The mp3 player generation

Who would eveer think we’d be playing music from a device a little bigger than the thumb? The little-mp3-player mania manifested itself to me in November of 2005. Time to shift to the little techie stuff from that bulky SONY cassette-tape walkman recorder. I have set my hands on four players since I started off with this purple China 256MB mp3, which I sold to Nikkie when I bought a CREATIVE ZEN Nano 1GB in early 2006. In 2007, I finally tried the popular iPOD Nano 2GB. However, as I was not content with the operation of an iPOD plus its complicated iTUNES software, I decided to sell this again to Nikkie and bought a simple 2GB MAGNAVOX Player, which is simply a plug-and-play device. I bought this at WALMART in the States. I still have my CREATIVE ZEN and my MAGNAVOX, plus a set of SONY MDR earphones, making me smile until today.

The fancied CIVIC

I’m always a fan the Honda Civic, especially the older models.

And I’d make it a point to acquire one which is as fresh and as maintained as this pictured 1997 VTi below, who I’ll name SIMON.

Among my RIGID requirements in looking for a unit would be THIS COLOR (Honda Blue), STRICTLY no alterations (all stock; no replaced steering wheels, mags, etc.), MANUAL transmission, fully preserved interiors, and 1st-owned (bought brand new by the owner). I’ll have my 3-year on-call driver mechanic with me to inspect everything too on the aspect of body, air-conditioning, suspension, and engine. Outside minor dents would be forgivable as I can have them worked on.

Of course, when I acquire it, the AUDIO setup won’t be amiss.

Wish me luck!

My dream Nissan Terrano

My dream RED 1997/1998 Nissan Terrano.
I will name him bRuSKo.

I’ve always fancied a NISSAN Terrano. I’ve experienced the ride. And I soooo looovveeed it. Add to the wonderful ride and air conditioning is its physical aspect as a not-so-attractive car that wouldn’t give a come-on to the nappers, plus its huge tall make that would surely give you a feeling of security. It’s a four-wheel-drive car too. So mud or no mud, wet or dry, the Terrano takes you safely home.

Popular in the Philippines in the later part of the 90s, NISSAN stopped it’s release in the early y2k. This adds value to the Terrano. If you own one, you’re the big guy!

Through research, I found out some more advantages of a NISSAN Terrano:

• The Nissan Terrano is the most fuel-efficient diesel SUV in the market doing 8-10 km/L. More economical than a Vitara, Jimny, Feroza, Pajero, Outlander, CRV, RAV4, Land Cruiser, Trooper, Patrol, Range Rover. Off-road capability crash confidence fuel economy.
• Powerful engine performance (NISSAN is known for that). Diesel is almost smoke-free.
• Very tough suspension (so no kalampag).
• The only SUV with a rear center arm link for cornering stability against rollovers
• Super cold air conditioning. Better aircon than a Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Honda, Land Rover SUV. Turn it on and FREEZE!!!!!!
• Uses a steel unbreakable timing gear, not a rubber timing belt or linked timing chain which can snap under pressure. Has a nice whining sound like a Honda CBR.
• Drives and parks like a car and does not feel like chunky SUVs, e.g., a Patrol, Land Cruiser, Defender, Fortuner, Suburban, Expedition, Pajero, Trooper, Navigator, Hummer
• Not noisy like an Isuzu diesel
• Does not overheat like a Toyota diesel
• Not a smokey squid like an Isuzu or Mitsubishi diesel
• Goes to places where heavier and clunkier pajeros, patrols, troopers expeditions, suburbans, etc. cannot go.
• Cheap parts. They cost a bit more than Toyota Corolla parts but still relatively affordable. What is Php 50-150 more for suspension parts that are 10%-20% bigger in size than others. Parts are readily available unlike the common misconception that NISSAN parts are hard to find.
• The swing-out tire design has much better impact resistance than a rear door-mounted tire. Lesser rear collision damage. You can mount several mountain bikes on that swing arm.
• Lovely rear window hatch access. You can load stuff at the back even if someone parks closely behind.
• Equipped with a stock Limited Slip Differential (LSD) while most SUVs come with an open differential.
• Equipped with a stock water separator while other SUVs have none
• Alternator is located top side like a Land Rover and not below the power steering pump like some other SUVs.
• Very comfortable ride with reclining rear seats. Fold the seats and throw in a single bed in the rear for those long drives.
• Timeless look. Really nice to set up. So many alternative set ups as well: Local version, JDM, US version or Euro.
• Bigger than a Vitara but smaller than a Patrol. Just the right size for the city and the trail smile.
• Lower headroom so you can park in most basement parking slots, unlike taller SUVs that offer the same, or even lesser, ground clearance.
• Uses a double wishbone front suspension and rear trailing arm on coils unlike many 4×4 vehicles nowadays that use a MacPherson front/rear suspension that was intended for cars.
• Shift on the fly 4×4 for 4H for maximum performance unlike other SUVs where you have to stop
• Innovative rear door handle design which makes it look like a sporty 2DR at some angles
• Double fuel filter design to protect the injection pump against water and other grime in gasoline station tanks.

Hmmm. Two dozen reasons. So the bRuSKo is the PERFECT SUV. I look forward to owning my bRuSKo, VERY SOON. And he will be bRuNO’s brother.

Negatives to CD: Amazing!

From this:

To this!

Output: full-screen, high-resolution pictures.

AMAZING!

I am happy to know that all my cherished memories can still be preserved in today’s digital technology. Having my Disneyland and Universal Studios pictures come to life as if they were just taken really put a smile on my face.

A touching scene of cat love

One night, as I was driving home, a really heartbreaking scenario crossed my path.

As I entered past the gate of our village, right before the first village roadhump, I was signalled to stop by this huge man in shorts who came off his SUV. Bitchily wondering why, I tried to make a left in an effort to pass this vehicle that seemed to be on emergency parking. As I tried to screech out of the scene, out of reflex, I pushed on my brakes once again as I noticed three cats in the middle of the street.

In a matter of seconds, this huge man drove two of them away, but I was taken aback when I saw the third cat laying lifeless. The man tried to check on him, but in vain. So he embarked on his SUV but stayed still. I tried to slowly move away but this picture just got stuck in my head: before this man came off, the two cats were actually seated next to their dead friend and watching him closely. When they were shooed away, they ran hesitantly but kept looking back, as if they were so worried and concerned about their buddy and never wanted to leave him, except that they had no choice when faced with that man plus two cars with emergency lights blinking.

I was teary-eyed. If only these cats could speak, I can just imagine the dialogue at how they would express grief at the site of their friend who was instantly killed in front of them.

Apparently, this man ran over that cat so he had to stop and get off.

I drove so slowly to my home. I noticed that SUV slowly following me, still with emergency lights on.

I told myself, if only I could take a picture of those cats right there. But things just happened so fast.