BB KING Video

Listen To “The Thrill” By BB KING

The Crossroads 2010 – The Thrill

Lab Work – BB King Video, by Rhino. Who Is Your Favorite Blues Artist? Singer/Writer?

Enjoyed the “The Thrill” by BB King? Interested in watching similar videos in our collection?

Hot Take

Like I said, I’m a fan of B.B. (Blues Boy) King (check out the BB King Video), it seems like just yesterday when I BB for the first time. Not in the sense that it feels like it was a long time ago, but more so because it was a day I remember for the music, guitar sound, pace and song writing. I didn’t know what the words meant back then, since I was very young.

It was probably one of the first Blues sounds I remember. The music I do recall Clapton, Vaughan, Shaft, Chicago, Otis Blood, Sweat and Tears, BB, and 50’s or Oldies. Always the Oldies. Anyhow, this might be cliche, or kitschy, but the above song is a great rendition of “The Thrill is Gone” by BB King.

It’s been awhile since I listened to any kind of Blues or BB’s music. Let this be a lasting memory of the day I found blues and blues music. Check out this video and more like it on  More King Videos YouTube or explore other videos in the same video category.

Guitar Lesson Video

Learn The Acoustic Version Of “Aint No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

@justinGuitar – “Aint No Sunshine”

Lab Work – Guitar Lesson Video – Justin Sandercoe covers “Ain’t No Sunshine” Easy Guitar Lesson by Bill Withers

A classic YouTube guitar less video, guitar lessons online, see more.

Hot Take

First, let’s cover Guitar lessons online from Justin Sandercoe known as @justinGuitar. Mr. Sandercoe teaches us how to play “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. Justin has been cranking out guitar videos for a long time (2010 or 2011). As a native Tasmanian guitarist, he has got the skills. Also, he has been sharing guitar knowledge online since the early 2010’s.

Guitar Skills, Songs and How-to-play

Next, I’ve have known about him and watched his videos since around 2014. This cover of a Bill Wither song is a great example of how, once you have the basics down, you can move on to more complex songs and general chord progression and more. I started working with Justin online sometime after I picked up a second-hand acoustic guitar in the 2014 timeframe.

My goal was to restart the learning process, as I had previously struggled with the F chord. It was just matter of practicing, building hand strength, and so on. I thought I would never master that chord, I still haven’t.. but I can play it consistently.

So, I still have to make a conscience effort in order to set time up in my day to train and go over the things (skills I do have) on a monthly basis, but I made a commitment to try and play 20 mins a day minimum. My plan is to play more often, for a longer period of time as we closed to the end of the year.

If you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or have a family member or friend starting out, Justin can help with all the basics… holding the guitar, strumming, chords etc., all good practice before you might start in studio lessons.

Justin Guitar has over 1.5M subs, 1.2K videos on his channel @justinGuitar. Check out his lessons, website and more videos and others like it on YouTube Logo YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

N64 Mario Kart Video

Earn The Kart Championship, Beat Fellow Mario Kart Racers

@modernXP Let’s See Mario Kart 64

Lab Work – N64 Mario Kart Video, Count it, One of the Greats. A Top Tier Game, Mario Kart 64.

Easily one of the Top 5 games of all time.

Quick Take

I think I would invest in a N64 today, just for N64, watch N64 Mario Kart video for reference. One of my Top Three Games in all categories, and racing of all time.

By the way, I still consider Street Fighter and Mario Kart (check out the Mario Kart Video if you need a refresher) to be in my Top 5 maybe even Top 2 favorite games (in game play). It’s been years since I last played Mario Kart, but that might change possibly early in the year. Do you have another favorite N64 game? Perhaps F-Zero, Goldeneye, or WaveRacer?

What’s your favorite game? I mentioned N64 games, but I should broaden the question to include favorite games of all time, as my initial statement encompassed all time. It seems reasonable to consider the Top 5 or 10 games of all time every now and again. So, why Mario Kart*?

*Updated here in the late Sept. 2024 – It’s simplicity and easy to play, accommodating for adding or removing players. Players can join and leave, which is beneficial in gaming situations involving multiple players. Nowadays, you may have online competition and fellow teammates to consider. It might be worth exploring the Nintendo Switch to see if this holds true.

Favorite character? Favorite Game? Mario, Mario Kart probably… but don’t count out Yoshi or Toad… and in a pinch Donkey Kong.

Favorite course, probably Frappe Snowland or maybe Yoshi Valley. The Battle fort is interesting as well. Moving on, favorite power up, probably the red shells for offense, or star for defense. All have there “power up” advantages, I’d probably include just a single shell as well for defense.

Anything you would change? I wouldn’t change much, probably not anything as the game is great. I’m not sure if online gaming would be helpful. Single player runs are just as enjoyable as group or multiplayer runs. Anyway, check back later, I’ll place an update on the site, once I figure out what we’re going to do about the Switch idea. In the meantime, watch @modernXP tackle Mario Kart N64.

Otis Redding Video

Dig On Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of the Bay”

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Redding

Law Work – Otis Redding Video “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay” by Rhino

I love this Otis Redding song, watch the Otis Redding video. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”, it’s a family favorite.

Hot Take

First, The Big O, The King of Soul… I have fond memories of listening to Otis Redding and his music. Similarly, not sure I remember a song more in my life, than Otis’s “Sittin’ On The Dock of The Bay. I can’t discern or distinguish between much of the music I heard as a young child.

Secondly, I’ve shared some of this before in other articles, I do remember artists such as Otis, BB King. Same for Steve Ray, Shaft, Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Temptations. Most of what would be considered doo-wop today. There are others, but what stands out to me most are the strong vocals, a full band (with a strong horn section), blues, soul and dance hall music.

Just sit back and listen to some of his song: Sittin’, These Arms of Mine, Hard To Handle, My Girl, Your One, It’s too late, For Your Precious Love and Only Man… there are a ton of songs.

Watch Otis, the Classics and more via @Rhino on YouTube Logo YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

Typhoon Video

Drive The Tyco RC Typhoon Hovercraft

@oldieToys Tyco Typhoon Hovercraft

Tech And Tools – Typhoon Video

The Typhoon Hovercraft is a Radio Controlled (RC) hovercraft… follow along as @oldieToys covers the Tyco Typhoon Video.

Quick Take

Wait, what? RC HOVERCRAFTS ARE REAL! Who knew? Tyco does!

Let’s begin with a history lesson. Today, drones are the new RC craft. I fly drones of all shapes and sizes and have my FAA Part_107 license, so I can operate anything under 49 lbs… safely. There were two RC toys or models that I wanted growing up, the Tyco Typhoon and a classic RC helicopter.

I’m not sure why, but my love for RC vehicles led me to fly drones today.Let’s talk about the Tyco Typhoon. It was an incredible machine. Take a look at the video. What stands out to you the most? RC hovercrafts(that’s the correct answer). This was one of my first and only “teenage/adult”-ish toys growing up. It had real NiMH and NiCd Batteries not just 15 D batteries, a reliable, true remote transmitter and everything you needed to have for a cool ten minute run over cement, dirt, water, ice, or hardened snow (like an igloo).

It was about the durability, the consistency of the drive, the controllability, agility. The more kid-friendly versions had limited controls, maybe just forward and backward, with a turn function built into the reverse setting. Or, in some cases, just a “go” button. The more advanced RC vehicles had a trigger and steering wheel, some of which are still in use today (FrSky, DumboRC, Radiolink, etc.) For more information, you can check horizonhobby.com.

Watch this video and others like it on YouTube Logo YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

Street Fighter II Turbo Video

Become The Street Fighter II Turbo Tournament Champion

@retroTech07 Street Fighter Fans

Lab Work – Street Fighter II TURBO Video

Let’s discuss some Street Fighter updates.

Quick Take

Best fighting game, Top Five Games of All Time. Let’s quickly get to the heart of the post, The Street Fighter II Turbo video, the series is my favorite fighting series, with the best combos and possibly ranking number one on the all time list. Mario Kart? NHL, I haven’t discussed NHL in a while, but it’s definitely in the top one or two games of all time.

My favorite character? Either Ryu or Ken. They have great strength and combo sets… If there’re already chosen, E Honda or Blanka would be my second choice. It’s important to have a strong second character just in case. Honestly, I can play with all the characters at this point.. but those are my favorites.

My favorite opponent? That would be Guile, I enjoy the stage, the background and his move set.

My favorite game in the series is SNK vs Capcom Street Fighter on Dreamcast.

My least favorite boss on The Street Fighter II Turbo game? Probably M. Bison followed by Balrog. Balrog can be a real challenge in SFII until you get used to his moves, then comes Sagat the kickboxer and M. Bison. M. Bison can be tough, until you figure out the patterns, combos and fighting strategy. Overall, all the characters are challenging until you grasp the basics like combos and patterns.

If you get a chance to play any games in this series, go for it. Street Fighter 2, 2 Turbo might be the best, followed by SNK vs Capcom and the new SF 6. In my opinion, SF 6 is very different from the earlier versions, including Street Fighter 1 back in 1987.

While the core is remains the same and character moves have starting points, the versions of the moves are different. The game has evolved over time, especially with the inclusion of specials. I’ll leave it at that.

Thanks to @RetroTech07, @Retro takes up this epic challenge, Street Fighter II Turbo walkthrough.

Crossfire Video

Caught In A “Crossfire” Video

SRV – Crossfire

Lab Work – Crossfire Video by SRV Stevie Ray Vaughn

STEVE RAY VAUGHN. Nothing compares to a little “Crossfire” by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. Watch the Crossfire video by SRV.

Quick Take

Steve Ray Vaughn hits home… hard. Stevie’s songs always seem to make their way into my life at the most unexpected times, check out the “Crossfire” video. Times of struggle, hardship, and maybe even a little bit of failure. His songs speak to the heart of the matter, resonating with the soul and hitting you right in the ‘crossfire’… for lack of a better analogy. Weird right? The music finds me in those ‘times’ and brings me back or helps build me up for the next fail. Fail fast (chuckle).

Blues Fans

Anyhow I’m a big Steve Ray Vaughan blues fan. As an aspiring (very novice), guitarist, I admire his ability to play the guitar like it’s a art of his body or an extension of his body. It’s crazy, like BB King, it’s the better part of their body. I’m sure there were many years of practice, failure, etc., prior to stardom. It is truly amazing to see people like BB and Stevie who can play an instrument like they do.

Watch this video and others like it on YouTube Logo YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

Tech Toys Video

Gadgets, Tech, Newtonian Fluids and Drones

@NextLevel Tech Toys and Gadgets Video

Tech And Tools – Tech Toys Video

Next Level Sci Fi Toys  (Tech Toys Video via @nextlevelscience) Do you like electronics? Check out @NextLevelScience to discover the latest next-gen toys?

Hot Take

Quick tech and gadget video, somethings on the horizon that are going to bring alot of joy and happiness to folks in the gadget and tech community. First, I don’t typically share videos like these, can be spammy or kitschy… Next, I’m truly sorry if you feel this way…. However, there are some cool gadgets and tech in the video. Let’s have a look.

Secondly, I thought you might be interested in seeing such as cool Newtonian fluid gadgets, the lights, the spider drone (which is very cool tech) and wave-board (hydrofoil) concepts. Very interesting tech toys in the video, I’m in it for the drones, the quadcopters (RC aircraft, helicopters, quad-motor craft), RC cars, trucks and the spider-like drone. What a cool concept.

Drones, Quadcopters and Clubs

Let’s cover more of my favorite tech, robots, drones and RC concepts – robot cars, trucks, autonomous vehicles etc. All time favorite, RC helicopters, remember RC Helicopter magazines from the local library. This is probably the defining moment, why I got licensed as a FAA licensed drone pilot and main reason I got into drones (mini and nano quads). Today, I fly at the local airfield, local RC club here in Florida. Are into RC flight? Check out your local RC clubs for more information on membership, times, club videos, club events, rules and regulations. 

Lastly, lego, pushing the big stone… interesting, right? I don’t know, I thought it was worth the couple 2 or 3 minutes to take a peak at what gadgets are out there. That at the time, we not mainstream. Today, we have most of the items in the video. The technology step or turn, continues to turn ever so much faster. Check out my quadcopter posts, EMAX TH2, EMAX Troubleshooting video, drone accessories and more

You might be in luck! Cool gadgets and tech video, next level sci-fi gadgets. You like electronics, check out @NextLevelScience to dig up the latest next generation toys.

Galaxy s10+ Damage Video

Galaxy s10+ Damage Video

Nokia 3310

Gear – Galaxy s10+ Damage Video, hot swap for the Nokia 3310

A Galaxy s10+ Damage Video… Time to switch to backup to the backup phone, Nokia 3310, as the Samsung S10+ lost power, its glass is damaged, and more.

Quick Take

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is now DOA at this point (time of post), damage is  beyond repair (insurance will cover a replacement). So, it’s time for a phone swap, the video is short, showing the S10+ damage, but more importantly, we’ve got a back up phone ready to go. Time to send out the old Samsung S10+ to be replaced and swap in a fan favorite, the Nokia 3310 3g version. Let’s move on, the new version, same old workhorse of a phone. Never would I think of swapping a Nokia for a Samsung… However, no phone, means no business. The S10+ is/was in this case, a great smart device. The only hang up is the Google-fied version of a Samsung Phone. Moreover, I can’t get much out of it if you don’t have a Google account to shop, download and run apps on the phone.

Damage Inspection

The Galaxy s10+ Damage Video doesn’t show the internal damage all that well, more the surface screen and lack of ability to show a picture on the screen. Let’s change that, with a Nokia swap.

Next, these phones are legendary, long battery life – check, cool games – check, texting/sms – check, radio – check. What more could you possibly want out of a smartphone.  Did I mention it can even take a fall from 5ft (assuming normal drop patterns and free fall speeds etc.,)? This Nokia can take a lot of punishment. Batteries are replaceable too! Finally, a moment of nostalgia,  I remember those days, unlimited talk, text, snake… back up battery just in case.

Finally, I wonder why the world moved on from smartphones like the 3310? For phone, a bit of nostalgia, ASCII art can be fun to create on the Nokia 3310.  Well it’s time to get back to work, Nokia swap done and now its time to make some calls.

Post updates, interested in more Samsung related materials, check out Samsung Next Generation phones, like the s215g and reasons to upgrade to the latest and greatest.

Barebones Torch Video

Handheld Battery Light Source

One The Bench – Barebones Torch (Light Source)

Lab Work – C Battery Barebones Torch Video

Side projects: cleaning up some old solder welds, and built a small light source, see the barebones torch video.

Quick Take

I thought I would put together a simple video showcasing how to make a small device that lights up a room using just a  C Battery, Paperclip and a lightbulb. I recently came across this video sometime ago and also saw it pop up in an at home science experiment. This is a simple little experiment with a C battery. Honestly, I would assume you could make this small flashlight with most electronics ‘sized’ batteries. Again, this is just an assumption of course, as I didn’t try the experiment with a difference size myself.

Barbones Build

So, put together a barebones torch yourself. Simply choose a battery (preferably a standard C or D size battery), grab a paperclip, something that can transmit electricity and somewhat malleable.  Untwist the paperclip, if you choose that as your connecting metal wire. Untwist and retwist the paperclip so that it can stretch each of the battery ends, being sure the metal can sustain pressure on both poles, positive and negative, and do the same for a twist around the bulbs base. This will allow the battery’s poles to pass the required electricity to light the bulb. Voila! Light in a pinch.

For more at home experiments or ‘light in a bind situations’, you can always see our video playlists, or check the video category on our website.

eMax Quad Rewire Video

eMax Quadcopter Rewire, Resolder & Power On

Patching Up the eMax Quad, Watch the eMax Quad Rewire Video

Lab Work – eMax Quad Rewire Video

We cover the eMax Quad Rewire Video for future reference… following the crash, a few activities are in store…

Quick Take

Time to replace the eMax TH2 air frame, flight controller (FC) or FC Board, motors, motor wires and fan blades. Here’s a quick eMax drone rebuild.

A quick peek underneath, revealed a few more items, copper leads, LED’s, alarm and flash FC board data to get the drone back to working condition (or as expected). This post really celebrates the fix itself, showing the motors work properly, alarm for arming/disarming the drone for flight and visual confirmation the LED’s do in fact work as expected.

Visual Inspection

The video, although short, helps to describe working condition, press play to reveal post soldering work on the bench and FC updates via BetaFlight. Time has  moved on since this original video/video post, however, I wanted to share other eMax content where applicable. In fact below, there are a few links to see the work in progress or the actual fix while on the bench (which is a three part project). So, give those a look for more background or context for the final post here.

If you’re looking for eMax content,  give these a shot (in reverse order from this postings date) – eMax FC, eMax Fix Part 1 and Part 2, Quadcopter Rewire video (this post), and the TinyHawk 2 mini project. More to come, stay tuned. 

Kung Fu NES Video

“Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting”, Kung Fu Video

Kick & Punch, Beat ‘Em Up

Video – Kung Fu NES Video

Shout out to @NintendoComplete, for the great NES Kung Fu Video play-through.

Quick Take

Best Beat’em Up… games include Kung Fu, TMNT Arcade, Final Fight, and the Double Dragon Series… I don’t know about this one. Kung Fu was the first karate or martial arts game I played, so, maybe a broader category like beat’em up, action RPG, combat, fighting, boxing etc. would be a better pitch. In that case, the game tiles broaden to include the Street Fighter series, Mike Tysons Punch-Out! Batman, Castlevania (while I’m writing this, watching Rondo Of Blood for Turbo Grafx), Shinobi, Ninja Gaiden, God of War, Black Myth Wukong (a buy, so, a soon-to-buy) current the Elden Ring Samurai build, and Rise of Ronin (purchased, but not yet played).

Should I also include Rise, Rampage, Golden Axe, and Altered Beast on this list as well? I didn’t get into the UFC or WWF games as much, but Pro Wrestling yes. When considering all marital arts games, there are only a few: Kung Fu, Street Fighter, Virtual Fighter, Soul Caliber and now Elden Ring.

Returning to Beat’em Ups, martial arts, or whatever it may be and NES Kung Fu. I think Kung Fu is still one of the best games out there, even for a late 1985 release. Horizontal scrolling, punch, kick, and jump kick… a definitive “buy” today if I had a way to play the game. Nintendo Switch* I never understood the bee enemies or the fireball, bee throwing, dragon appearing enemy seems unfair or the final battle, guessing Mr. X. Silva saved. *Is there a Nintendo Switch in my future? We will find out!