LS vs. LT: Which V8 Is The Right Choice For Your Swap? | DrivingLine

The newer versions of the LS are becoming available, but are also more complex:
https://www.drivingline.com/articles/ls-vs-lt-which-v8-is-the-right-choice-for-your-swap/

New Hobbies for Retirement

https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/the-best-hobbies-to-take-up-as-a-new-retiree-5594281

Hallmarks of  Hobbies to Try in Retirement

1) Inexpensiveness

Inexpensive hobbies, including ones that are completely free, are financially sustainable.

2) Revenue Generation

 If you genuinely like what you're doing and you can make money doing it, make sure it finds a home in your weekly schedule.

3) Accessibility

How easy is it to partake in this hobby and how often can you do it?  ... there are some hobbies that attract large meetup groups all over the country and can be practiced at home quite conveniently.

4) Physical Demands

It's also important to find hobbies that have limited or nonexistent physical demands. ... You'll want to have at least a few hobbies that you can continue to practice even if your health and physical shape deteriorate. 

It's also a good idea to find hobbies that force you to engage in some level of physical activity, so you can stay in shape for longer.

5) Mental Demands

You need to keep your brain active and challenged if you want to sustain your memories and cognitive potential for as long as possible.

6) Socialization

Socialization is important for your health and happiness ... Hobbies are one of the best ways to meet new people and form new friendships ... give extra attention to hobbies that naturally encourage more socialization.

7) Growth and Development

Finally, think about the growth and development potential of each hobby. Is this an activity you simply do over and over, with no real changes to your approach? Or is this an activity with boundless potential for new learning and development? For example, there's practically no limit to the skill ceiling of a game like chess; even the best players in the world are learning new things about it routinely.

Hobbies to Give a Try

1) Traveling

Traveling is an incredibly valuable hobby for retirees. It's very intellectually stimulating to travel somewhere new. It gives you significant potential for new social interactions. It can keep you physically active and mentally engaged. 

If you're interested in international travel, you could visit continental Europe. It's not the cheapest travel option, but if you're willing to forgo some of the tourist traps and stay outside major cities, it can be quite affordable. Many countries in Europe are close together, enabling relatively quick, nomadic travel paths, and plenty of activity options.

2) Blogging

Blogging in its purest form is a bit outdated, but whether you maintain a traditional blog, a social media platform, or both, this hobby is a way to express your thoughts, connect with an audience, and potentially show off your expertise in a given area. ... Plus, if you're able to build an audience, you may be able to monetize your blogging efforts and turn it into a revenue generation opportunity.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of this hobby is the fact that you can blog about practically any topic. If you already have an area of expertise, you can write about it. Or, if you're interested in learning something new, you can document your learning trajectory. (keep in mind the best way to build an audience for a blog is to cover a specific niche).

3) Programming

Stereotypically, retirees are averse to new technologies, but in reality, advanced technologies offer some of the best hobby options to retirees. Among these hobby options is programming, which allows you to use various advanced languages to create apps, video games, and simple scripts that can make your life easier. ... Once you reach a certain threshold of knowledge, you'll have the expertise to create all kinds of interesting scripts and widgets.

Another reason why programming is so valuable for retirees is because it can offer amazingly lucrative side gigs. If you're willing to knock out a couple of projects every now and then, you can establish a meaningful stream of new income without even leaving your house.

4) Gaming

Games are extremely intellectually stimulating and they offer excellent opportunities for meeting new people as well.

5) Gardening

For some people, the joy of gardening is in creating elaborate, aesthetically interesting displays around the house. For others, it's in growing delicious foods that you can later incorporate in homemade dishes.

6) Birdwatching

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors without putting too much strain on your body is birdwatching.

7) Cooking

Cooking is another great hobby to keep you occupied and intellectually stimulated. As you master the basics, you'll be able to improve the taste and quality of the foods you consume.

8) Golfing

It's an opportunity to be outside and get some light exercise, yet it's not too physically demanding.

9) Yoga

One of the best ways to stay in shape as you get older is yoga, which also doubles as a socially engaging hobby if you're willing to attend classes.

10) Creative Art

Almost any hobby that relates to art or creativity can be valuable for retirees as well.

• Photography:
  
• Music: 
• Painting: 
• Sculpture: 
• Art appreciation: ... you could learn about art in itself and become a competent art critic .

Keep experimenting and dipping your toes in new territory as you get older, as the novel stimulation is good for you, and you never know what hobby you might fall in love with next.

MajorGeeks: Free Online Web Tools - MajorGeeks WebTools

https://tools.majorgeeks.com/

Ruger P85 DA/SA 9mm Pistol: Bug-Out-Bag Option

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/ruger-p85-da-sa-9mm-pistol/491266

Beginning Online Safety for Windows Users

Written in response to s senior citizen who is concerned about a loss of privacy when shopping online.

I don't usually use the Microsoft Edge browser, I prefer Firefox right now, so I can't depend on Windows Defender - hence my use of McAfee *.  Some of the suggestions below have nothing to do with browsers or anti-malware software.  

The most repeated suggestion I see is to use a Credit Card (not Debit card) with a low balance ...

Windows Defender doesn't protect any browsers except Microsoft Edge that comes with Windows, but if you're using the default browser (Edge) then it should protect your Google searches:
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/windows-defender-good-enough-for-new-laptop

Windows Defender and online shopping:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/learning-center/guide-to-smarter-and-safer-shopping-online

Windows Defender is mostly good enough:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/best-antivirus/

A few tips to keep your payment info safe while online:
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/29/protect-your-payment-info-online-by-following-these-steps.html
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-shopping

* Right now, I'm using the McAfee software.  I'm not thrilled that (1) the price goes up every year, and (2) they frequently suggest new products that would cost even more (I decline those).  www.McAfee.com 

If your tablet, laptop, or PC runs a version of Windows, then you should already have Windows Defender software which when running isn't bad.

Www.howtogeek.com/220232/how-to-use-the-built-in-windows-defender-antivirus-on-windows-10/

Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for You - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/health/hearing-aids/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids-review-a7906529120/

DIY budget Digital Radio Scanner — with a Raspberry Pi 5 and RTL-SDR

Older Raspberry Pi systems may not have enough processing power for this approach - what about an older PC running Linux?

https://www.hackster.io/news/top-dng-builds-a-600-digital-radio-scanner-on-the-cheap-with-a-raspberry-pi-5-and-rtl-sdr-18209905583e

SUDO Command for Windows 11

Windows is getting its own Sudo command, just like Linux - here's how you can use it:
https://www.itpro.com/software/windows/windows-is-getting-its-own-sudo-command-just-like-linux-heres-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-you-can-use-it

"The Sudo for Windows command feature might make life a little easier for administrators - so long as they are aware of the potential security risks."

Microsoft confirms sudo is not coming to Windows Server:

https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-confirms-sudo-is-not-coming-to-windows-server/

"... this feature will only be available on consumer versions of Windows 11."

Introducing Sudo for Windows:

https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/introducing-sudo-for-windows/

"In a New Window - In this configuration, sudo.exe will launch a new elevated console window and run the command in that window. 

The new window will be launched with the same working directory as the current window. 

The new window will also be launched with the same environment variables as the current window."

Sudo for Windows - documentation:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sudo/

"The sudo command offers a way to quickly elevate a command as administrator from your current unelevated command line context ..."

FreeCAD: Your own 3D parametric modeler

https://www.freecad.org/

Onshape Free Plan (3D design)

https://www.onshape.com/en/products/free

Designs are all public.

3D Builder - Microsoft Apps

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9WZDNCRFJ3T6?hl=en-US&gl=US

Autodesk Fusion for Personal Use

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal

Lots of other software available also …

Automotive Engine Firing Orders

Guide to Engine Firing Orders:
https://www.onallcylinders.com/2013/01/04/cheat-sheet-quick-guide-to-engine-firing-orders/

"American V8 engine firing order and rotation (where applicable):
    AMC (most V8 engines): Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
    Buick (most V8 except HEI): Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
    Chevrolet: Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
    GM LS: 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
    Small Chrysler: Clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
    Big Chrysler and Hemi: Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
    Most Ford V8: Counter-clockwise 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
    Ford (5.0L HO, 351W, 351M, 351C, 400): Counter-clockwise 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
    Most Ford modular (4.6/5.4L): 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
    Ford 5.0L Coyote: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
    Oldsmobile (1967 and up): Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
    Pontiac (most 1955-81 V8 engines): Counter-clockwise 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 (Note: 307 Pontiac V8 engine rotates clockwise)"

NOTE: the numbering conventions for cylinders differ by manufacturer.

See also (V6 & V8):
https://www.onallcylinders.com/2016/03/16/firing-squad-graphic-guide-common-v8v6-engine-firing-orders/

Engine Firing Order explanation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firing_order
https://www.jegs.com/tech-articles/engine-firing-order-explained/
https://www.carparts.com/blog/what-exactly-is-engine-firing-order/

GMRS Is the New Standard for Outdoor Communication

https://www.ovrmag.com/gear/essential-trail-comms-forget-cb-radios-gmrs-is-the-new-standard-for-outdoor-communication/150.article

DIY: LED Light for your Progressive Reloading Press

Check out the updates to use a 20 gauge shotgun shell as the body of the light using cheap 1157 automotive LED bulbs (NOTE: this will be removed and inserted every time you change the tool-head):

https://www.northeastshooters.com/xen/threads/diy-led-light-for-your-progressive-reloading-press.256380/

Original Parts List (revise for 20 gauge version):

Tools

• Soldering Iron
• Heat Gun
• Hot Glue Gun and Sticks
• Misc hand Tools - wire cutter, wire stripper, razor knife, screwdrivers, scissors etc.
• Hand Drill (or a drill press)
• Vice
• Step Drill bit with 15/32 and 3/8"
• 1/2" Drill Bit

Materials

• LED Bulb - I got this one that came with 10
  ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/111403644190?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 )
• These are the same but 4 of them
• ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/261512253147?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 )
• DC Power Connectors (5.1mm Female) You could use other means as well (different connectors, solder the wires together, etc.)
  (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221450501242?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 )
• Aluminum Spacer (0.750" x 1")
  ( http://www.mcmaster.com/#92510a360/=swv6p0 )
• Shrink Tubing
• 3/8" - Harbor Freight - Black
• 1 @ 1.25"
• 1 @ 2"
• 1 @ 5"
• 11/64" - Harbor Freight - Red
• 3mm - I had this, need to procure some around the same size RED and BLACK
• 1@15"
• Wire
• 14 Gauge Stranded - RED and BLACK - DON'T USE SOLID WIRE. 16 Gauge would work fine as well, nothing bigger than 14 though.
• 1 RED @ 18" - Strip ONE END 1/2"
• 1 BLACK @ 18" - Strip ONE END 1/2"
• 14 Gauge is what I had, but it gives the cord just the right amount of stiffness once it is all shrinked IMO. 16 Gauge would likely be good as well.
• Washer - Lowes - pack of 4 - $1.00 - 8mm x 24 is just the right size

Inline Fabrication accessories for Dillon

Some of these seem a bit pricey, but customers in online forums like them:

https://inlinefabrication.com/collections/dillon