Where in the World is Meteora?

In modern-day Greece, where everything seems to look from the past, one place that has a futuristic name is Meteora. It’s a small town in the administrative region of Thessaly that’s about a five (5) hour bus ride from Athens, including a 30-minute break for refreshments in a restaurant called Makadonia after the first 2-hour drive from the capital city.

We visited the place late this year (2023), and despite the long trip, our senses were treated to some of the awe-inspiring vistas in this much-fabled country.

It was supposed to be a train ride from the Larissa Station in Athens to the old, almost run-down station in Kalabaka (for the Greeks, it’s Kalambaka or Kalampaka). From the train station in Kalabaka, small buses will take you up the steep slopes of Meteora. But some railway tracks were still unpassable after floods hit the towns on the way to Kalabaka.

From Athens, the highway going to Meteora (also towards Thessaloniki) heads north, and particularly in Agios Konstantinos (part of Central Greece), bus passengers will have magnificent vistas of the tributaries of the Aegean Sea, like the Malian and North Euboean gulfs.

Olive groves are abundant in the area, which had provided for the country – just like in ancient times – a steady source of revenue — whether as food, oil, or any other by-products like soap, cream, or lotions. It takes about 35 to 40 lbs. of olives to produce a liter of olive oil, but Greek olive oil is one –if not the best– of the best olive oils on the planet.

After the long but comfortable bus ride –mainly paved highways– we parked right across the train station where we should have disembarked in Kalabaka had the trains from Athens been operational. We would also get our bus rides back to Athens in this area.

You will have to crane your neck up upon arrival in Meteora. The place seems to have sprouted from nowhere and appeared like humongous mushrooms made of sandstone in the plains of Thessaly.

The unique and steep rock formations that took millions of years and the resulting caves within these rocks attracted a group of ascetic monks -as early as the 9th century AD- to live a secluded life as high as they could above the plains.

Due to time constraints and the lung-busting steep terrain, we could visit only two (2) of the six (6) active monasteries in Meteora, but we were able to view most of them from afar along the asphalted roads that meander through these cliffs.

The photo below is the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas, founded in the 14th century.

Ruby (photo below) is on her way via the multitude of steps to the Holy Monastery of Vaarlam (founded in 1350 by the ascetic Vaarlam). From a distance, on the right, the Monastery of Rousanou ( founded in 1388* by the priest-monks Nikodemus and Benedict) can seen.

The views (two photos below) inside the chapel at the Holy Monastery of Vaarlam. The nave was painted in 1548 according to an inscription on its south wall, while the frescoes -because of the technique, colors, and figure arrangements- can be attributed to the painter Frango Katelano from Thebes.

In ancient times, nettings, ropes, and a wooden winch (next photos) were utilized to bring supplies and the monks/people up the steep slopes. Today, these metal cages and a movable motorized winch are utilized for the same purpose.

A restored wooden winch brings goods and the monks/people up and down the perilously steep slopes of Meteora’s sandstone cliff walls. Wooden ladders preceded these contraptions, which posed a great threat to the lives of the monks.

Before heading back to Kalabaka train station for our bus ride back to Athens, we made a final stop at the Monastery of St. Stephen – the closest one to the town and easiest to visit. It is connected with female monasticism and is run by a group of nuns.

Not all monasteries allow visitors, but those who do charge a modest fee of three (3) Euros. Visitors must dress appropriately (long pants for men; no tank tops and long skirts/leg and shoulder coverings for women) – as a show of respect.

Quiet Walks Along The Narrow Streets of Segovia (Spain)

Beautiful Madrid was overcrowded that summer, so we headed north from the capital city and took a short train ride to Segovia – one of the thirteen (13) cities in Spain that UNESCO endowed as a World Heritage site.

Our hotel in Madrid was just a spitting distance from the Metro subway station. Since we were traveling in Europe with our carry-on bags, we got to the Madrid -Chamartín-Clara Campoamor train station virtually hassle-free.

This train station should not be confused with the bigger and famous Madrid – Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes- home to Spain’s AVE bullet trains and a leisure area with a spectacular tropical garden.

The RENFE-operated train ride from Madrid to Segovia (Euro 11.10 each) was quick and comfortable. Most European countries are served well by trains, but Spain has better ones. We stayed longer at the Chamartín station waiting for our train than the ride to the Guiomar Station in Segovia.

The small yet modern-looking Guiomar station (above photo) was not particularly busy during those last days of June, and you could feel the summer heat that awaited visitors from the vast plains outside.

Although there’s a public bus that serves the Guiomar train station to the city proper, we opted for a taxi ride (Euro 10) to escape the heat while taking advantage of long daylight and give ourselves some time to relax in our hotel room before exploring the historic Castilian city.

The taxi dropped us off in a parking lot -just off from a roundabout- as most vehicles are prohibited from entering the city. This is done to prevent congestion and better preserve all the historical structures, including the two-thousand-year-old Roman aqueduct that dominates the entrance to the medieval city.

A statue of the mythical founders of Rome (Remus and Romulus) being nurtured by a she-wolf, along with a 1974 plaque (photo above ) commemorating the aqueduct’s 2,000-year history -will greet visitors just before entering the city. However, the exact date could not be verified; it’s widely speculated that it was built during the 2nd half of the first century AD — spanning the reigns of Roman emperors Domitian, Nerva, and Trajan.

It took us about 1.5 hours after we boarded the Renfe train from Madrid to check in at our hotel in Segovia — Hotel Real Segovia. And, as luck would have it, our standard room got upgraded to a studio with a balcony that faced the main street. The studio’s floor area is more than double the hotel room in downtown Madrid and features an ultra-modern bathroom to boot!

From our studio’s balcony, the Iglesia de San Martin, a medieval Romanesque-style Catholic church established in 1117, and a small plaza -Plazuela de San Martin- with the statue of Juan Bravo (1483-1521), the rebel leader who led the uprising against Charles I in the “Castilian Revolt of the Comuneros” (Castilian War of the Communities). The street where our hotel is located is also named after him.

Spain, a predominantly Catholic country, is noted for its numerous churches and dotted with statues because of its rich cultural heritage. Still, the long-standing Roman-built aqueduct, the Gothic-style Segovia Cathedral, and the Alcazár (castle) draw this trip to this medieval Castilian city.

Along the way to the main square (Plaza Mayor) where the Segovia Cathedral is situated, one can’t help but be drawn to the window displays of baked treats and various meat delicacies Spain is noted for – the variety of jamon, chorizo, morcilla, chicharrones that goes well with any drinks and widely available all day.

The Gothic-style Segovia Cathedral was built between 1525 and 1577 when Spain, neighboring Portugal, the Dutch, and other European naval powers were racing to colonize (aka, ‘discover’) other territories -including the Americas- in the “New World.”

Ruby at one of the three (3) main entrances –Puerta de San Frutos– (eastern side, along Calle Marques del Arco) of the Segovia Cathedral (top photo) and a portion of the awe-inspiring interior (bottom photo). Inside are twenty-three (23) chapels and numerous works of art.

The author behind an 1862 artwork (oil on canvas) of painter Carlos María Esquivel y Rivas – “Visit of San Francisco de Borja to Emperor Charles V in the Yuste Monastery.” The massive door on the right leads to one of the chapels inside.

We spent several hours inside the massive cathedral admiring the architecture, gilded altars and all the artworks – paintings, sculptures, frescoes– without losing the mind-boggling fact that while other countries today are yet to be discovered, Spain already has this magnificent cathedral built.

After changing to more comfortable clothes to temper the noonday heat, we wasted no time and took off to the Plaza del Azogueo – just a few yards from where the taxi dropped us off an hour ago.

And this is what you’ll see as soon as you emerge from Calle Cervantez. as you head towards Plaza del Azogueo.

We took pictures of the spectacular aqueduct –two-tiered and no mortar between those huge granite stone blocks.

For food lovers, there’s another treat in Segovia one shouldn’t miss: having a meal at Restaurante Mesón de Cándido. Segovia is noted for its Castilian dishes, but one item on the menu that you shouldn’t miss is the “cochinillo asado” – roasted suckling pig.

Aside from the cochinillo asado, we had beans with pork cheeks, salad, bread, beer, and some of the best red wine in Segovia for dinner, then soaked in as much history and views of the Roman aqueduct until the late hours of the evening.

We woke up early the following morning to visit the Alcazar, and, to our delight, the Plaza Mayor, bustling with visitors the day before, was quiet except for a few early risers and early morning deliveries of supplies. Our driver informed us that, on average, the medieval city gets about 2,000 visitors daily.

The medieval castle of Segovia had been around since the 12th century and is where Isabela I (the Catholic) sought refuge before being proclaimed Queen of Castile and Leon in 1474.  It was also the site of the last meeting between Christopher Columbus and King Ferdinand II (the Catholic) before the explorer’s death.

From the Alcazar, we opted to walk along parts of its fortification walls that meanders down towards the city and where vehicular traffic is allowed.

While we bade goodbye to the Alcazar, we were offered magnificent views of the Segovia Cathedral and its 108-meter tower.

A Visit To The Oracle

I woke up at 5:40 am, and despite being dead tired after our half-day part-walking, part-by-bus trips to the endless places of interest in hilly Athens, I was in an upbeat mood that early Tuesday morning. For today, we’ll pay a visit to the Oracle of Delphi.

Here are my notes on the trip:

May 3– I woke up at 5:40 AM and watched a replay of the Dallas Mavs vs. Phoenix Suns semis game one via my FireTV 4K Stick while having coffee (I used five decaf pods on the percolator). I showered by 6:10 and then ate a piece of cookie along with the leftover spanakopita from last night’s dinner at a restaurant in the Monastiraki Square that overlooks the Parthenon atop the Acropolis.

We were out of the hotel by 7:08 AM and created an e-mail to my younger brother back in the U.S. while we waited for our tour bus. Key Tours operated the trip, and the bus finally arrived at 7:26 AM.

We were whisked out of the city by 7:35, and Ruby paid for our fare (€108 – about $115- per person) to the driver via Wi-Fi credit card reader after he made the first of his many stops inside the city proper to pick up more passengers.

From 7:47 until about 8:28 AM, the bus made four more stops and picked up 16 more passengers as it meandered around the city proper. All the while, the bus seemingly looked to be on its way to the first highway that would take us to our destination — the ancient town of Delphi.

From the Dorian Inn Hotel, we stopped at a square at the corner of Xenofontos Street and Filellinon that overlooks two government-owned glass & steel buildings with huge Greek signages. One of the buildings houses the Ministry of Tourism. At the same time, the other seems to deal with their pension system, like Social Security Administration in the U.S. From here, it stopped across the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

After the last passengers were picked up, our tour guide –Marianastarted talking on the bus PA system. We’re aboard bus #1 (Setra). The bus finally made its way down the road going to the highway. I tried to read some information about the Oracle of Delphi on my phone – thanks to the eSIM I purchased for $13 (5GB of data, valid for a month covering all of Greece) before our trip. There’s a bit of traffic inside the city near the new Archeological Museum – along Andrea Syngrou Avenue. It’s now 8:35 am.

It looked like it would be a long day as we encountered some traffic near the approach to Hadrian’s Arch and Temple of Olympian Zeus at about 8:46 am. We passed along the Zappeio Roman Baths and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, all where the Seven Hills of Athens seem to congregate. Our guide quickly pointed out that only Lycabettus Hill has a funicular for the physically challenged traveler.

The bus (Key Tours #1 – Setra) rightmost- took us to Delphi. In Livadia, we stopped briefly for coffee and snacks.

By 8:50 am, the bus snaked along Greece’s morning traffic – along University Street with its numerous ancient Greek buildings and educational establishments. We followed the north exit of Athens to head to our destination.

Our tour guide informed us that our first stop would be in Livadia for a coffee break. Once in Delphi, the first part would be visiting the Temple of Apollo on Mount Parnassus (Parnassós in Greek). Then there would be an hour-long trip to the museum and lunch at the Symposium.

Hearing the word, my mind briefly got muddled about whether we’ll have a meeting and not lunch at the place — truly Greek, in every sense! Our guide added that near the valley, on the way up to Mt. Parnassos, we might be able to see some snow and that there will be some stops for photo-taking on the way along the way.

It’s already 9:03 am, but we’re still on the city’s outskirts. Round-trip, our bus would cover about 400 km or 250 miles.

We were out of Athens by 9:11 AM, near an industrial area with numerous pharmaceutical offices and a Coke factory – they seem to be near each other in most places in the world. Along the way, we saw a lot of JUMBO edifices (a toy retail chain of stores in Greece). Mountains are now viewable along the road.

At 9:15 am, we’re on a highway outside the city. To our right but from a distance, we saw the famous site of the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. It’s now 9:26 AM, and we’re at a toll entrance near Marathon. The adjacent highway along the famous town is about 1.5 kilometers (0.92 miles) long – about the same length as Athenian and Plataean troops who lined up to face the formidable and greater number of Persian soldiers who arrived by ship during the first attempt by King Darius I to conquer Greece.

The author at the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, where the High Priestess, Pythia, proclaimed the oracles. The prestige of the Oracle of Delphi was at its height between the 6th and 4th centuries B.C.

We’ll pass by the city of Thebes (Theva). Greece comprises 25 provinces, with Athens situated in the province of Attica. It’s now 9:34 am, and the bus cruises along the nicely paved highway as we approach the next town.

At 10:02, we approach the mountains and a lake with an exit toll plaza. I still have a good signal with WIND (4G LTE). Lake Yliki, an important source of fresh water for Athenians, is visible on my right as the bus headed toward the mountains.

Per our tour guide, there are two underground rooms at the Oracle of Delphi – one for Pythia (the chief priestess) and the other for the rest of the high priests and priestesses. We approach the city of Livadia (Livadeia) at 10:15 AM on the 2-lane roads of the divided highway. Mt. Helicon can be seen from here as well. In ancient Greek lore, it is the home of the 9 Muses and 3 Graces (beauty, harmony & symmetry).

By 10:23 am, we’re almost at Livadia (pop. 20K), about 20 km to Delphi. Delphi was closed by Byzantine emperor Theodosius around 393 BC, who introduced Christianity instead of paganism.

Arachova is one of the beautiful towns along the way as you head up Mount Parnassus.

The surge in gas prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February made me note that the gas price is €2.059 per liter (Shell) in the area. This would equal about $8.39 per gallon back in the States. In the SFO Bay Area, regular gas (rated 89 octanes) was about $5.60 per gallon when we left in late April, so I’m not going to complain. By 10:32 AM, we stopped at the cafeteria (Tholos), owned and operated by Key Tours, for 37 minutes.

We had two coffees, cookies, and a pizza wrap at the appropriately named café with a circular structure and vaulted ceiling. I was back at the bus at 11:04 am. Inside the café, I also found the thin guidebook about the Oracle of Delphi at €10, a bit expensive.

We left the café at 11:09 am and drove through 2 short tunnels as we approached Delphi. A small town popular with skiers during the winter would greet us after passing through the second. That would be Arachova.

From our guide thru the P/A: Croesus (Kroisos for the Greeks) was king of Lydia. And he consulted the Oracle to ask if he could win his war with Cyrus the Great of Persia. The Oracle gave him a vague answer: “A great empire would fall if he attacked.” Thinking that the “great empire” was Persia, Croesus underestimated his enemy and lost to Cyrus the Great.

The ancient Greeks also asked the Oracle about the best places to establish new colonies or cities. Modern-day examples would be Syracuse in Italy (Great Greece), Iona (off western Scotland), Ephesus (Turkey), Philadelphia (off the Aegean region of Turkey); Marseille – (aka Massalia in France), Barcelona (Spain), and Odessa (Russia).

Taken on the way up, where an amphitheater and stadium can also be found, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi sit majestically on a nice spot on Mount Parnassus.

Delphi is also where the ‘omphalos‘ (navel) can be found. The ancient Greeks considered it the center of the world, set upon by the god of gods, Zeus. It’s now 11:25 am as our bus cruised along the Parnassos mountains. Rocks become deeper in color as we go higher. Aluminum and bauxite abound in the area. We approach the village of Arachova, known as the “balcony of Mt. Parnassos.”

Arachova is a quaint ski town with a monument to the inventor of the ‘pap smear‘ – Georgios Papanikolaou. The bus went down along the slope to get to the site of the Oracle ruins. It’s now 11:38. COVID vaccination cards might be required at the museum.

The location is truly spectacular despite the more than 2500 years. Those ancient Greeks knew how to choose the sites for all the gods they venerated.

The museum in Delphi was a treasure trove of ancient Greek artifacts that would be the envy of all the biggest, well-known museums in the world.  I am not a fan of museum visits, but what I saw in Delphi brought back the same question, “did they do all these more than 2,500 years ago?”  They were truly spectacular.

After the museum visit inside Delphi, the bus took us further north for lunch in a low-slung restaurant with the Greek name ‘Symposium.’

We stayed at the restaurant for over an hour and had our prepaid lunch except for our drinks.  We were seated at a table for 4, which was perfect. After we had ordered our drinks, our food arrived. We had bread, appetizers of spanakopita & zucchini fritters, a small plate of salad, and chicken with saffron-infused rice (it tasted like the Filipino version of ‘adobo’), and dessert of revani (orange/lemon cake), which was, ironically, named after a Turkish poet.

The bus left the restaurant at 3:47 pm. It stopped again at a down-sloping area where our tour guide went down and asked those who like to see the vista point where ancient Greek athletes and soldiers trained in Delphi because of its high altitude. Many of us got off the bus – not wanting to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and followed Mariana down a small path leading to a clearing with remnants of a magnificent, circular building and rows of massive boulders neatly arranged in rows all over the place, came into view. 

These training grounds of ancient Greek soldiers and athletes are not too far from the ‘navel of the world. The high altitude and mineral-rich water nearby Castalian Spring helped them become warriors and elite sportsmen.

These training grounds can also be seen from the Oracle but at a distance and partly obstructed by trees.  There was also a stream and a hot spring nearby where the athletes and soldiers supposedly soaked their tired bodies after training.  After our phones and cameras had done their jobs and we returned to the bus again, I tried to get some siesta.  My bad left foot was hurting by this time.

Again, the bus stopped at a vista point in the village of Arachova, where my sister, Ellen, and Ruby posed before the modern, all-white signage of the town.  Don and I did not leave the bus as the former was already deep in slumber in his seat while I was tired after the steep, up-and-down walks in Delphi. This would be the penultimate stop of the trip.

At 4:50 PM, the bus headed back to Athens. I tried to get some rest for the early trip to the Greek Cyclades the next morning, but the fantastic views along the Greek countryside that fine afternoon just won’t let me.

The Naxian Sphinx that’s on display inside the museum in Delphi. With origins from the East and connected with the myth of Oedipus, it was a mythical being with a body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and a woman’s head.

The last stop to use the WC (restroom) was from 5:50 to 6:00 pm before the final drive to Athens. I got up and used the restroom inside a food court with a burger joint & minimart. The bus left at 6:03 pm. The weather got a bit cooler as we cruised slowly back towards Athens.

It is now 6:07 pm, with lots of sunlight for the day that started with much promise. The tour was lovely, informative, and, overall, worth the price that we paid.

I had longed dreamt of and had prayed to the gods – or, God in the religion that I had known since I was a child- of visiting the Oracle of Delphi, and on that fine day of May 2022, I had realized that dream.

More than 2500 years ago did not seem to be that distant.

Barcelona by Midnight: Saga of Lost Luggage & Kebab Dinner

It was Wednesday morning in mid-December 2018 in Paris, and we had expected to arrive in Barcelona just right after lunch to scout the city with some daylight to spare. But bad weather & maintenance snags at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport delayed our less than 2-hour flight for almost an hour.

CDG is notorious for delayed flights as the huge airport – just like the capital city’s maze-like layout- could be very difficult to navigate. Moreover, even for transit passengers, you have to pass through security checks and passport control – all over again.

Despite the hassles, we got to our connecting flight in time and got seated in the mid-section of a much smaller plane operated by Joon (the budget airline of Air France servicing Europe). But give it credit for serving complimentary drinks along with free WiFi.

We finally arrived in Barcelona at 2:25 pm – after another 15-minute flight delay while we were high above the clouds.

We passed passport control without a hitch until we arrived at the designated luggage carousel to retrieve ours. Like being doused with ice-cold water, all our excitement vanished after we realized that we were the only ones left in the area after almost an hour had swiftly passed – still hoping & waiting for the conveyor to spit our luggage.

I got an e-mail that our luggage got stuck in Paris and should arrive on the next flight – at 5:25 PM. We nevertheless proceeded to the lost baggage area to report the snafu. The amiable señora that manned the desk spoke fluent English and assured us they would trace and even deliver them to our hotel in downtown Barcelona for free.

Barcelona's arrival terminal was relatively quiet that December afternoon while we waited in vain for the carousel to spit out our luggage.

Barcelona’s arrival terminal was relatively quiet that December afternoon while we waited in vain for the carousel to spit out our luggage.

Not wanting to take our chance to be separated from our luggage as we had a cruise ship waiting for us at the port in Barcelona the next morning, we decided to wait for the luggage to arrive at the airport.

We stared in agony at the incoming flight monitors for the next Air France flight from Paris – the 5:25 PM had become 5:37 PM. Again, we went to the assigned carousel and looked for our luggage.

That is not a good sign. Our luggage is still not in the carousel after the arrival of the 5:37 PM flight from Paris.

With relief, we scrambled back to the lost baggage area and saw our two luggage among a pile of others stuck in Paris or elsewhere. After signing some paperwork, we finally strolled out of the arrival area with our beloved luggage and looked for a ride to our hotel.

My watch read 6:05 PM. The luggage delay cost us almost 4 hours of daylight.

We had difficulty getting a ride to our hotel as the 1st Cabify driver we hailed gave directions for the pickup, which we didn’t understand. We went up to the arrival area & hailed another Cabify. The ride was through high-traffic areas, took about an hour & cost €45.

At the hotel, decent with a nice bathroom although a bit small, I took a shower & took in all that transpired in the day. The adrenaline rush had worn off, and I felt so tired. Ruby alleviated the aches and pains by giving me a brief massage –especially on my worn-down legs.

After a brief rest in our hotel in Barcelona, Ruby checks out the direction to the Basilica Sagrada de Familia as well as where we’ll have late dinner.
After a brief rest in our hotel in Barcelona, Ruby checks out the directions to the Basilica Sagrada de Familia, where we’ll have our late dinner.

After converting some of our US $ to Euros, we looked for a place to eat & decided on some kebabs from a place called Bellako, which Google Maps informed us was just a 10-minute walk.

Including Spain, some countries in Europe have been using the Euro for quite some time now as their official currency.  In late 2018, it was worth almost the same as the US dollar.

After crossing our first 2 Barcelona streets, the spires of the popular tourist spot, La Sagrada de Familia Basilica, towered from a distance. 

We headed towards it. Along the way, we could not ignore our stomach grumbles and quickly ate three pieces of ’empanaditas’ (small puff pastries filled with meat or seafood) with a glass of Coke from a small bakery Ruby had spotted. They were still a bit cold despite our request to heat them and, therefore, not appetizing.

By 9:30 pm, we took several pictures of the famous basilica and continued our hunt for the elusive kebabs along the now-cold streets.

Barcelona’s streets are confusing as most blocks culminate in a rotunda (a roundabout). Google Maps helped little as the orientation seemed reversed. After half an hour of walking, with a Repsol gas station as our landmark, we finally spotted the elusive eatery.

The place is quaint and smells like something good to come as soon as you enter. The menu is on the wall close to the cajera (cashier). You tick your choices on paper, pay, look for a seating spot in the rather small main seating area (a small upper & bigger basement seating area), and wait for the goodies to arrive.

We had two kinds of beef kebabs with extra toppings of their ‘Secreto Ibérico Jamon, a bottle of local beer & a glass of wine, all for about €24. The food and the red wine were so good that we could not resist but order a ración (small) size bag of fries-fried in olive oil – to go.

And, in the stillness of that particular night in Barcelona, we quietly returned to our hotel.

Yamaha HTR-4065 AV Receiver: No Audio to Audio Bliss

In early 2015, after deciding to replace my aging AIWA (AV-D97) audio-video receiver with a unit capable of audio streaming, three (3) of my criteria were 1): several HDMI ports, 2): 1 or 2 USB ports, and 3): an Ethernet port.

After scrounging the web for a reasonably-priced, networked AV receiver unit that matched the specs I wanted, I finally settled on the Yamaha HTR-4065, which someone from the nearby city of San Jose (California) sold to me for about $175.

I did not bother to test the unit at the house of the middle-aged fellow that fateful mid-winter morning. When I saw the unit came in the original but a bit worn-out box and looked relatively new, I trusted my instincts that it was a fully functioning unit.

Also included were an almost brand-new remote control (RAV464), the Easy Setup Guide, plus a bounded photocopy of the 107-page owner’s manual.

After handing out my payment, I rushed home to celebrate my new “score.” At that time, similar units were selling for more than double my price.

What a deal! Or, so I thought.

Joy turned into frustration after I hooked up my speakers and connected my iPod Classic – via the USB port or the audio out (AUX) jacks- and no sound of music came out of the unit. I looked up the manual to see if I needed to push a button (or a combination) to produce audio. I also tried using a few headphones, but no audio came from them.

No luck. No audio, No matter what kind of device I use, the unit’s front or back audio inputs.

Either someone just sold me -knowingly or unknowingly- a defective AV receiver, or, by the stroke of fate, something had gone wrong with the unit after I picked it up.

What puzzled me was this:  The unit was almost brand-new. It powered up and all the buttons and display on the receiver worked, as well as all the video signals. However, it did not seem to be sending audio signal to any of the speaker channels which led me to believe there was a problem specifically with the amplifier. There was no error message on the display. I heard the sounds of different relays clicked when it powered up.

Even after I opened the unit to check for frayed wires, loose connectors, bad capacitors, poorly soldered contact points, etc., I admitted defeat. And with it, the hollow feeling that I had just thrown away $175.

I put the ‘bad’ AV receiver back into its box, stored it in the big shed in our backyard, and forgot about it after I picked up another – and more expensive- networked AV receiver (Sony STR-DN1030) a few days later in Santa Rosa, CA. I tested that unit thoroughly before I handed out my money. It still serves us well in the spare bedroom.

Just recently, but more than six (6) years later, I laid my eyes on the box where I stored the ‘defective‘ Yamaha AV receiver. The box had sat atop a table where I usually put most of my power tools, vintage computers, and other bulky electronic accessories or gadgets I had collected through the years.

Many items that had sat on top of that table had either gone straight to the brown trash cart or the sidewalk in front of the house – where the garbage company’s big truck collects most of our no-longer-wanted (aka junk) household items twice a year.

On a whim, I took out the Yamaha AV receiver from its box, put fresh AAA batteries into the remote, and connected a pair of vintage Model S6 Polk Audio speakers as well as a 17″ LED TV (via the HDMI out port) that I have in the same shed. I attached a Sony Discman via the audio out port and prayed that things may have changed for the better after those six years.

Same result – no audio, no music. Either from any device, I attached to the audio out port or via the built-in tuner. It was the same frustrating experience I had with the unit in early 2015.

But this time, I decided to check out the unit’s system interface details, starting with the Setup menu (accessible via the remote by pressing the orange-coded SETUP button).

Since the unit did not have Wi-Fi capability and the only Internet access I had on the shed was via Wi-Fi, I brought the unit inside the house and connected it to one of the ports on the Netgear gigabit switch – after I had hooked up my old pair of Aurex SS-S12W bookshelf speakers (part of the Toshiba Aurex System 10 set).

Under the Setup menu are Speaker, HDMI, Sound, ECO, Function, Network, and Language sub-menus. I won’t go into the details of each item under each sub-menus, but I tried all the possible settings under each – still no audio, no music.

I read the owner’s manual and searched the web for possible causes of why a relatively unused Yamaha HTR-4065 AV receiver would produce no audio. As I mentioned, it powers up, all the buttons and displays on the receiver work, and all the video signals. It is also easier to navigate the menus using the remote control.

A simple firmware update brought back to life a nice network AV receiver destined for the electronics recycler!
On the way to audio salvation — update the unit with the latest firmware via USB!

The closest result I got was from a person with the same issue I had, who posted his woes on the forum of Audioholics (an online A/V magazine) sometime in July 2016. Other users on the forum have different suggestions: that the no audio issue is related to “overheated HDMI ports”; another said the issue was due to “a power supply problem to the audio section” (duhhow convenient!). Another member wasn’t helpful and suggested: “Just toss out the unit in the garbage bin.”

What caught my attention on the same forum was this: “Have you done a reset to default factory settings and reset the unit up?” So, I headed to Yamaha’s website and downloaded the PDF version of the owner’s manual to read it better on my big computer monitor.

From the web: Yamaha HTR-4065 Factory Reset

  1. Set the unit to Standby Mode using the Power button.
  2. While holding down the Straight button, hit the Power button.
  3. Use the Program Selector buttons to navigate to INIT CANCEL and press the Straight button to select ALL.
  4. When the proper selection is made, turn off the unit using the Power button.

I did the factory reset 2 or 3 times to no avail – same, no audio, no music result.

Then it dawned on me that since the advent of “networked everything,” almost all devices connected to the web rely upon microprocessors and embedded software (firmware) for their operations. Firmware upgrades are typically done automatically via the web to improve their functionalities.

My ‘defective’ Yamaha HTR-4065 AV receiver could be a victim of a botched firmware update!!!

Excitedly, I focused on the Network submenus (IP Address, MAC Address Filter, DMC Control, Network Standby, Network Name, Information, and Network Update) to make sure that the AV receiver was connected correctly to my network to access the Internet – and, yes, it was!!!

If all you see is a slew of dashes as firmware, then it's time to install the latest firmware via USB!
No wonder the unit didn’t work – there’s no firmware to control the unit’s functionality.  Today’s AV equipment uses an ‘operating system’ to function correctly.  Firmware updates, just like software updates, provide the latest enhancements and bug fixes. 

I drilled down to the Network Update submenu (Perform Update, Firmware Version, and System ID) and, under Perform Update, tried to update the firmware. Curiously, under Firmware Version, nothing showed up except a slew of dashes – which only bolstered my theory that the AV receiver was a victim of a firmware update that went awry.

However, the firmware update via the network did not happen. It spewed out a ‘System Error’ message on the AV receiver’s display panel and the computer monitor where I connected the AV receiver via the HDMI OUT port.

You can update the Yamaha HTR-4065 firmware via the USB port if the network update fails.
Updating the Yamaha HTR-4065’s firmware via the USB port on the front panel.  You can use any 2 GB or higher capacity USB stick (or SD/micro SD card on a USB adapter) to update to the latest firmware (v 1.23)

The rest was easy. I had been doing it on most of my old or new devices, updating the firmware via the USB port.

I downloaded the latest firmware (v 1.23) for the HTR-4065 (and models HTR-5065, RX-V473, and RX-V573) from Yamaha’s website. I then transferred the .bin file (R0305-0123) to the root of the FAT32-formatted USB drive I have (8 GB). Finally, I did the update via the unit’s only USB port on the front panel (to the left of the volume control knob).

The update took a while (between 5 to 10 minutes) but was successful. After I confirmed that the latest firmware registered correctly under Firmware Version, I pressed the right (>) Input button to get me to AUDIO mode. I pressed on the PLAY button of the Sony Discman, and voila, — refreshing “natural sound” of music from my Yamaha HTR-4065.

Finally, after almost six (6) long years.

After the successful firmware update, check if the version shows up correctly - either via the front display panel or on your TV/monitor screen (if connected via HDMI Out).
Firmware v 1.23 is all you need to bring your seemingly DOA Yamaha HTR-4065 (or HTR-5065, RX-V473, or RX-V573) AV receiver back to life, 

EPILOGUE: Though lacking Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features, which my Sony STR-DN1030 has, I like the larger LED display on the Yamaha and the fewer but well-laid-out function buttons.

Also, Yamaha’s NET Radio feature is much better than Sony’s diminishing Internet audio streaming partners like vTuner. Sony terminated the service for most of its networked audio products, including the STR-DN1030, in September 2015.

You will shell out $4 for a year’s subscription to access all the features of Yamaha’s Internet radio/podcast portal. They use vTuner’s API and source code -(yradio.vtuner.com). The simple and easy-to-use interface more than pays for all the musical goodies you’ll get over the web on their older model of networked AV receivers, such as the HTR-4065.

And, just like most newer devices, you can control most of the features of the Yamaha HTR-4065 on your phone or tablet via the Yamaha AV Controller app (the latest version is 5.51). If the app does not detect your compatible device automatically, enter the IP address of your unit manually once you have hooked it up to your home network via Ethernet, and you’re good to go.

In late 2016, Yamaha utilized the same portal (this time, a free service) for their new models of networked AV receivers, including the WXA-50 and WXC-50.

They also added many popular audio streaming sites like Spotify, Pandora, Napster, Sirius XM, Rhapsody, and hi-res audio streaming sites like Deezer and Tidal. They renamed the app to their multi-room audio system, MusicCast.

2022 UPDATE: I renewed my vTuner’s yearly subscription, up to $5 from $4.

Sept. 2023 UPDATE: I renewed my vTuner’s yearly subscription, which went up to $6 from $5.

Toshiba Aurex System 15: Two Ways to Tango in the Present

I just have to have it — the venerable Toshiba Aurex System 15. I deferred buying the sleek, 4-piece micro hi-fi system almost 40 years ago in favor of the less expensive System 10 because of budget constraints when I was still a young ex-pat worker in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Minus the cassette deck (PC-D15), I could finally lay my hands on the champagne-colored set in April 2018 from an eBay seller in Germany for 403 Euros (about $500 at the exchange rate at that time).

I wrote a detailed article about System 10 and System 15 in 2018 after I was able to ship my beloved System 10 from Manila for my enjoyment here in the US.

After purchasing a new pair of black-ash veneered DALI Spektor 1 bookshelf speakers for my ‘new’ System 15, I realized that I am missing out on new audio technologies with my setup.

Even enhancement units specially designed for either system like the digital audio timer (AT-15) & ADRES (AD-15) noise reduction/dynamic range expansion units are almost impossible to find these days.

With the few options I have, a vintage audio timer (Yamaha DT-60) was my way of turning each unit on the set on or off — all at the same time! No remote-control capability.

An Apple AirPort Express and Bluetooth Streaming Kit worth a total of $60 enabled audio streaming this vintage Toshiba Aurex System 15,
Toshiba Aurex System 15 with two (2) SY-C15 preamps minus the cassette deck (PC-D15). A Yamaha DT-60 audio timer (the black unit with a digital clock) and an Apple AirPort Express (A1392) provided simple automation and AirPlay. An Esinkin Bluetooth Kit (hidden at the back of the set) provided BT connectivity but had to share the single AUX port on the SY-C15 preamp with the Airport Express (white box beside the System 15).

But owning a 40-year-old hi-fi stereo set with still very capable audio components housed inside a spectacularly-designed micro form factor, extruded aluminum case that could put to shame current audio models in looks doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the yesteryears.

Yes, you could still have AirPlay, Bluetooth audio, server-based audio, Internet radio, and all the latest audio streaming trends of today with not only the Toshiba Aurex System 15, 12, or 10 but also any vintage high-end audio systems attached to those real-wood enclosed speakers that still sound oh-so-fabulous today.

There are two options: one is for the budget-conscious, and the other is for people with $400 – $500 to spare. I tried both, and here are my observations:

The first and cheaper option to have AirPlay and Bluetooth on the Aurex System 15 is to buy two small gadgets – Apple’s Airport Express (A1392) for AirPlay and any cheap Bluetooth Audio Adapter kit. Both gadgets set me back for only $60 — $37 for the Airport Express (used from eBay) and $23 for the Esinkin Bluetooth Audio Adapter Kit (new & comes with the power supply & audio cable – from Amazon).

Very important note: What I got (A1392) is a second-generation Airport Express (with a power cord). If getting an older generation Apple Express (one that plugs directly into a power outlet), make sure you get model A1264. Models A1084 and A1088 look identical to the A1264, but they will not work for AirPlay.

The hassle with this approach is that you can use only either AP or BT. Both gadgets connect to the AUX jacks on System 15. Get an AUX splitter if you want a 3rd gadget and more cables at the back.

Bluetooth, while convenient, is not the ideal way to enjoy hi-fi nirvana as its limited bandwidth makes for audio loss during transmission. Even with BT’s AptX codec (an algorithm that manages to reduce the bit rate of audio files without compromising on sound quality), your ear can always discern the world of difference when playing the same high-res, lossless-encoded song (FLAC, or ALAC) on your hi-fi audio system.

You might also contend with occasional disconnects of the AirPort Express -and AirPlay – even though it’s always powered on.

If the status light turns amber (disconnected), simply unplug the power cord (or the unit), wait for 10 seconds, and plug it back to put the unit back in action – green light (connected) status.

Screen capture in ITunes to show AirPlay is now enabled for the Toshiba Aurex System 15 - where the AirPort Express is connected via the AUX port.
Wired connectivity (Ethernet) is ideal if you want to use AirPort Express on the Toshiba Aurex System 15. Simply download the AirPort Utility app on your phone to configure AirPlay — and it will show up as another device on iTunes — where to output your favorite music.

All our TVs, streaming devices, and audio systems are networked via gigabit Ethernet so that access to the web is instantaneous. This is ideal, especially when streaming high-res audio files via the Internet.

So, if you’re on a budget but would like to stream your music collection to your vintage audio system and don’t mind switching to either device via the AUX port for $60, this is not the wrong route.

The second but better option– if you have between $400 – $500 to spare- would be to get Yamaha’s WXC-50 Wireless Streaming Preamplifier.

Yamaha has a similar-looking unit – the WXA-50 with a built-in amplifier that delivers 55 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz with two channels driven). It’s a tad more expensive and requires only your choice of speakers, which merits another blog post of its own.

Rear panel of the Yamaha WXC-50 preamp
The rear panel of the Yamaha WXC-50 shows all the audio connectors, ports, and switches. Vintage and current state-of-the-art audio systems can all be hooked up.

With the Yamaha WXC-50 and the Toshiba Aurex System 15, you have two (2) ways to connect one to the other:

1). Use only the Aurex main amp (SC-M15) and connect it to the pre-out RCA jacks of the WXC-50. Make sure to slide the mode selector switch on the WXC-50 to ‘PRE AMP‘.

In this mode, all the features of the WXC-50 are active such as volume control, muting, equalizer, enhancer, direct, monoaural downmix, and speaker type. You will have total control of the WXC-50 either through your phone (via the MusicCast app) or the included remote control.

But note that in this setup, you’re also foregoing the functions of your Aurex System 15’s pre-amp (SY-C15), the FM-only tuner (ST-F15) and if you still have a functional one – the magical, 2-head, direct-drive, cassette tape deck player (PC-D15).

With remote control capability, the WXC-50 truly complements the small footprint of the Toshiba Aurex SC-M15 main amp. High-res audio streaming powered by a diminutive but elegant 40-year-old power amplifier is impressive!

2). Use the Yamaha WXC-50 in player mode only. Do this by keeping your current Aurex System 15 setup (where the pre-amp and tuner are both functional) as it is. Then, using a 2-channel RCA audio cable (white/red on both ends), simply connect one end to the AUX OUT of the WXC-50 and the other end to the AUX port on the Aurex (SY-C15) pre-amp.

Make sure that you slide the mode switch on the Yamaha WXC-50 to ‘PLAYER‘ and check that you’re also switched to AUX mode on the Aurex pre-amp – when you don’t hear any sound from your speakers.

The Toshiba Aurex System 15 in action along with the Yamaha WXC-50 Wireless Streaming Preamplifier.
The Yamaha WXC-50 Wireless Streaming Preamp can be oriented horizontally or vertically (via the included stand) on any vintage or current audio hi-fi system.

With the Yamaha WXC-50 in PLAYER mode, the unit outputs at maximum volume, but most of the unit’s features are disabled, including volume control. You lose all remote control capabilities except to turn the WXC-50 on or off. All the stereo functionalities are handled by the Aurex System 15.

The app’s (Yamaha MusicCast) phone interface is almost identical — either iOS or Android, easy to navigate, and even offers 30-day trials to hi-res audio streaming via Tidal and Deezer.

I tried both while running iOS v 14.7.1 –later, v 15.3.1 (iPhone SE & XR) and Android 10 (Motorola G7), and you can hardly discern any difference.

Yamaha's MusicCast app for the WXC-50 as seen on both Android and iOs phones.
Yamaha’s MusicCast app – is installed on Android (Moto G7 phone) and iOS versions (iPhone SE – second-generation). Not much difference, and very easy to navigate on both platforms.

So, the choice is yours. Use only the Aurex System 15’s main amp but have total control of the WXC-50 and how your music sources will be served – all via the MusicCast app on your phone or tablet.

But, if you want to enjoy the hi-fi capabilities of your Toshiba Aurex System 15, hooking it up via the AUX port is the way to go.

Like the original Argentine tango, which can have many variations, it always takes two to fully appreciate the dance.

A Puzzled Solved – Rapidweaver, Carbon Copy Cloner, and Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificates

It was New Year’s Eve, and I was doing routine maintenance on my cylindrical 12-core Mac Pro (Late 2013) and checking how all my webserver applications were doing when something unusual happened – my Rapidweaver software crashed.

In updating a few pages for 2021, Rapidweaver (the software that creates the pages of my main website) alerted an update from version 8.6.2 to 8.7, which was mostly additional support for the latest macOS, “Big Sur” or version 11.

Although, RW has safety provisions -in case of incompatibilities- to either ‘Skip This Version’ as well as ‘Remind Me Later‘, I went ahead and did the update.

Rapidweaver 8 has a new version update – from v8.6.2 to v8.7 – but proceed cautiously!

No problems there, and I continued to open the file (.rw8) …and, bam! Another update prompt came up on the screen.  This time, a plugin (or, API – application program interface) within Rapidweaver called Stacks, prompted me that there’s a new version, from V4.0.4 to V4.1.3 (Build #5361).  Again, and how stupid of me, I did the update.

The Stacks V4.1.3 update came to haunt me as I found out later that most web pages no longer worked.  This had happened before (from Stacks 3 to Stacks 4), and I can’t seem to learn my lesson from the past. Ouch!

But this is not to conclude that the Stacks V4.1.3 update would create problems for all Rapidweaver 8.x users. It all depends on the RW theme and plugin(s) you’re using.

YourHead Software Stacks had evolved together with Rapidweaver.  But always proceed with caution with their updates.
This simple Stacks update rendered my entire website useless – always backup before you proceed with updates!

But, hey, no problem.  I have an ever-dependable-for Mac-only backup in Carbon Copy Cloner – I have been using this backup software since immemorial.  I had scheduled the backup to run early Sunday of every week, which should contain the replica of my entire main boot SSD, before I did those updates!

So, I launched System Preferences > Startup Disk > switched to the backup SSD, and restarted the Mac Pro. And, the backup worked, as usual, like a champ.  Problem solved???  Well, not so fast.

While all my web pages now worked- at least, while I re-tested under RW- after I reverted to prior versions using the backup SSD, this time, a bigger issue came up – my website is no longer accessible on the Web! 

How is this possible? Aren’t backups, especially a cloned version, bit-by-bit copies of their originals?  A bit alarmed now because of the looming task of debugging the entire webserver application, I headed to the kitchen to brew a full carafe of my favorite blend.

To maintain my presence on the Web, I switched to an older version of my website that runs on a Mac mini, then tackled the issue:  why did the backup web server on the Mac Pro fail to connect to the Internet when the source drive worked?  Everything else worked properly on the backup drive except the ability of my AMP (Apache-MySQL-PHP)-based webserver to connect to the Web.

Here’s what I did to troubleshoot the issue:

1). Checked the router, access points & all settings (especially port forwarding) — OK

2). Checked the IP gateway/Dynamic DNS -the one that renders your dynamic IP address given by your ISP to a static IP address needed to host a website at your choice location- for incorrect settings. At no-ip.com, I fiddled with different domain name resolver configurations —only to find out that my previous setting was correct. All OK.

3). Reviewed all the steps when configuring the AMP-based webserver via Brew – no problems, all OK.

So, what’s wrong?

Before I resign my fate to begin 2021 with long hours recoding my webserver for macOS Big Sur (and, yes, I need to buy a new M1 processor-based Mac since my 2016-bought “trashcan” Mac Pro (Late 2013) may be compatible only in 2 or 3 more future macOS releases), I tried again to stop, start and restart the web server using Terminal.

Again, no issues until I tried to diagnose for any error when Apache starts via the Terminal command:

  tail -f /usr/local/var/log/httpd/error_log

The error log revealed a few script errors with the WordPress login –all related to PHP handling.

Those errors are understandable as my WordPress site is also tied to my main website – https://www.marcoscarpio.com, as an offsite page within Rapidweaver.

Finally, it dawned on me why I didn’t run the MOST BASIC of all Apache commands in Terminal.

  apachectl configtest

And, there it was, right in front of my 28” LED monitor:

   AH00526: Syntax error on line 46 of /usr/local/etc/httpd/extra/httpd-     vhosts.conf:

   SSLCertificateFile: file ‘/etc/letsencrypt/live/www.marcoscarpio.com/fullchain.pem’ does not exist or is empty

Although, I was fully aware that the secure version (https) of my website is due to the free SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt -which you have to renew every 90 days- it did not dawn on me that you MUST either renew or request a reissue of those certificates after you switched over to your backup web server!!!

At Let’s Encrypt Community Board, I got this good explanation:

The distinction between copying all of /etc/letsencrypt (with symlinks) and just copying privkey.pem and fullchain.pem is that in the former case, you can run certbot renew on the new system to renew the certificates, while in the latter case, Certbot will not be able to renew the copied-over certificates. So it’s not a distinction about whether the certificates will work on the new system (just copying these two files is sufficient for that), but specifically about whether certbot renew on the new system will know they’re present and be able to renew them (copying the whole /etc/letsencrypt tree is recommended in this case)”.

Let’s Encrypt utilizes an easy-to-use client called Certbot to simplify the issuance of SSL certificates (yes, they’re free) on various web server software of various OS platforms.  If you had tried to install (and, maintain) your SSL certificates —well, that’s another blog entry in itself.

Long story short: Let’s Encrypt Certbot won’t automatically sync the certificates it had issued on your web server that’s located on your main hard drive and your backup hard drive.

New Year. New lesson.  But, it’s always good to learn.

Learning from History – When the Fates Whisper to Humans There is a God

The dictionary defines fate as “forces outside your control that make things happen.”

In this age and time where almost any event -past or present- can be explained by science, the concept of a God or a “Supreme Being” dominating us is simply a myth — just another concoction of the human mind. But, is it???

Science and religion (or just the belief in a superior being) are strange bedfellows that govern our lives once we’re brought forth. We were not given a choice to be born, but we also don’t want our existence to be predictable and measurable by one of the main branches of science – mathematics (together with logic).

Humanity Development Maturation
Do Humans Have Total Control of their Destinies?

Today, we have created all the tools to predict and manipulate one’s thoughts and way of life. Money, media, advances in travel, and, of course, technology have made this planet seem smaller and more accessible. These, together with the explosive increase in the world’s population, had completed the quest to stand out and be the envy of othersan obsession for some people.

In this context, humans forget that life is not an exact science and that everyone’s life is unpredictable. While genetics has shown that traits, abilities, diseases, and life spans can be passed on or measured, life’s immeasurable variables are just too much for science.  Even the science of weather forecasting can be wrong.

Humans are not robots that can all be shepherded into a controlled environment for the masters to have total control over their slaves. The human brain is just too complex that even science, and its fantastic role in human advancement, has barely scratched the surface of how it works — every individual being is unique. Multiply those variables by the global population, and you’ll get a result that is too overwhelming for science or mathematics to measure accurately. And humans keep evolving.

Despite these, a few people try to manipulate others into how they think or perceive the concept of good and bad. Some do it for pure monetary gain, some for raw power, and some do it because it is in their genetic makeup, or so it seems.

Media, money, and technology are prime examples of how these supposedly helpful human-made tools have manipulated people’s perception of reality as well as good and bad. More so in advanced countries where crass materialism had permeated daily lives like the spoon and fork.

It’s also too sad that some news mediums have abandoned truth – even bits and morsels of it- for ratings and sensationalism — which equates to more money. They had gone so low in favor of makeup and flesh over grey matter.

A few people had also used the same tools for their glory. Goodness or what is normally perceived to be good in society doesn’t matter as long as they live the good life, the envy of others– their goals are achieved. For these few, morality no longer matters. Everything could be bought and turned into their lapdogs. What God? I am God. Look, I am too popular. I could do anything I wanted, and it was all too easy.

But it’s also too easy for science to remind us that if someone achieves power and truly believes he’s among the gods, he goes mad. And Fate steps in.

Human Light Man Secret Adult
Man versus Fate

 

With their belief in many gods and goddesses, the ancient Greeks and Romans constantly reminded us that some form of tragedy awaits mere mortals once they cross that invisible line separating humans from the gods.  The Greeks even have a word for it – hubris

Therefore, whether humans evolved by natural design or not, the ability to perceive what’s good or bad seems to be a built-in mechanism. Nobody has to tell the other what’s good or bad.

In the end, despite the fame, fortune, and adulation one gets, in a person’s communion with one’s self, the voice within our hearts will grow louder once one nears the end of life. 

As if the Fates keep whispering in our ears that they are always around to keep an eye on us and what we do— that They are the Masters of our destinies.

 

Who Needs Netflix When Free Video Streaming Abounds?

After being a Netflix member for 21 years, I finally terminated the service in August 2019. Did I miss it? The answer is 10% YES and 90% NO.

At least, for me, the service is no longer a necessity, so eliminating it from the monthly household bill was an easy decision.

But what were the real reasons why I decided to terminate my Netflix subscription? For one, it was not really the cost. The last monthly bill was only for $15.99 (Premium Plan).

In the U.S., Netflix started in 1998 as a DVD-by-mail service. By late 2006, it began to offer a few movies to stream online but only through the use of PCs. When standalone media streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV proliferated, Netflix started its streaming-only subscriptions in 2010.

My official Netflix cancellation notice in Aug 2019.  Looking forward--- what's next after video on demand?
After 21 years of being a Netflix subscriber, l had never looked back since August 1, 2019. Looking forward to something new.

In 2011, Netflix split off its DVD-by-mail service (dvd.netflix.com) and streaming-only service (Netflix.com). While both units are still active and profitable (note: the DVD-by-mail service is available only in the U.S.), its streaming-only business had been the main driver of growth as it was able to offer this service on a global scale.

Netflix started as a DVD-by-Mail service
Netflix through the years. This was the 2011 e-mail when they informed subscribers of the split of the DVD-by-mail and online-streaming business.

This leads again to the question: why did I terminate my Netflix (streaming-only) membership when it such a good deal?

Here are my answers:

#1. Amazon Prime. Yes, membership* ($119 plus tax a year or $10.90 a month, tax inclusive) with the world’s online superstore includes unlimited viewing of Prime Video movies. Their selection had been growing by leaps and bounds despite being a latecomer in the streaming-only business.

When I had both (Netflix & Amazon Prime), I watched more movies that were to my liking with Prime than Netflix. Moreover, most movies that are available on DVD sometimes don’t make it in the streaming-only format in Netflix — but I happen to find them in Amazon Prime.

And. if you love documentaries and other hard to find movies in the streaming-only format, nothing beats Amazon Prime.

#2. Free Streaming Sites (Ads supported or Totally-Free). During the last three (3) years alone, the apps, as well as Internet TV channels that are in my media streamers and Smart TVs, had grown to a gazillion. Although some of them had come and gone, in the U.S., apps like Tubi, Roku, Popcornflix, Pluto, FilmRise, IMDb (acquired by Amazon), YouTube plus tons of others had been offering both totally free or ad-supported movies and TV shows for the last few years now.

You can even have a totally-free (yes, no ads) streaming service by just being a member of your local library. In the U.S., this service is provided by Kanopy.

The apps or websites, as well as content-aggregators mentioned above, may not have the latest offerings or come only in SD (standard definition) format or that they may have viewing caps (like Kanopy, at fifteen (15) movies a month), the tons of choices from all of them are more than enough for the casual viewer.

#3. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most ISPs in the U.S. today have their own streaming-only portal built-in to the service. They offer both free and paid streaming videos and some – like Comcast/Xfinity- will even give you a free media streamer of their own. Comcast/Xfinity just recently renamed their video streaming portal, Peacock.

Lastly, #4. Netflix itself. A lot of movies released on DVD don’t make to the streaming-only format with Netflix — which was the main reason I joined them in 1998. During their early days, they offered the best selection of movies on DVD from the comforts of your home with free shipping and no late fees.

Their concept was such a huge hit among movie buffs that it forced the big brick and mortar video rental firms like Hollywood Video and Blockbuster out of business.

Netflix actually began their streaming service in 2006 for U.S. subscribers.  It now offers this service to several countries in the world
Netflix’s 2007 e-mail to subscribers. Note that online-streaming was available only through the use of computers and was capped for just 14 hours a month.
Netflix's e-mail of 2008 to avoid losing subscribers
Just a year later, in 2008, and with the proliferation of dedicated media streaming devices like the Roku, Netflix members were upgraded to unlimited online streaming.

To keep their streaming-only customers beholden to the service, they had resorted to producing their own films and TV shows. And released they did – all episodes of shows are all in one big bundle that you’ll bound to waste a lot of your precious time on this planet and led to the term, binge-watching.

After 21 years, I missed Netflix only by 10% because I might go back to their DVD-by-mail service only.

But, then again, times have changed. Today, for their $7.95 a month subscription (unlimited but only one (1) DVD rented out), I can have more than one (1) DVD — as my very own.

*NOTES: On February 18, 2022, Amazon Prime annual membership increased to $139 (plus tax) while the monthly membership went up to $14.99. In spite of the increase, I continued my Prime membership as, IMHO, the benefits still outweigh the cost.

A Deal Better Than Black Friday – $17 Linksys Router

Once in a rare while, while shopping, you will find an item that is priced so ridiculously low that you’ll have to convince yourself that a). there’s an obvious pricing mistake made by an employee, b). a mischievous person switched price tags, c). there must be something wrong with the item, or, d). you must be just plain lucky to be at the right time and place.

Exactly two weeks before Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) of this year while doing my early morning grocery shopping at the retail chain store that made someone from Oklahoma spectacularly rich and famous, two (2) sealed boxes of Linksys AC1200+ Gigabit Router sat among other gadgets atop one of the shelves in the electronics department.

This $17 Linksys router may not be a top-of-the-line model, but the price tag is simply too good to pass up on

I was there to get some eggs, milk, a few cans of Spam & some other ingredients for a seafood dinner as well as new SkinGuard razor blades. But, definitely, not shopping for any electronics that particular day.

But, for a tech-junkie, how can I pass-up and not buy a brand-new, in still-sealed-box Linksys dual-band router with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports & a USB 3.0 port — for just $17 ????

It’s an older model alright -after I checked the product specs on my phone- but, nonetheless grabbed a box and headed off to the nearest price scanner to verify the price. It was not a mirage. It was really $17.

Back at home, I pondered what to do with my latest score. I already have two latest model Netgear routers as well as indoor & outdoor Hawking WiFi extenders – already a bit too much for such a small area of about 5K square feet.

Three days after my purchase, I had decided just to store the still-sealed router in the attic –as a backup unit.

It was only after three weeks that I would find out that the $17 Linksys router would serve as my new indoor WiFi extender after I discovered that the Hawking was no longer functioning.

Operating as a WiFi extender, this $17 dual-band Linksys router has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to hook up even more devices

Tying it up with my other 2 Netgear routers & making it operate as a dedicated WiFi extender -to the 2nd NG router that serves as an access point– was a bit tricky and took a bit of time.

But, the effort was well worth the $17 price tag.