Otokichi

I've always washed the dishes and utensils "the old fashioned way." Dish Washer? That's for rich folks that set the table with real silverware and Wedgwood China. So I'm not much more advanced than a Boy Scout, washing Ye Olde Messkit in a bucket set on a fire in the woods/camp. Dann.Tech, a French company, contacted "Techmoan" to address this domestic task with a unit that "delivers squeaky clean" glassware in a tiny space, that consumes very little counter space, using at most, a gallon of water per cycle. Take a look at this modern marvel; I'm still a Kitchen Neanderthal with plastic plate

Where does the Belcher family live? Why does Bob have a partial tattoo on his lower back? How many female characters are voiced by females? Are there connections with other animated series visible? See if you've noticed 25 interesting things in "Bob's Burgers.";)

This lively, romantic, revolutionary Silent movie played on Turner Classic Movies "Silent Sunday" on January 10. 2021. I set the DVR for this movie before looking into the particulars of the movie. This is a tale of seduction, abandonment, and revolution, set in 18th century Naples. This is the only screen appearance by Russian Prima Ballerina Anna Pavlova, in the title role. (Note: "Dumb" means "Deaf/Mute.") This film has a very lively soundtrack, and set a record for costume design ($300,00 in 1915!). This movie is based on the revolutionary opera "Masaniello," the libretto of which took Br

UK Guitarist Fil looked at Tony Rice's guitar technique.

It's a "dumped guy/Blues" song in a very foreign language for the 1960's, but Kyu Sakamoto's song soared to the top of the U.S. music charts. In addition, it was a "fall down nine times, get up ten" song in Japan. Next time you hanker for Sukiyaki, remember this song, which lends itself to toasts and group sing-alongs. Besides, it has a bright, breezy tempo, belying the topic.

Here's a blast from the component audio equipment past! "Techmoan" has found an 89 Pounds Sterling, "Dual" Turntable. Yessir, for your next cosplay party, you can dress up as a 1980's DeeJay and play your old LPs on a "cosplay Technics" turntable. But is this better than "the usual Crosley, Pizza box" turntable? Put on your battered copy of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and see what "Techmoan" DISC-overed.;) Here's a "Horrible Piece of Rubbish" mechanism to Avoid at all costs!

This visual/musical journey through an ocean world takes place on an unnamed planet. This time, the marine wildlife are to be found on Earth. What does one do in this game? Explore, figure out what's the best approach for "dead areas," and marvel at the undersea world like a latter day Jacques Cousteau.;) Part Two of "Abzu" The Grand Finale of "Abzu"

Do you hanker for an interesting game of skill and timing? Do you like trains? "Techmoan" has a game for you; be a Japanese train driver and see if you can arrive on time and at the station stop sign. Too bad there's no "Tarin to Busan" segment.;)

While not the strangest thing I've seen on YouTube, this "picture and sing" video fits 2020 like a COVID mask. If I find something better, this will be History. But for now, it's "Winter for Hitler.";)

John Themis' "Final Cruise" as seen by a "road warrior." Happy motoring...

Submitted for your "March of Time: How Far Have We Come?" file. "Techmoan" has friends all over, and a Finn sent him a corporate-level slide projector with a recording system. Imagine yourself at a district conference where new products are being discussed/rolled out, and you can comment on each image/product. Just the thing for a "mid century corporate" collector or Ye Olde Antique Shoppe.;)

Submitted for your confusion, a (wildly unscientific) rating of selected Christmas movies and "movies set at Christmas." Does your favorite Christmas score high or low? All rise, here comes The Judge!

Submitted for fans of Auto Tune, so-so songs, and low-end artists, a year end assessment of Pop music. "Todd in the Shadows" has an archeological dig's worth of bones to pick over for this about-to-end year. The "Honorable Mention" list is almost as long as the Top Ten main list. Not having heard any of these songs before, I'm neutral/disinterested in this list. What say you, youngsters? (If any, that is.;)

I was looking at the 1973 TV movie, "Birds of Prey," on YouTube, when I ran across an emphatic statement that "I'll Get By As Long As I Have You" in the movie was sung by Keely Smith. A search led to this LP-era, languid, 4 minute recording. In the World War II era, recordings were made at 78 RPM, so a disc side lasted a total of 3 minutes and some seconds. The tempo matches, and compared to the original soundtrack, the producers had to "mute the modern stuff" to match 1930's-1940's recordings. "Birds of Prey" 1973 TV movie (Check out the "P-40s attack Japanese bombers" and the "plane pursuit"

Charley Pride left to sing "All I Have To Offer You Is Me" with Hank Williams, Sr., and Roy Clark on December 12. Let's join with Fil, the UK guitarist, as he analyzes Charlie Pride's silky, smooth, vocal style...

Is 1914 old enough to qualify? I remember singing this in elementary school, along with "that Sicilian folk song about 'going out into the open air" that I can't find...

Can your favorite artist sing? Are you sure about that? Oh well, it's just an article full of bile, sarcasm, career advice, and an "I have the high moral ground" attitude...

Here's something I remember from AM radio in "Stand By Me" days, long ago: Probably not the right song, but it's the only thing that comes to mind.

And now, instrumental magic from HI Sessions artist, Brittni Paiva.

It's cold and getting colder, so in the spirit of showing Something Completely Different, here's James Garner's followup to "Support Your Local Sheriff!" This tale of the roguish conman fits in well with the robo calls, Internet frauds, and faux holiday stuff, eh? Hold onto to your "liquid assets," the "flim-flam man" has arrived in town!;)

Here's a blast from the (recent) past. Commercials use music in many ways to sell The Product, but has a side benefit for the (possibly unknown/obscure/overlooked) artist. Presented for your puzzlement, as you try to remember where you may have seen these commercials, a list of Pop/Hit/Obscure songs made by an ad.;)

Looking over reactions to "Train To Busan," a prequel, "Seoul Station," was mentioned. This Anime tale has dark, hard to see English subtitles if you click the "CC" button. It all begins with a grievously injured vagabond, making his way to the Seoul train station. Where does it go from there? Start the video if you dare...

For that difficult person on your Christmas gift list, toothsome audio! Yessir, if you don't mind sending away to the UK for a chocolate 45 RPM record, this will get noticed, used, and eaten. While "Techmoan" tries to get chocolate off his Audio Technica stylus, play the video and "take a giant step backward" into Edison wax cylinder-level sound. There definitely is "chocolaty midrange" in this disc.;)

And now for the analysis of Rock band.

To continue: And now for something completely different. meandering around YouTube, I kept reading about this movie, which I'd never heard of, compared to "A Charlie Brown Christmas." So, under the canard that there are songs and music in the tale, it is (for me) something to "get the word out." Now, Olive is a most unusual dog, her owner is a fellow named Tim, and the Post Office Letter Carrier has all the lovable traits of "The Grinch." All aboard, we're headed for the North Pole...