hiking for the whole day? No, I'm going to the state Fair.

Here in the US, we give great importance to our hydration, I mean check out our cups! And most especially water in public places. It's not that don't trust the source or cleanliness, but the availability is something to be embarrassed about here in Public locations across America. At least California. Nevermind that fact that we're in a drought as it is, but we have been conditioned to be prepared for hours of thirst and walking, despite being in a crowded area. Where water fountains have waiting lines, taste funny and are far and few. That is why we carry stuff around like we're waiting for the apocalypse. Water!

I also think that it's kind of like tradition, the being prepared for anything scenario, where everyone has their own needs to think of and will not rely on the government aide of public services to help us, due to the fact that they let us down all the time. Because we're rebels.

Of course this is just my point of view.

Honest 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger (Slant 6) Review.

It's the kind of car you’d expect a old 40 year old man to be proud of as he as he slowly walks out of it and tells you all about how he became a successful man even though he's probably just like you, with the exception that he’s just been around a little bit longer. Like the car, it’s been around for just enough time that it’s almost time to retire, but not yet, because maybe you haven’t saved up enough in the 41k so you might as well just wait it out. And maybe you’re not as efficient as you were back then or even good looking either but you might still turn some heads, it’s just not the people you wish.

The 1970 Dodge Dart is or was.... a good looking car, but to most it's kind of ugly, old and slow hunk of metal. Maybe because it reminds you of your grandparents’ car, the kind they would drive and keep in good shape, simply because of sentimental value, and because they're cheap. who knows, perhaps someone out there really loves these types of cars, and maybe by the end of this post you’ll see why.

The Model I have is a 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger with the Slant 6 engine, The most common of the Dart, the second slowest and the cheapest. It's not very hard to believe that in the 1970's this cost $2,237 1970 dollars. Which in today's price rounds up to about $14,000 2015 dollars. Very affordable for a good looking car in my own opinion.

The newer Dodge Dart is nothing like this except that they both don’t come with AC (Oh burn!). But honestly it just feels cooler driving around the older Dart. Not the kind of cool you feel when driving a Mustang or Camaro with the speed and young folks thumbs up of approval. But the cool that you know you're driving a real car and not random automobile down the street.

You’re like the guy who drives to a store just to buy a soda pop and parks by the curb while you step out for a drink with your shades on kind of cool. The kind that doesn't have to prove he’s cool as he nods politely to his neighbors or anyone that passes by. Hey dude. You're alright.

The car is not aerodynamic and very well insulated, driving in it feels like you shouldn't worry about dents and dings because it’s just a regular grocery-getter, with style. This Dart wasn't meant to go fast, it was meant to get you there, eventually.

Do you want to keep this car original. NO, nope nope. Stock is sooo bad, this car is asking to be fixed and modified. 1 barrel carb, small radiator, small fan blade, points ignition. small exhaust. AM Radio..... If they built this car properly it would have been a powerhouse and given V8's a run for their money. But only hot rodders and mechanic’s knew or cared about the slant 6. Because normal enthusiasts get the V8. Everyone else got this grandpa hand me down, without the paint job.

It was the 4 cylinder of today. Only hipsters and old people know about the slant 6. It's earned a reputation for being reliable, but I haven't seen it be reliable, it just won’t die is all. Do you call an old person reliable just because he hasn't died yet? No, he’s a survivor and about to kick the can soon, but he’s not reliable, he just lived longer than all of you. But I guess it's true what this one guy told me, "the engine will outlive the car."

Vapor lock. If you’ve been driving the car around and turn it off. Go into the market for a quick 5 or 10 minutes, then prepare to gas it while turning the key because it does not like to start with a carb full of gas that seems to soak in while dissipating heat from the exhaust manifold. I can’t prove it. But I know what this car wants and it’s a gasp of fresh air.

Turning, don't even try it, without bucket seats you'll need the door fully closed or else you might fall out or lay your head on the passenger's side, the Dart invented the term "Body roll" with it's thin tires and brick like features this car can do 80 and make you slow down to 60 and think "You know what, 60's fine, better drive slow anyways I might want to save some gas. for now." Sure it can go faster, but with a theoretical top speed of 99MPH, no one's crazy enough to drive a stock Dodge dart without kissing their life goodbye. And 3 speed auto tranny

But 0-60 or 1/4 mile times are actually kind of fun, like risking your life every time you step on the gas, so it's hard to convince some people to actually put the lead out when driving this beast. Today's drivers are chickens when you're in the dart.

But you wouldn't even want to drive fast. This car will turn you into the old man you never thought you could be, yelling at youngsters to slow down as they barrel down the highway while you go at a steady 65MPH because you want to get there alive while saving fuel.

Good luck trying to listen to the radio, even if you upgrade your system and soundproof the car, it's still road noise, engine noise, exhaust noise, everything but the music noise.

No AC. Man up or install it yourself, at least it’s got a heater.

So much space... especially with the front bench you can fit 6 people and that's soo much more fun than a van. So practical you can  convince someone it was a wise buy, although secretly you know it wasn't.

It almost makes me wish I got the V8, it makes me wish I knew more on fixing cars, and it makes me wish I had more money to make it the car it should have been. But it’s a done deal and just be happy with it.

Look at all that engine room, do whatever you want in there, go ahead, touch it all. That's what the car says and that's what it was made for. Install headers, hyperpack, new Radiator, carb or even a turbo, anything is possible!!!

Slant 6 sounds great, it’s not the v8 brum brum brum. More like a CHT CHT CHT CHT

Comfy... with couches for seats, steering so easy there's never been a car made for old people like this one. Just add power brakes and you're 100 year old grandma could drive this thing. Use your pinky, it dares you. Just stop driving so fast.

There's almost no reason to buy a Dart unless you've got nostalgia for the car, or want to make memories. If you're looking to buy a Dart, All I can say it, have fun with it. Don't care about what other people think, don't keep it "original" but fix it to make it better. It's a fun car and make it look nice or leave it as a beater, it doesn't care, because it's a freaking Dart. Annoy people as you roar by in your sleeper hot rod or your piece of junk jalopy.

It's not the car people wish for, but the car they wish they kept.

Installing Arch Linux LXQT for fun.

Today I installed Arch Linux with the LXQT desktop environment. It was not as satisfying as I thought. Although I am able to install everything I wanted, once I got to the point of setting up the ALSA control panel for the sound card. I just gave up. There's no point. I realized I know Linux enough to do this. I just didn't have a need for this hard to configure rather quick and lean distribution, that and I got really lazy and tire. So I'm going to install Windows 7 and give this computer away.

Guitar Upgrade

When I started playing guitar, I had a steel string ugly acoustic thing that I never liked to play, it was hard and the steel strings hurt my fingers. I heard from a somewhat experienced guitar player that I should switch to nylon strings. He didn't know that guitars are made for one type of strings and neither did I, for my guitar was actually MADE for nylon strings and the guy who sold it, put steel strings on it, making it a terrible guitar. The upgrade (or should I say restoration?) was a huge difference and helped me in my guitar learning experience.

I never took good care of that guitar cause I always saw it as a cheap thing that was hard to play and never sounded professional. However even after buying a nice electric and other acoustic guitars, I still held onto that one as my personal favorite due to it's sound. I enjoyed playing many classical pieces and even composed a few on there, but then came the day that it was falling apart, and I wanted a replacement so I don't end up killing my beloved ugly guitar. So I went to Kline music thinking it would be easy to find any cheap old guitar that would outperform mine. It wasn't. I had to really find (in the good section) a guitar that had the bassy, no echo, feel of mine and when I did. I loved it. I don't have much to say about the new one. because this story is about my old classical guitar.

 Anyways, that's my story. i cut it short since I had a lot to say but not many people who read it all.

Musings on Vanity or Fashion.

I don't really care about my appearance as much as some people. But I care just enough to get by my everyday life and a few ventures in the outside world. What I have found quite bothersome is people who put so much emphasis on their appearance that everything else is put into a lower priority. Keep in mind that as I write this I'm staring at what I think is an example of such a person.

Perhaps a slick new hairstyle that obviously that it took longer than 15 minutes to set into place though he will deny it. A tight fitting suit that looks more fashionable than practical. Topped off with a bow tie, although I have been guilty of wearing one from time to time. Clip on. 

Besides all that I've mentioned, I do not envy them, I just feel other things should take precedence. And many would not agree with me, but it's just pure spite directed towards their wastefulness that irks me. That is all.

CSI: Sacramento

This is the script for our next upcoming film, still in the works. I just wanted to share this just to remind everyone I'm still working on it. 

Characters

Lead Detective: Erik

Partner Detective: Josh

Spencer: Spencer

Mario: Mario

Dead Party person. Natan

Sheriff: Raquel

Sheriff Assistant: Gaby

Allisa (Girl from party who got interrogated): Gricel

Crew

Camera guy: Natan

(We’re going to record the voices on a separate device so we can hear ourselves talk) Sound guy: Erik

STORY

The scene starts with the camera zooming through the open door of a house a house playing loud music at a party.

Camera cut scenes to a party with the guests going all crazy, loud rave music, drinking, lots of food, then blending stuff, tv playing a movie, popcorn, violent pillow fight, and whispering junk like dares and stuff, they laugh all crazy and sneak out.

The camera angles up to the night sky and it comes down on.....

2 car guys, (Beemer and Jay)

Camera transitions from up high to down to the rear end of the cars as the cars are revving their engines. Both cars in one shot.

A quick shot for each driver as they look at each other, nod.

Camera from behind on the ground watches them peel out.  

A short slow street race starts. Camera Sidewalk view.

After the drag race, two guys stay late and chat with each other talking about how this was much better than that lame party.

Beemer’s car is in the background playing some music.

Jay hears Beemer’s BMW revving the engine and they barely see the car peel out and drive off with the thief. (camera is behind them watching the car peel out)

(camera behind Beemer watches him dial 911 on his cell) He call the cops.

At the police station the lazy sheriff picks up the phone, goes “uhh’, and tells the assistant to “Give the job to the mystery crew. We only handle “real Cases” in this town.

Camera moves in Mystery Crew business card laying up on the Sheriff's desk.

Mystery crew member Erik picks up the old rotary phone ringing.

“uh uh, yeah that’s correct, ok right away. Wait... Do you take Debit?”

Camera angle swiftly moves to Erik’s partner (P).

and proceeds to yell, “Hey I need 20$ for pizza!” “Oh and the cops called, we have work tomorrow!” (Camera fades to day and the scene of the street where the drag race appears.)

The Mystery crew arrives a day later, in an old Mopar (Erik and (P)) camera watches them drive in. Drivers side. Erik comes out, While camera stares at his feet and moves up to his face while he close the door.

Camera looks at (P) quickly does the same.

Jay and Beemer are there waiting, Jay complains,

“What took you so long?”

Erik says,

“Relax buddy, we’re professionals, we know what we’re doing.”

(P) mutters to himself that the trail is all cold. He starts to investigate the road where the car was driven off look at the tire marks and take a cotton swab and put that in a baggie. Erik talks to the guys and asks questions in the background while (P) is inspecting the road. He says that the thief was maybe driving like a noob and trying to drag race, the two guys agree like they were scared. (since they don’t want to get fined for driving recklessly) Erik gets suspicious. (suspicious music)

(P)’s phone rings, he says it’s a call about a murder mystery and says he’d rather solve that one instead. “Good luck on finding your car, it’s definitely stolen, we’ll send you a bill in the mail.”

The mystery crew decides to ignore the fool whose car was stolen and go try to solve that case instead. Erik then says to Beemer, he may be in contact with him if he finds anything about his car. Maybe. Probably. Unlikely. Beemer and Jay feel abandoned.

As the mystery crew drives over to the river to investigate the dead body and the surrounding area. the Sheriff ( and her assistant are there) says this girl is dead from stab wounds all over the body. But (P) figures out that the murderer only made it look like a stabbing murder, and put ripped up weenies and ketchup all over her. And as he investigates this further by looking at the rocks and the broken plants, he imagines that the girl drove there, fell out of the car dead for some reason, and then someone took her car. Erik wonders if there is a car thief on the loose. (The girl driving to the river, falling out unconscious and having her car stolen will be like a dream sequence. kind of how CSI does it.)

The Mystery Crew takes the body to the lab in a black bag and input the dna data into the computer (using a scanner to scan the hair. Erik asks why did they have to bring in the whole body if all they needed was a hair. (P) was like, “Don’t question my methods!”) the loading data says, “data compiling, please wait 8867682376 years for results. Erik gets annoyed how long it’s taking and walks over to the server to do this manually. later.... find out she was just injected with a serum that makes her seem dead and it took effect after she was driving home maybe, fell out of the car when some joyrider took her car. (another Dream Sequence) The computer tells them all that from a DNA Hair sample.

So now they go out looking for two missing cars and who drugged this girl. The “dead” girl wakes up with a terrible hangover wrapped in a bag. she can’t get out. no one sees her. She says, Hello?” The camera fades out into a police station.

The Mystery Crew then goes to the DMV to see if they’ve seen this “Dead” girls car and what hopes to find what it looks like. Cop investigates on their computer system, but according to the records, she doesn’t own a car, or even a license, or even a social security number.

So Mystery crew and sheriff assistant drives the one of the girls’ house (Alisa) for an official on the spot interrogation. Erik busts down the door. Fails and just knocks instead. When the mother lets them in, they pull out the official paperwork and the mom starts crying saying. “Ohh my baby’s a criminal, I always knew she had a bad side!” And runs out the house.

The Sheriff’s assistant ties the suspect (alisa) to the chair.

Erik -”Where were you on the night of the 27th? Huh! Answer me punk, Say something?!”

ALisa - “Um I don’t know, what month?”

Erik - “I’ll make this easier for you Ally! Yesterday. where. where. you?”

Alisa - “I was at a party, behaving and having fun, my mom picked me up at 12:00, she can verify...”

Erik thinks she is lying (sherlock holmes moment, voice in his head, (She’s shaking her hand, refuses to look at him, voice is higher pitch. But in reality she just had something stuck in her eye that made her uncomfortable. and was scared at erik’s knife.) (P) plays good cop. Erik Bad cop. But she pretty much lies about everything. “We were just having a very safe party, watching movies and doing each others nails.... and stuff like that, what more do you want?” Erik then pretends to tip the chair over and she get’s really scared and spills everything. He finds out it was a dare to steal a car, and when Iris’ friends found her, they drugged her so she wouldn’t remember anything. They were all arrested. The girls also took the car and tried to drive it into the river. bye bye BMW.

(P), was like, “It’s ok it’ll be alright” and slaps handcuffs on her, “After you serve time in juvenile hall of course.” and they both but a bag over her head and carry her out, and put her in the trunk of the Mopar A.

Mystery crew now realizes that the car “dead” girl stole the car from Beemer and and now it’s in the river. So they go look for it at the river to fish it out when Zerin then sees a BMW parked like 10 feet away and asks (P) what kind of car was it they were looking for? Erik decides to close this case and report it.

As the chief of Mystery Crew reads the report, says everything looks good, but asks where the dead girl is.. Apparently everyone else forgot about her so the Sheriff goes to the dead body place and hears her singing “daisy” and gets her out, but she’s barely alive so the Sheriff rushes her to the emergency room. DR. Whaaat? comes in and says he can save her, but he needs to get drunk first, so he drinks a bottle and slams it on the ground. then he gets to work with this skill saw, but his assistant says he has the wrong tool, and he’s like, “you’re right”, and pulls out the sawzall. the show ends with a fadeout of a hospital. and the theme song from House. Whatever that song is.

(After the credits finish, Erik goes to explain to Beemer what happened to the car.

Beemer, “So my car is in the river?”
EriK, “Yes.”
Beemer,: Darn

ERIK: The good news is the crane company offered to buy it for a 100$>”
Beemer> Well it’s better than nothing.

Erik pays Beemer and then goes back to his newly purchased BMW and drives off.