My apologies for not being around as much lately. Here's why... The job search has been dragging out far too long. I was laid off on 12 March 2025 from my Quality Assurance Engineer role at ADT. Since then, I've submitted more than 100 resumes/applications for software test engineer, test automation engineer, quality assurance engineer, et al, roles. In response, I've gotten exactly one screening interview... that is, crickets. I've had a photography business since 2019 and was moderately successful at it, despite it being a tough niche, intimate portraiture, for male photographers. But it's been largely dormant due to illness, COVID-19, day job requirements, and lack of motivation, since late 2019. About a month ago, I decided it was time to make my own opportunity, rebuilding and rebranding my photography business. Around that same time, I saw an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a real estate photography webinar. I paid the $27 for the webinar -- the information disseminated during that webinar was worth far more than $27. As a result, I joined their coaching program and am working toward what could be a very lucrative real estate media company... Las Vegas Real Estate Media Solutions (LVREMS). I'm working fast to set everything up, renew business licenses, get additional business licenses, open a new business bank account, and learn the business processes and tools. It's now my full-time job (while still doing the minimum required by the State of Nevada to keep receiving my paltry weekly unemployment benefit until it runs out or I start making more through my business). I'm still around, reading everyone's posts, approving new members, writing new posts (when I think of something worthwhile), commenting on your posts, and, of course, playing guitar. I'm still around... just not as often. Thanks for reading... Stay Tuned... W I will have a few things to post soon... waiting on deliveries.

This might just be the weekend to do it. This year's best-ever Labor Day guitar deals include up to 60% off at Musician's Friend, 20% Fender Savings, and super cheap Spark amps -- here are 6 essential sales to shop right now. There are juicy price cuts on everything from Fender to Gibson, PRS to Sterling by Music Man, Positive Grid, and more in these massive Labor Day weekend sales. https://r.smartbrief.com/resp/uglPDamsedDGmPlLCigKozBWcNReER?format=multipart

I’m looking for opinions for my grandson’s birthday present this year. He wants pedals. I’m trying to find the right pedals for a 12 year old? Do I go with some individual pedals or a single multi-effects pedal?? If I choose one or the other, which ones should I choose for him?? Opinions please!!!

Another topic would be heavy combo amps, (like Fender's & Marshall's etc...) with closed or open approx. 50 watt combos? Personally I make separate enclosures for reasons of weight. Like I don't have the kind of strength I used to have from the time I was stronger 10 years back from now being 68 now. So, separate cabinets means 2 trips, but now I can bring a better set of speakers that combos don't provide or better enclosures if you want open or close cabinets, horns, tweeters, induction systems etc... Or a direct boxes and forget about tube amps and carry tube imatination boxes, close enough, but a system with no feeling missing from how you really want to hear your sound? What do you think about your sound and how to want to use what?

It’s always difficult for me to share my songs for a couple of reasons; 1) I feel vulnerable to harsh criticism and 2) I like to write, but don’t like the tone of my own voice. That said, this group has been encouraging to everyone. So here it is, please listen and let me know what you think. The song is called ‘Don’t be a dick.’ Thank you in advance for listening!