ZDurmPhoto's comments

I've been a working pro for nearly 35 years. One feature I would love is a shortened shutter response mode. Something akin to 6ms response from shutter trigger (this has nothing to with shutter speed). Canon actually built a camera like this in the film days - The Canon EOS RT and EOS 1N RS. It used a pellicle prism so no mirror had to be lifted out of the way to make an exposure.

Why would anyone want this? Let me show you how I photograph wild bats in flight at night. I have many other use cases. For now I have to mount a shutter on the front of my lens to gain back the shutter response that i use to utilize from these film cameras of old.

I'm probably just old and grumpy, but I ditched my newer smart TV's and moved to projectors. Last night I watched Altman's "The Long Goodbye" (1973) at around 120 inches on wall that has been skim coated and painted white. It looked like actual film with grainy night scenes and a muted color palette. It is a "dumb" projector and I love it. I love the experience of it.

I also love the fact that this little projector can go in a drawer when not in use. No black mirror dominating a room. It also means I don't really watch much until near dark which for me makes it a little more special. I actually have to wait for the optimum conditions to enjoy (the horror!)

I walked into Costco a few days ago and the new TV's are always near the entrance. Colors are saturated to cartoon levels, motion is 'smoothed' and HDR looks weird. It looks less and less like anything relating to human vision.

I'm clearly bucking the trend since I'm guessing all these TV's are hot sellers.

I live in Portland and have a slide-in truck camper on my property. I use it for camping of course, but it is also part of my earthquake preparation plan. It is solar powered but also has a built-in propane generator. It is fully self-contained with all the comforts of home including fresh water storage, a galley with oven, stove, freezer and fridge. A bathroom plus a hot shower, comfortable bed, large pantry, closet, etc.

It sits on a 3500 diesel truck that can go just about anywhere.

I know this solution is not practical for everyone. But it is always fully fueled, fully stocked and offers considerable peace of mind. If you have been on the fence about buying an RV, think of it from this angle.

Inflation is common and normal in a modern economy. This kind of quantity adjustment has been going on for decades. I think you are worried about high inflation and it will be interesting to see what the next few months bring.

But this paper towel example is not outside the bounds of normal inflation.

Just like @TuringNYC,I spent the early part of my life in the lower half of socio-economic ladder. With a bit of luck (and yes, work), I extracted myself from this group. I'm not rich, but I have zero debt. I own a house, multiple vehicles, and an 4 season expedition camper - free and clear. I have a rewarding and unusual career.

By contrast, the entirety of my close and extended family lives in poverty. Bankruptcy, car repos, eviction, and mortgage default are almost a game. MY father died at the age of 40. My grandfather: 36. My brother died at 42 (after a lethal encounter with police after speeding).

I'm 56 (The oldest of any male in two generations). I have multiple retirement accounts. First class healthcare. I take care of my Mom. I can't predict the future, but I suspect my economic success will allow me a longer, more fulfilling life.

I'm convinced that access to healthcare, decent work, and basic housing would have allowed my short lived male family members to live longer with a better quality of life.

I have the standard red/brown color blindness. I have brown eyes and can see well in strong sunlight without squinting. I can navigate unfamiliar landscapes in pure starlight.

If I have to give up these traits for better color vision - no thanks. I'm uncertain there is a correlation, but I wouldn't be surprised.