Vintage Motorcycles

I have recently become obsessed with vintage motorcycles. It seems the best way to enjoy these beauties is to track down an old beater and spend the time bringing it back to life yourself. The problem is tracking these bikes down at a reasonable price in a fixable condition takes a lot of time.
The brands i am currently most interested in are BSA, Triumph, Norton, and Vincent, The later 2 being the most rare and expensive. As i dig further into the topic i will post more including literature reviews and great online resources.

Amplification - Solid State/Tube

Amplification is a critical element when speaking of home audio. There are a few forms to choose from, with endless options for brand names and special functions. The two types of amplification we will discuss is Valve or Vacuum tube Amplification, and Solid State amplification. Many Audiophiles swear by tube amplification as it provides a warm analog sound, simple circuitry, and superior quality. Tube amplification is a two part process as mostly all of them require a preamplifier. With solid state, your options are endless. There a number of different forms that they will come in including integrated amplifiers. I prefer to use a power amp and external preamplifier. If you are looking for ease of use and good sound than i would say opt for an integrated stereo as the power amplifier and the preamplifier are made to work with each other for optimal output. There are many high end options available. If you are looking for superior quality sound than i say opt for either tube power amplifier or solid state amplifier with a preamplifier separate. This allows each component to focus on it's task alone. The power amp will maximize its output and the preamp will do the same. It is important to try out several combination's before settling on one choice. There are endless combination's to choose from, and it may require you to seek expert opinion on providing your speakers with the best quality output.

A.P. Love

Vintage Timepieces - Omega

Omega Watches have been present in critical times during the 19th & 20th centuries. From President John F Kennedy who wore one throughout his term in office, From an Omega Speedmaster being the first watch on the moon, as it was the official watch of NASA, Omega has been keeping track of time while history was being made. Buddy Holly was wearing his diamond studded Omega while he suffered his horrible death along with the Big Bopper, and Richie Valens in a plane crash in Iowa February 3 1959. The Omega was one of the only things to survive, and was sold at auction by his widow. In more modern time Omega has been the official timepiece of the 2010 Olympic Games, and the Official watch of the James Bond Franchise. I personally own a vintage Omega Seamaster Automatic (pictures to come soon), and am completely satisfied with its performance and its aesthetic qualities. Vintage Omegas are an affordable way to add a high quality, historically relevant timepiece to your collection. Starting at around $300, you can purchase an Omega watch from second hand stores (found one at KC Coins in the Golden Mile Mall in Regina for around $450) as well as ebay anywhere from $200-$10000. Omega watches come with numerous complications from perpetual calenders to moon phases. In my case i prefer simplicity, a simple date complication (or none at all) and leather band. A watch should be a subtle representation of elegance, not of pompous, head swelling excess in a "big top" exhibition of wealth. Going Vintage Omega is an excellent way to add a little pice of history and elegance to your look. Remember, less is more.

A.P. Love

Selecting a Turntable - Used/Vintage

Finding and selecting a quality used turntables is relatively easy and in most cases relatively cheap! However, you must pay careful attention to the mechanical workings of the turntable. If you are unfamiliar with the workings of a turntable or do not understand the function of one, you may refer to this great site that outlines the basics of the turntable. Speed and timing are critical in selecting a turntable. If the speed is out, and unable to be adjusted (some belt drive turntables can be adjusted with the addition of a new belt) than the turntable is basically useless. Here is a "how to guide" to checking the speed of your turntable .These guides should only be necessary if you have bought a second hand turntable from a garage sale, second hand store, pawnshop, or found it in a garage or basement. There are quality second hand electronics stores all over that deal with turntables and other vintage stereo equipment. In Regina Sk, for example, Any Electronics deals with quality used electronics that come serviced and include warranty for up to six months. I have personally purchased a vintage pioneer turntable from them with extremely satisfying results. Harry's HiFi usually deals with new, high end adio equiptment, but on occasion has a few great vintage turntables laying around for a reasonable price. Harry is also the best place in the city to take an old turntable to get check out, and serviced. He is the most knowledgable audiophile in the city and i would argue in the country. Once you have a selected a excellent working turntable you should imidiatley take it to Harry to get advice in selecting and installing a stylus. Harry will do this with one of his proper set ups. Once a proper table has been selected and set up, the next step is your power source.

A.P. Love

Music

In the fallowing days i will be building on this subject as i believe this to be one of the most important aspects of a mans life. We will focus on the importance of owning a quality stereo with a guide to selecting and buying your hardware, setting up, and maintenance of your equipment. The second item to focus on will be the acquisition and maintenance of your catalog with a particular focus on vinyl records.

A.P. Love

Manifesto

It is the intent and purpose of this manifest to outline the ideologies that this site shall adhere to and strive to preserve. This site is dedicated to the pursuit of style and leisure in a classical form. Modernity has eroded a mans ability to be a man. The burden of guilt has been placed forcefully upon mans shoulders in an effort to accommodate modernity's globalization of effeminate and emasculating trends and styles. This site is apologetically dedicated to a mans pursuit of leisure and style with a focus on quality. It will focus on every aspect of a would be gentleman's life from clothing, accessories, activities, and philosophies. This site is politically abstinent and as well as secular, as these institutions hinder a mans ability to discover himself whilst in the pursuit of leisure and style.

A.P. Love