Herculodge

It Feels Good to Have the Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo Back Where It Belongs

As a radiophile, it's my nature to play musical radios, switching my radios in different rooms, as I'm constantly comparing them against each other. For a couple of weeks I lived without my BA Horizon Solo by my bedside and tried my Sangean PR-D5 for a few nights (excellent AM), my C.Crane CSW for a few nights (excellent FM), my Grundig Satellit 750 for a night (overall good reception but controls are tiny) and my Tivoli Songbook (light and easy to move around), but after putting my Solo back on the bedside its superiority to ALL the aforementioned radios as a bedside radio was starkly evident. The Solo sounds the best. Its single-button toggle feature makes it the easiest to use. I even managed to manipulate the wire FM antenna so I can get both 88.1 and 89.3 without have to move the antenna back and forth. Having been without the Solo by my bed for a week or so and then getting it back made me realize what a special radio it is. 

Man Points Rule: Don’t Cut in Front of the Line Unless You’re Prepared to Defend Your Territory

 

Dear Mr. Man Points,

My date was coming over in less than two hours so I rushed to the Redondo Beach pier to get some sword fish, which I was planning on barbecuing. There was a long line and I was so limited on time I thought I’d just cut in line to buy the “fresh catch of the day.” I’m a pretty big dude and I wasn’t expecting anyone to give me any trouble. What I failed to realize is that the woman I cut in front of weighed over three hundred pounds and was wearing a Junior Seau football jersey. Right there I should have known I was in trouble. There’s something about a woman wearing a Junior Seau jersey that says to the world she isn’t someone to mess around with.

My fear didn’t disappoint me. Immediately, the Jersey Lady looked at me with wide eyes as if to say, “Are you kidding me?” Then she started doing this weird thing with her canon-ball-sized stomach, fluttering it as if warming up the gears of a lethal weapon. After she established this threatening fluttering motion, she approached me while grinding her hips and “throwing” her belly at me, catapulting her enormous stomach into my body. Anyone just arriving to the scene might have thought she was sexually assaulting me but her cursing made it clear her attack was purely belligerent. After taking several knocks to my body and already dazed and bruised, I fell on my butt and looked up at Jersey Lady who, satisfied that she had repelled me from the line, stood arms akimbo and cursed me out while the onlookers laughed and praised the woman for expelling me.

Yes, I am physically healed now, but several months have passed and I still bear deep psychological scarring. Getting my butt kicked publicly by a woman has caused me to endure more shame and humiliation than I can bear. Is there any way I can gain my Man Points back?

 

Dear Reader,

There are a few things you can do. You can become the starting field goal kicker for an NFL team and break the all-time field goal record and help lead your team to the Super Bowl. You can beat Fedor Emelianenko in a mixed martial arts fight. You can retrieve a woman’s lost diamond bracelet that has been swallowed by a crocodile. You can build a skyscraper that dwarfs the Donald Trump Tower. Any feat short of these things, however, and you’re pretty much screwed since it is taboo for a man to get his butt kicked by a woman. If it’s any consolation to you, however, the fact that you got your ass beaten by a woman in a Jr. Seau jersey minimizes the amounts of Man Points lost since everyone knows that a woman who wear a Jr. Seau jersey can tear a beer can in half with her bare hands and has a rap sheet for beating up her 300-pound husband. Far more devastating would be to have a little old librarian knock you senselessly with her umbrella.

The real issue is not that you got your butt kicked by a brutish woman who would be the source of any man’s nightmares. The issue is that you did not appraise your situation accurately. You compulsively cut in front of the line but were not prepared to defend your turf. Into Man Points Hell you must surely go. 

The Sangean PR-D5 Boasts an AM Antenna Twice the Size of the PR-D7 and Gets Better AM Than My CCrane CSW and Grundig Satellit 750

Thanks to the relentless search for the best AM available from a radio lover who goes by the name of Unrelenting Ferrite Core (yes, radio lovers are passionate about their radios), we now have the official word on the AM antenna strength of theSangean PR-D5,  which is superior to the Sangean PR-D7. In the words of Unrelenting Ferrite Core:

Well, I suppose this is the "unrelenting" part. Here's the PR-D7 quote from the CCrane FAQs tab :

"How good is the AM reception on the PR-D7?
 

The PR-D7 has good AM reception almost as good as the Sonido Radio. The PR-D7's internal ferrite antenna is 8mm in diameter, 4" long and does a good job pulling in stations."

And here's a quote about the PR-D5 off Universal Radio's site :

"The new Sangean PR-D5 a top quality AM, FM, FM stereo radio with twin speakers. It has a 200 mm ferrite AM antenna for the best possible AM reception"

200 MM is about 8", 100 MM is about 4".

I'm thankful for that update. Now let me add a curious fact: As I post this, the PR-D5, which not only has a bigger AM antenna, stereo speakers, tuning knob, and RDS, sells for $72. And the PR-D7, which does not have RDS, has a smaller AM antenna, and has no tuning knob (you have to toggle buttons) and has a slightly larger monoaural speaker, costs bout $62. 

Update: Subsequent AM comparison tests with the PR-D5 and the Grundig S750 and CCrane CSW rendered the much less expensive PR-D5 the winner. Signals from San Diego and San Francisco were fuller and had less interference on the PR-D5. 

Thanks to the relentless search for the best AM available from a radio lover who goes by the name of Unrelenting Ferrite Core (yes, radio lovers are passionate about their radios), we now have the official word on the AM antenna strength of theSangean PR-D5,  which is superior to the Sangean PR-D7. In the words of Unrelenting Ferrite Core:

Well, I suppose this is the "unrelenting" part. Here's the PR-D7 quote from the CCrane FAQs tab :

"How good is the AM reception on the PR-D7?
 

The PR-D7 has good AM reception almost as good as the Sonido Radio. The PR-D7's internal ferrite antenna is 8mm in diameter, 4" long and does a good job pulling in stations."

And here's a quote about the PR-D5 off Universal Radio's site :

"The new Sangean PR-D5 a top quality AM, FM, FM stereo radio with twin speakers. It has a 200 mm ferrite AM antenna for the best possible AM reception"

200 MM is about 8", 100 MM is about 4".

I'm thankful for that update. Now let me add a curious fact: As I post this, the PR-D5, which not only has a bigger AM antenna, stereo speakers, tuning knob, and RDS, sells for $72. And the PR-D7, which does not have RDS, has a smaller AM antenna, and has no tuning knob (you have to toggle buttons) and has a slightly larger monoaural speaker, costs bout $62. 

Update: Subsequent AM comparison tests with the PR-D5 and the Grundig S750 and CCrane CSW rendered the much less expensive PR-D5 the winner. Signals from San Diego and San Francisco were fuller and had less interference on the PR-D5. 

Man Points Rule: The Color of Your Car Makes or Breaks Your Masculinity

Dear Mr. Man Points,

I just got a big promotion and I want to celebrate by treating myself to a brand new car, the kind that will attract the ladies. The problem I’m having is that there are so many color choices. What colors will maximize my Man Points?

In the realm of Darwinian sexual selection, male birds boasting the brightest flashiest plumage get first dibs on the females.  Male birds champion glorious ruffs, crowns, and bloated neck sacs to add to their ostentation. This urge to be seen above everyone else is the key factor when a man chooses a car color. Therefore, if you want to increase your reproductive opportunities you must avoid plain car colors like black, red, or white. Instead, opt for the most scintillating colors imaginable, those with greater quantities of phosphorescent pigments, meaning the paint will glow in the dark and give off an iridescence in sunlight.

Having established that you must choose a color with a high concentration of phosphorescent pigments, let us now focus on the Three Masculine Themes of car colors.  The first theme is that of the Intrepid Traveler. If you choose this theme, the color will allude to tropical bodies of water, faraway galaxies, and paradisiacal vistas. Such colors include Sepang Green, Galactic Gray Mica, and Kalahari Beige Metallic. These colors will make a bold statement that you do not drive your car in some drab, generic suburb, however true that may be, but rather that you are transported, by the sheer virtue of owning your car, to some exotic locale. 

Thus you can instantly go to the green sea off of Sepang, Malaysia, or behold the glimmering deserts of Egypt or the Kalahari. Or you can be titillated by the unlimited possibilities of the Savannah range while contemplating the paleoanthropological contributions  of Richard Leakey.

The second theme is I Am Indestructible. In this case, you will choose colors such as Zircon, Diamond Graphite, and Olivine Green Metallic, which make references to jewels, gems and precious minerals, suggesting that at the core of man’s car is something adamantine, invincible, and irresistibly iridescent. Just as important, by linking man’s car to a precious gem he can flatter himself with the idea that his car, constructed of rare elements, will actually appreciate over time. 

Another benefit of marketing a car as a precious, invincible jewel is that it becomes a preferred substitute for the engagement or wedding ring. What man wants to deal with the morally dubious proposition of supporting the diamond trade in South Africa, with its labor abuses and alleged links to terrorism, when he can ingratiate himself with his fiancé by showing his love through the gift of a chimeric automobile? 
The third theme is Lust for Life. These colors suggest sensuous states of ecstasy, Dionysian rapture, and reckless abandon.

Therefore, these colors will typically be named after some type of wine or other, such as Chardonnay, Champagne, or Chiaretto. The statement you make is that you don’t merely drive your car. You drink it. You get drunk from it. You are in effect seizing the day, living in the moment, and, as such, you are fulfilling your dream and your destiny.

Of course, you know and I know that this whole color business is complete bullshit but we’re talking about reproductive dominance and no one said it was going to be easy. So proudly spread your iridescent peacock feathers, my friend, and find the babe you’ve been looking for all your life. Your Man Points depend on it.

Dear Mr. Man Points,

I just got a big promotion and I want to celebrate by treating myself to a brand new car, the kind that will attract the ladies. The problem I’m having is that there are so many color choices. What colors will maximize my Man Points?

In the realm of Darwinian sexual selection, male birds boasting the brightest flashiest plumage get first dibs on the females.  Male birds champion glorious ruffs, crowns, and bloated neck sacs to add to their ostentation. This urge to be seen above everyone else is the key factor when a man chooses a car color. Therefore, if you want to increase your reproductive opportunities you must avoid plain car colors like black, red, or white. Instead, opt for the most scintillating colors imaginable, those with greater quantities of phosphorescent pigments, meaning the paint will glow in the dark and give off an iridescence in sunlight.

Having established that you must choose a color with a high concentration of phosphorescent pigments, let us now focus on the Three Masculine Themes of car colors.  The first theme is that of the Intrepid Traveler. If you choose this theme, the color will allude to tropical bodies of water, faraway galaxies, and paradisiacal vistas. Such colors include Sepang Green, Galactic Gray Mica, and Kalahari Beige Metallic. These colors will make a bold statement that you do not drive your car in some drab, generic suburb, however true that may be, but rather that you are transported, by the sheer virtue of owning your car, to some exotic locale. 

Thus you can instantly go to the green sea off of Sepang, Malaysia, or behold the glimmering deserts of Egypt or the Kalahari. Or you can be titillated by the unlimited possibilities of the Savannah range while contemplating the paleoanthropological contributions  of Richard Leakey.

The second theme is I Am Indestructible. In this case, you will choose colors such as Zircon, Diamond Graphite, and Olivine Green Metallic, which make references to jewels, gems and precious minerals, suggesting that at the core of man’s car is something adamantine, invincible, and irresistibly iridescent. Just as important, by linking man’s car to a precious gem he can flatter himself with the idea that his car, constructed of rare elements, will actually appreciate over time. 

Another benefit of marketing a car as a precious, invincible jewel is that it becomes a preferred substitute for the engagement or wedding ring. What man wants to deal with the morally dubious proposition of supporting the diamond trade in South Africa, with its labor abuses and alleged links to terrorism, when he can ingratiate himself with his fiancé by showing his love through the gift of a chimeric automobile? 
The third theme is Lust for Life. These colors suggest sensuous states of ecstasy, Dionysian rapture, and reckless abandon.

Therefore, these colors will typically be named after some type of wine or other, such as Chardonnay, Champagne, or Chiaretto. The statement you make is that you don’t merely drive your car. You drink it. You get drunk from it. You are in effect seizing the day, living in the moment, and, as such, you are fulfilling your dream and your destiny.

Of course, you know and I know that this whole color business is complete bullshit but we’re talking about reproductive dominance and no one said it was going to be easy. So proudly spread your iridescent peacock feathers, my friend, and find the babe you’ve been looking for all your life. Your Man Points depend on it.

Radio Bargain of the Day: Amazon Selling Brand New RCA Super Port Radios for $42 Plus Free Shipping

The RCA Super Port (formerly known as the GE Super Radio III) is a big, clunky analog radio with an inaccurate tuning dial but great speaker sound, great AM and FM reception make it a huge bargain at $42. 

Dear Herculodge: My Radio Doesn't Get Strong Reception with KPCC

Dear Herculodge,

I live in Hermosa Beach and listen religiously to 89.3 KPCC, but my radio doesn't get it without static. Can you recommend one or two radios for a person who listens almost exclusively to KPCC?

Dear Reader,

While all my radios get KPCC most of the time, only 3 modern radios get it ALL the Time:

Always Strong Reception for KPCC

1. $140 C.Crane CSW

2. $100 Grundig S350DL

3. $40-50 RCA Super Port

Man Points Rule: Always Look for New Ways to Up Your Game

Dear Mr. Man Points,

My buddies and I are having an ongoing debate about using Viagra when it comes to impressing the ladies. Of course, Viagra gives you an extra jolt in the sack, but it’s artificial. I’m the type of man who would like to keep things natural, if you get my drift. If I could impress you with an analogy: Viagra is to sex what the automatic transmission is to the BMW. In both cases, the Viagra and the automatic shifter reduce that which is glorious to something entirely banal. Who's right here?          

Dear Reader,

Spare me your lame analogies, you pretentious eunuch. And don’t ever use the word banal in my presence again. Of course, your friends are in the right to embrace the potent effects of Viagra, which represents the fruits of Manly Technology. Without man’s drive to venture into the Technological Frontier, there would be no fast cars, no Steptronic shifters, and no sexually-empowering pharmaceuticals. It is in man's nature to always up his game. So spare me your sanctimonious tripe about “keeping things natural” and learn to appreciate the glories of Man’s Technological. For your crappy analogy, which I will not even waste time dissecting, and your use of the word banal, I hereby strip you of all your Man Points. 

 

Raging Bull: A Star Pitcher Whose Faustian Bargain Got the Best of Him

Today on the Jim Rome Show I heard an interview with Jeff Pearlman, author of The Rocket That Fell to Earth: Roger Clemens and the Rage for Baseball Immortality. Pearlman paints Clemens as a man whose intense competitive nature give way to violence, hostility, malignant egotism and the narcissist's inability to take accountability as he throws any convenient person under a bus in his place. 

I look forward to the film biography, which I hope would be an updated version of Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull. 

Hearing Is Believing When It Comes to Radio Comparisons

Not content with subjective written comparisons, Juan, from Argentina, recommends audio clips:

Hello from Argentina!
To minimize the subjective aspects of radio performance I think it could be very interesting if you can post recordings of the same stations as received by either one or another receiver. (Sites like http://www.divshare.com/ allow you to upload audio and post these in a blog).

I'm also the owner of a RF-2200 and have a lot of other receivers so I know what you mean, but I think an audio clip is the best way to compare. 

Toshiba Multiband Buy Now for $85

This is a very appealing Toshiba Multiband at a reasonable price.