That Black Strat

I ordered another Strat.

Why?

For some reason I've always had an attraction to plain black Strats. Specifically, black body Strat with white guard and maple fingerboard on the neck.

However, it has to be the right black Strat.

I have owned a black Strat of this type before in the form of a Squier Classic Vibe '50s.

Good guitar? Yes. Great guitar, in fact. But the neck didn't agree with my fret hand, so it had to go...

...but that didn't take away me desire for That Black Strat.

Later on I acquired a Squier Affinity Stratocaster in Olympic White. I still have it, still love it. I also came to realize I really, really like the '70s era big headstock. Seeing that huge curved "STRATOCASTER" logo is just cool when done right. And the Squier does it right.

Now, of course, the be-all/end-all of big headstock black Strats in this style - aside from the originals of the late '60s and early '70s - is the Fender Custom Shop 1969 Stratocaster, which is absolutely not cheap at all. When you want the ultimate for a '69, that's as good as it gets. I consider it better than the originals because there's no way I'd want to deal with original tuners and electronics from the late '60s. As I write this in 2023, that literally means dealing with 54-year-old hardware. No thanks. Given the choice, I'd take the repro.

But why bother with that when there's the Squier Affinity Stratocaster in black.

Yes, I bought one. It's backordered everywhere, so I have to wait for it.

Before getting more into that, I have seen That Black Strat more than a few times over the years.

In The Blues Brothers, you can see That Black Strat prominently displayed at Ray's Music Exchange. It's not '69-correct as it is a '79 model with two string trees, but most of the look is there.

Ritchie Blackmore was known to play That Black Strat (either a '69 or '70) from time to time.

Hendrix also played That Black Strat (again, either a '69 or a '70).

There are two supremely cool looks for the big Fender headstock with large logo treatment. The first is when that neck is attached to an Olympic White body, and the second when attached to a black body.

I already have the white version and decided now was the time to get the black.

Right now, the only way to get a truly affordable '69 Strat look is with the Squier Affinity Stratocaster in Olympic White or Black.

Does Fender have a regular production run guitar that commands this same look? There's only one, the Fender JV Modified '60s Stratocaster - but only in white because that's the only color offered. No black. And yes, JV means it's made in Japan, which is not a bad thing.

And no, the Fender American Vintage II '73 Strat doesn't count. On that one are two string trees, a 3-bolt plate holding the neck instead of 4, and no white or black color offerings - although I will admit the Lake Placid Blue does look great on that model. Still, that's based off a '73 and not a '69.

Also, no, the American Performer Strat doesn't cut it either because it has two string trees and no black on the SSS version.

The Squier Classic Vibe '70s Stratocaster doesn't get it right either, even though it's a great guitar on its own. There is a black SSS model, but it doesn't have the squared-off tuner buttons, pearloid (which I don't prefer) instead of white guard, and no maple fingerboard.

As for Fender Artist Series models, yes there are a few with the big headstock, but they either don't offer black or are configured in a way I don't like. There are four. The Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster (no black), Jim Root Stratocaster (black, but humbuckers only), Albert Hammond Jr Stratocaster (no black), and Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster (no middle pickup by design!)

The FCS '69 and Squier Affinity are the only two that fit the bill.

I am happy Squier offers an Affinity Stratocaster in black. It's the inexpensive way to get the '69 look in the two colors that look best with the big headstock.

As mentioned above, Fender does have the JV in Olympic White that totally captures what a '69 is supposed to look like. I did in fact try that guitar out and yeah, it's nice...

...but it would be nicer if Fender had a Player Series Strat in black with the big headstock and single string tree, even if it were in FSR (Fender Special Run) form.

Until that happens - if it ever happens - I'll be happy with my Squier. Hopefully it will be a good one.

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Things I've learned by being forced to upgrade my phone

It's a shame what's happening to phones these days.

The first thing you want to know is why I'm being forced to upgrade my phone. It's my Android version.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S7, and it's great. However, it only supports up to Android 8. There's a specific app I use, and the company that makes it recently made an announcement to the effect of, "Hey, we know you, like, really need this app, but we decided to make Android 9 the minimum requirement to run our stuff because we're lazy, so... yeah, upgrade your phone or screw you. Have a nice day!"

Gee, thanks.

I said to myself okay, time to get a new phone, so I started shopping around. I quickly discovered two huge truths:

It is very difficult to find a normal sized phone

I have a complaint that is echoed by many across all age groups (meaning this is absolute not limited to middle aged guys like me), and that complaint is most phones are too frickin' big. Not only are they legitimately painful to hold in the hand for texting or talking, but they don't fit properly in most jean or coat pockets either.

To add insult to injury, when you do find a phone that is a correct size for, you know, a human, it's a massive downgrade compared to the plank-sized phone of the same generation.

Most newer phones are downgrades compared to older ones

It used to be that you could get a really nice new phone for under $200. Again, new. That's not the case anymore compared to what we had before...

...which is why I just ordered a used Samsung Galaxy S10e with condition listed as "open box" (one level below "mint").

The price I paid was a little over $160. You're probably thinking it was stupid to pay that much for a 2019 phone in 2023.

Not really.

What I get with the S10e is a) a normal sized phone, b) the ability to move my 256GB microSD card out of my old S7 and into the S10e with no problem at all, c) a real headphone jack, d) stereo speakers, and e) the ability to record 4K 60fps video.

To put this in perspective, my old S7 can record 1080p 60fps video, which is still considered a "premium" feature today!

Yes, the camera is a big deal for me. I wanted something that at least matched what the S7 can do in the same form factor. Turns out the S10e was the only one that could really cut the mustard at a price that didn't break the bank.

You might now be thinking, "But older Apple iPhone smaller models can do 4K 60fps video..." True, but with the Apple iPhone 11 Pro (the closest equivalent) you're absolutely not getting one for the price of a Galaxy S10e. I'm not kidding.

I have no idea if my S10e will work properly since it is used, but it's one of the few phones out there with a newer Android version that will allow me to run that stupid app I need while at the same time giving me excellent photo/video quality.

Fingers crossed.

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2023 manual transmission cars that run on regular gas

There are more of these out there than you think.

Two questions answered up front first:

Why would anybody want a car with a manual transmission?

A few very good reasons.

• It's unintentionally one of the best anti-theft "features" there is.
• It's less in price compared to the same car with an automatic transmission.
• You get more power out the car because you can wind out the gears longer.
• There is never an extended wait for the car's computer to "think" what gear to be in. You're already in the gear you want, so when you hit the gas, you start moving with almost no wait time.
• For those that hypermile to save gas, a manual is the best thing to have because you can coast.
• Chances are most people you know presently have no idea how to drive a car with a manual transmission, so they'll never ask to borrow your car.

Note that I said presently, which leads to question #2:

Is the manual transmission making a comeback?

Yes and no. I'll start with no first.

Where EVs are concerned, no. EVs don't use manual transmissions and never will. I'm certain that some automakers will release EV cars with a pseudo-manual transmission. You'll see the 3 pedals and stick, but it will all be fake and computer controlled since there won't be any real mechanical manual transmission in the car.

Where gas and diesel cars are concerned, yes, the manual transmission is making a comeback, albeit slowly.

The reason for the mechanical manual transmission comeback isn't for car enthusiast reasons, but rather because it's more cost effective for the automakers. America is one of the few places in the world where automatics are driven more than manuals. For just about anywhere else on the planet where cars are sold, people drive manuals.

Automakers are slowly coming to realize that where a world market is concerned, it's cheaper to sell the manual transmission gas and diesel cars everywhere including the United States. That whole "America only gets the automatics" method of car distribution is falling by the wayside. Again, slowly.

Believe me, if Ford released a mechanical manual transmission version of the Maverick mated to the 2.0L EcoBoost engine with NO turbo (so it runs better on regular gas) and cruise control, they'd sell a ton of them. And I'm not talking about some special edition enthusiast model. Just a plain slightly-better-than-base model with steel wheels. They could build it easily and people would be clamoring to buy it.

But since we don't have that, here's what we have for manuals that run on regular gas for 2023.

This list is based on fuel economy from best to worst.

2023 cars available with manual transmission option, regular gas only, non-hybrid models

1. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage - 33 city MPG, 41 highway MPG, 36 MPG combined
2. 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 - 33 city MPG, 41 highway MPG, 35 MPG combined
3. 2023 Volkswagen Jetta - 29 city MPG, 42 highway MPG, 34 MPG combined
4. 2023 Honda Civic 5-Door w/1.5L engine - 28 city MPG, 37 highway MPG, 31 MPG combined
5. 2023 Nissan Versa - 27 city MPG, 35 highway MPG, 30 MPG combined
6. 2023 Volkswagen GLI - 26 city MPG, 37 highway MPG, 30 MPG combined
7. 2023 Mazda 3 5-Door - 26 city MPG, 36 highway MPG, 30 MPG combined
8. 2023 Honda Civic 5-Door w/2.0L engine - 26 city MPG, 36 highway MPG, 29 MPG combined
9. 2023 Volkswagen GTI - 23 city MPG, 32 highway MPG, 27 MPG combined
10. 2023 Subaru Impreza 5-Door - 24 city MPG, 31 highway MPG, 26 MPG combined
11. 2023 Subaru Impreza 4-Door - 23 city MPG, 31 highway MPG, 26 MPG combined
12. 2023 Kia Forte - 22 city MPG, 31 highway MPG, 26 MPG combined
13. 2023 Subaru Impreza Sport 5-Door - 22 city MPG, 30 highway MPG, 25 MPG combined
14. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek AWD - 22 city MPG, 29 highway MPG, 25 MPG combined
15. 2023 Ford Mustang (2.3L 4cyl) - 21 city MPG, 29 highway MPG, 24 MPG combined
16. 2023 Ford Mustang Convertible (2.3L 4cyl) - 20 city MPG, 27 highway MPG, 23 MPG combined
17. 2023 Ford Mustang HO Coupe (2.3L 4cyl) - 20 city MPG, 27 highway MPG, 22 MPG combined
18. 2023 Ford Mustang HO Convertible (2.3L 4cyl) - 19 city MPG, 25 highway MPG, 21 MPG combined
19. 2023 Ford Bronco 4WD (2.3L 4cyl) - 20 city MPG, 21 highway MPG, 20 MPG combined
20. 2023 Jeep Wrangler 2-Door 4WD - 17 city MPG, 25 highway MPG, 20 MPG combined
21. 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (3.6L 6cyl) - 16 city MPG, 26 highway MPG, 20 MPG combined
22. 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door 4WD - 17 city MPG, 23 highway MPG, 19 MPG combined
23. 2023 Jeep Gladiator 4WD (3.6L 6-cyl) - 16 city MPG, 23 highway MPG, 19 MPG combined
24. 2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD (3.5L 6-cyl) - 17 city MPG, 21 highway MPG, 18 MPG combined
25. 2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO - 17 city MPG, 20 highway MPG, 18 MPG combined
26. 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0 V8) - 15 city MPG, 24 highway MPG, 18 MPG combined
27. 2023 Ford Bronco Black Diamond 4WD (2.3L 4cyl) - 16 city MPG, 18 highway MPG, 17 MPG combined
28. 2023 Ford Bronco Sasquatch 4WD (2.3L 4cyl) - 16 city MPG, 18 highway MPG, 17 MPG combined
29. 2023 Ford Bronco Badlands 4WD (2.3L 4cyl) - 16 city MPG, 17 highway MPG, 17 MPG combined
30. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (5.0 V8) - 14 city MPG, 22 highway MPG, 17 MPG combined

Best cars for specific categories based on the list above

City car: Nissan Versa. You've heard the horror stories about Nissan transmissions. That only applies to the automatics. The manual version is great. Quick, zippy, small-but-not-too-small, easy to drive and low in price. This matters, because in the city, a car will get dinged and beat up. Better to have that happen to a Versa instead of a Civic or other higher priced car.

Highway cruiser: Subaru Impreza. This is for people with long commutes or just have long highway drives in general. Comfort is a high priority for a highway cruiser. Any of the Impreza models can eat up highway miles easily and do so with better comfort compared to smaller cars. The interior space is very nicely designed and is a nice place to be.

Truck: Ford Bronco. The Bronco has the largest amount of secured storage from the list above. Pickup beds are only good for those that actually use them. If you want a 4x4 with the most day-to-day usability and utility on or off-road, the Bronco is it.

Sports car: Ford Mustang Mach 1. For a sports car, this is as good as it gets for a true American V8 with a real manual transmission that runs on regular gas.

(Side note: Yes there is a new Mustang coming in '24 and I don't know if the Mach 1 model will continue using the same V8 that can run on regular gas. It would be nice if it did.)

"Hey, you didn't mention [insert this make/model here] and it offers a manual!"

There are several cars not mentioned and it's for one reason - they don't run on regular gas.

An example of this is the '23 Chevrolet Camaro with 4-cylinder engine that is offered with a manual. That engine requires premium fuel. Why? It's most likely because it's turbocharged and runs hotter, so it needs the premium fuel to prevent engine knocking. However, the 6-cylinder version - which is noted above - runs on regular gas just fine.

Remember that since none of the above models are hybrids, you don't have to worry about the hybrid system battery going dead in 10 years.

Also remember that generally speaking, if you're the type that likes to customize (such as using a custom shift knob), go with the cheaper Asian cars or a Jeep. For the Jeeps in particular, you can pretty much mod everything.

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The guaranteed way to get the right car directions every time

This is something I learned many moons ago, and it always works.

The way I use GPS navigation is with a Garmin DriveSmart 66. However, even if I weren't using a Garmin and instead used Google Maps, Waze or something else, what I'm about to describe would still be the way I'd get to places.

The problem

I enter in an address for a place, and every now and then the destination given to me is slightly inaccurate. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is when approaching the destination.

Any one or more of the following can happen:

• I'm not told if the building is on the left or right side of the street or road.
• If the place is in a large parking lot (mall, shopping center, etc.), I'm not told where in this gigantic lot full of buildings where the building I want actually is.
• I'm successfully directed to exactly where the building is, but there's no parking. A parking lot is somewhere nearby but I've no idea where it is.
• If the destination is a professional building (such as for a dentist, specialist, etc.), I'll be directed to the building, but there is no parking on the street. There is parking in the rear behind the building, but that's for employees only, and I don't know where the customer parking area is at all.

There's more, but you get the idea.

The solution

Use GPS coordinates acquired from Google Maps satellite view.

About 15 years ago in the late 2000s well before before anybody had smartphones, I figured out quickly that the only way to get exactly where I wanted to go was from using GPS coordinates. When you use coordinates, it's an absolute. Direct coordinates input will take you precisely to a destination with a variation of only +/- 10 feet or so. It's that accurate.

On the desktop using Windows using your web browser of choice, enable satellite view in Google Maps from the bottom left "Layers" button, find the location you want to navigate to on the map, right click and the coordinates are shown. The image above (the entrance to a parking garage in Austin TX) is an example of that.

On mobile, it's slightly different. I load google.com/maps in the mobile browser, swipe up the bottom menu, touch "Satellite" to enable satellite view, find the place on the map I want to navigate to, zoom in super tight (if I don't, Google Maps will keep trying to give me the nearest address), touch and hold, and then I get the coordinates.

I can use the coordinates on whatever mapping system I have. Garmin GPS navigator, Google Maps itself, Waze or whatever.

The only thing you have to remember is what positive and negative numbers mean.

For the first number (latitude), positive is north and negative is south. For the second number (longitude), positive is east and negative is west. The only time you have to remember this is when punching in the location to a Garmin GPS.

Using the above example, on a Garmin it would be input as N 30.265385 W 97.737160. Easy enough.

It's literally the last mile where most navigation problems happen

More often than not, the most stress I have whenever going anywhere unfamiliar is when arriving at the destination. The last 5 minutes is where all the anxiety builds up, but I outright avoid a ton of that anxiety just by using coordinates instead of street addresses.

I'm good enough at choosing coordinates now to where I'm usually successful at avoiding all the stuff that stresses me out at the last mile.

The only time this method doesn't work is if the Google Maps satellite image for the destination hasn't been updated in a while. Am I screwed at that point? Nope. That's when I go to Bing Maps, because sometimes their satellite views are more up-to-date.

One way or another, I get those coordinates, because they work better than anything else.

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It's time to throw out those old USB sticks

I like using USB pendrives. A lot. But those old ones are really showing their age.

At the time I write this in February 2023, the best deal for USB pendrives are the SanDisk Ultra 128GB, 256GB and 512GB USB 3 flavors, with emphasis on USB 3. The Ultra is a "full case" design (which I prefer) while the Ultra Flair has a thinner case.

I have a small pile of USB 2 pendrives. At this point, these things are borderline unusable. The only thing they're good for is operating system installation software these days.

And speaking of operating systems, modern Linux really hates USB 2 flash drives. It doesn't matter what distro you use. Mounting the pendrive is easy enough. But if you write 1GB or greater of data to a USB 2 stick and then go to unmount, prepare to wait at least 30 seconds to a full minute or even longer before the OS says you can safely eject.

Why does this happen? It's because of the way Linux writes data. Before it allows an eject of a pendrive, some file sync has to happen in the background. If you wrote small files to the pendrive, the unmount is quick. If you wrote large files, that USB 2 bogs down the file sync speed, resulting in wait time and a lot of it.

The solution? Don't use USB 2.0 and use 3.0 or greater instead.

Does using sync -f /usb-drive help when using USB 2.0? A little, but not all that much. Better to just use faster USB pendrives.

In Windows, the wait time for eject of a USB 2.0 pendrive is minimal, but it takes about 2 minutes 45 seconds to copy 1GB to a USB 2.0 stick, whereas with USB 3.0 it takes fewer than 20 seconds.

Whether you use Windows or Linux, dump those USB 2 sticks and just get 3's. This also makes sense when transferring files from the phone to a flash drive. Yeah, connecting a USB 2 stick to a phone technically does work, but you wait a long time to copy anything more than a few photos.

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