This was one of those humourous e-mails passed around several years ago, found on my computer a few days ago.  Although the stadium and head coach have changed, it’s still even more appropriate today.  Here ya go!

What’s the difference between the Detroit Lions and the Taliban?
The Taliban has a running game.

How do the Detroit Lions count to 10?
0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4, 0-5, 0-6, 0-7, 0-8, 0-9, 0-10

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last installment, but I’m pleased to report that the maintenance project went very well!  Yes, it took me longer than I thought.  But I worked carefully, and learned a lot about the Honda B20B4 engine in the CR-V, how it is put together, and how to work on it in the future.  In my travels online, too, I picked up quite a few tips to make the job easier, and other tips to take care of a few other minor issues.  And saved a ton of money doing it myself!

The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s newest release on Surfdog Records, Songs from Lonely Avenue, is available today.  The new project features Setzer and the orchestra doing a new set of self-penned “jazz noir” compositions, to capture the cinematic mood of film soundtracks from the 1940s and 1950s.  It is released in a few different formats: a CD-only version, an LP version with CD, and a deluxe audiophile edition with the standard CD and LP, a 4-LP audiophile 45RPM version, and among other extras, a disc of multitracks where you can mix your own version of the album!  It is also available as an Amazon MP3 download.  The tracks so far sound pretty amazing–look for a full review here within a week or two!

Call me a cheap Serb (or quarter Serb), but I always get the inspiration to do a lot of household chores myself to save money.  In this case, maintenance on the CR-V was overdue, so I decided to bite the bullet and do the dreaded “90,000 Maintenance” that is legendary in Honda service departments around the world.  My own 90,000 mile mark passed…a long time ago…105,000 miles ago!

What is the 90,000 Maintenance?  The whole enchilada, baby!  This means the timing belt, water pump, all fluids (oil, trans fluid, rear transfer case fluid, coolant, etc.), new belts, and even new ignition components if needed.  Fortunately I have recent wires and distributor cap, but everything else was overdue.  Especially the timing belt.  The idea of the pistons crashing into the valves when the belt breaks is enough motivation to get it done.   (And yet, some don’t!  My buddy just lunched his ‘95 Accord two months ago when the timing belt broke…and just sold it last week for $300.  I can’t say I didn’t warn him!)  I’ve just started on the project.  So, how is the ordeal going?

Regular readers may recall that I’ve been trying some different “in-ear monitor” (canal-style) headphones, which fit into your ear canal.  The fact that there’s a third installment should signal that there is “trouble in paradise”…or at least in my ears!  Indeed–there were enough annoyances with previous IEMs, that I decided to try yet another set.  I’m still convinced that I would prefer a set of Etymotic or Shure IEMs, as they have longer earpieces, but they’re not within the budget right now.  I did find some Sony over-the-ear clip-on headphones, but after an hour or two, they became a bit uncomfortable.  So, what made me change IEMs again?