Category: Florida

Happy National Florida Day!

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date January 25, 2023
No Comments on Happy National Florida Day!

“Florida Man” comic book cover featuring the titular character riding an alligator as it jumps over a convertible. — There’s plenty more of this at Florida Man Comics’ site!

As far as I’m concerned, every day is National Florida Day, but in the official sense, that day happens today and every January 25th.

Joey deVilla and Anitra Pavka smiling in front of the Henry B. Plant Museum building and its silver minarets and palm trees. — Me and Anitra last Sunday.

For the past nine years — yes, it’s been that long since I moved here — the Sunshine State has also been the Accordion Guy State. I’ve made a home and found my place here, and I’ve somehow managed to not become a “Florida Man” news story (I still have time…).

“This is Florida” promotional map graphic.

Florida became a state on March 3, 1845, but “for reasons” — a perfectly legal defense in Florida — National Florida Day is celebrated on January 25 each year.

I am now legally required to present a list of Florida facts, so here you go:

Wherever you are in Florida, you are never more than 60 miles (100 km) away from the ocean.
The average Florida temperature ranges from 65° to 70° F (18° to 21° C) in the northern region and 74° to 77° F (23° to 25° C) degrees in the southern region.
No dinosaur fossils have ever been found in Florida. [Joey’s note: Clearly whoever wrote this fact has never been to The Villages.]
The only place on the planet where crocodiles and alligators live together is in the Florida Everglades.
Every public building in Florida has an outward opening door due to strong winds during hurricane season.
Florida is the flattest state in the United States of America. Florida is so flat in fact that its highest point is the lowest high point of any state in the USA. At just 345 feet (105 meters), Britton Hill, Florida’s highest peak, is lower than many of Miami’s skyscrapers.
Florida got its name from Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who named it ‘La Florida’, meaning “land of flowers”.
Florida has the longest coastline in the continental US.
Florida is the only state that borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Florida is the southernmost point in the USA. Technically Hawaii is the southernmost state in the country, but geographically, Florida is the southernmost point.
Greater Miami is the only metropolitan area in the country with two national parks. Miami is home to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park.

Joey deVilla in a lei and aloha shirt holding an oversized beer stein. — Livin’ it up Florida style.

How do I plan on celebrating National Florida Day? The Florida Way, of course: golf and drinks! Anitra and I both won a raffle that gets us a free session at Top Golf this evening!

The patio at Top Golf. — The deck at Top Golf.

I may also have to pick up some Florida Man comics…

Florida Florida of the Day Stranger than Fiction The Current Situation

One of Elvis’ jets is up for auction outside Orlando

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date January 4, 2023
No Comments on One of Elvis’ jets is up for auction outside Orlando

Exterior of the Jetstar for sale. It is red with silver stripes and is dilapidated. — The Lockheed Jetstar in question.

This 1962 Lockheed JetStar — an aircraft from the beginning of the jet age — was once owned by Elvis Presley, and it’s up for sale at an auction right being held in Kissimmee from January 4th through 14th.

Here’s a video about the plane:

The Jetstar’s dual jet pod engine near its tail section. — An operational Jetstar has dual jetpods on either side of the tail section. The Elvis jet’s engines were removed a while back. (Creative Commons photo by Thomas R Machnitzki; here’s the source.)

Avid planespotters will note that it doesn’t have any engines. They were removed a long time ago, and it means that this plane can’t fly. Whoever buys it will have to disassemble it for shipping. This sale isn’t for someone who wants to travel in a classic private plane, but an enterprising individual or group who wants to start (or add to) an aviation museum or an Elvis museum.

The front section of the Jetstar, with its door open and the boarding stairs deployed. — Elvis has left the plane.

From the auction page for the plane:

For decades, Lockheed’s JetStar was the executive jet of choice for countless A-listers, recognized dignitaries and star-studded celebrities, and this 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar is no exception, as it was once owned by the king of rock ‘n’ roll: Elvis Presley. Presley acquired it from OMNI Aircraft Sales Inc. on December 22, 1976 for the princely sum of $840,000.
…
When Elvis took ownership of this particular JetStar, registered with the FAA as N-20TF, the entertainer was no stranger to luxurious aviation acquisition. He had already amassed a modest fleet, which included a custom Convair 880 named the “Lisa Marie” that went by the call sign of Hound Dog 1, along with a second JetStar identified by its call sign of Hound Dog 2.

Interior of the Jetstar showing the view from the aisle looking forward. Two red velvet seats are in the foreground, and there’s a lot of wood paneling the in background. — The interior is done up in red velvet with gold-tone metal accents. I am not surprised.

With a busy touring schedule, these crafts were needed to transport the singer, his TCB band, backup groups, Col. Tom Parker and the ever-present Memphis Mafia to venues, concerts and appearances all around the country. Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice.
This JetStar is one of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland. Inside, the cabin features wood paneling and red velvet upholstery with gold-finish hardware. There’s seating for nine by way of six plush chairs that swivel and recline, along with a couch. An onboard entertainment system is tucked away in a media cabinet, featuring a television, RCA VCR player and audio cassette player, and headphone ports with audio controls are located at every seat. A galley contains storage and a meal-prep area complete with a Kenmore microwave and beverage dispenser. At the rear is a lavatory along with additional storage and cubby areas.
In the spring of 1977, the jet was sold, later ending up with a Saudi Arabian company. The JetStar was then moved to Roswell International Air Center (ROW) in Roswell, New Mexico, where it’s been stored for decades and resides to this day. The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped, and coordinating assistance is available. Documentation joining the jet includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley, a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale and Official FAA Blue Ribbon documents. While the P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed and no engines or replacement parts will be included with the sale of Elvis’ jet, it serves as an incredible restoration opportunity and a chance to create a unique Elvis exhibit for all the world to enjoy.

Angle view from the aisle showing two face-to-face red velvet seats. There is a lot of wood paneling. — Gotta love that 1970s wood paneling!

The auction site lists these highlights about the jet:

Purchased by Elvis Presley on December 22, 1976 for $840,000
1 of several private jets owned by Elvis Presley, with two currently on display at Graceland
1 of 202 production JetStar airplanes produced by Lockheed
Includes a copy of the Aircraft Security Agreement document signed by Elvis Presley
Includes a copy of the Aircraft Bill of Sale documentation
Official FAA Blue Ribbon Documents included
Aircraft Serial No. 5016
FAA Registration No. N-20TF
Red exterior with silver accents
Custom interior upholstery featuring red velvet and gold-finish hardware
Onboard Kenmore microwave
Onboard television with RCA VCR player
Onboard cassette player
Wood cabin paneling and trim including window shades
Six passenger chairs with swivel and recline functionality
Onboard lavatory with vanity
Interior cabin seating for up to nine occupants
The P&W engines and many cockpit components have been removed
No engines or replacement parts are included with the sale
Stored for decades and currently residing at Roswell International Air Center (ROW)
The aircraft will require disassembly to be shipped (coordinating assistance available)
An incredible restoration opportunity to create an Elvis exhibit for the world to enjoy

Dilapidated cockpit of the plane. — The cockpit.

Interested in buy this plane? Check out its auction page for all the details.

Florida

When Florida grocery and drug stores are open on December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date December 31, 2022
No Comments on When Florida grocery and drug stores are open on December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023

“Clean all the things meme” with the caption “Happy New Year’s Eve - It’s almost 2023!”

For your convenience, here’s a list of when grocery and drug stores in Florida are open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Enjoy, and have a happy new year!

Store	Hours for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Albertsons	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.. More details on their holiday hours calendar.
Aldi	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
BJ’s Wholesale	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.. More details on their holiday hours calendar.
Costco	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
CVS	🎉 New Year’s Eve: Regular hours. These vary by store. 📅 New Year’s Day: Regular hours. These vary by store.
Duckweed Urban Grocery	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Hours vary by store. Visit their site for details.
Earth Fare	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
Fresco y Mas	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fresh Market	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Harveys	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Publix	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. opening, with most stores closing at 7 p.m.. Use the store locator if you want to find a Publix that’s open later.
Safeway	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sam’s Club	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
Sprouts	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Target	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Check the store locator for details.
Trader Joe’s	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: Closed.
Walgreens	🎉 New Year’s Eve: Regular hours. These vary by store. 📅 New Year’s Day: Regular hours. These vary by store.
Walmart	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Whole Foods	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. 📅 New Year’s Day: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Winn-Dixie	🎉 New Year’s Eve: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.. In-store pharmacies will close at 6:00 p.m.. 📅 New Year’s Day: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. In-store pharmacies will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m..

Florida Music Stranger than Fiction Tampa Bay

For sale in Tampa Bay: A gorgeous monster “Eurorack” analog synth setup for $28K

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date December 28, 2022
No Comments on For sale in Tampa Bay: A gorgeous monster “Eurorack” analog synth setup for $28K

A massive setup of various analog synthesizer modules — think of a commercial airplane cockpit, but with more patch cables — in three large racks, effectively creating a wall of knobs, buttons, cables, and the occasional LCD screen. — Tap to view at full size.

I can’t justify spending $28K on this monster analog synth setup, but maybe you can. If you’re working on a soundtrack or sound design for a movie or game, or the next big electronica/EDM/electroacoustic masterpiece, this collection of systems assembled into three racks just might be the thing you’re looking for!

The seller’s based in Clearwater, and the lucky buyer will have to pick it up there or someplace nearby, and you’ll probably need at least an SUV with the back seats folded down to drive away with three racks’ worth of gear.

Upper two racks of the synth system. — Tap to view at full size.

Here’s what the ad in Facebook Marketplace says:

Condition: Used — like new

Massive Eurorack setup including three Doepfer A-100 cases. Everything has black panels and has a nice aesthetic. I have extra panels for a few items that didn’t come in black. I have almost all the original manufacturer boxes.

Also will include a huge lot of organized eurorack cables, extra power cables, and misc screws and parts.

This is a truly incredible setup!

Must pickup in Clearwater or arrange for meet-up in Florida. I can drive to your or meet you – free – depending on location. Not willing to ship – way too large, heavy, and delicate.

Lower two racks of the synth system. — Tap to view at full size.

Here’s a modular grid view of the upper case:

Detail view of all the components in the upper rack. — Tap to view at full size.

You can see a larger view of the upper rack here, and it contains the following:

Schlappi Engineering 100 Grit (black) Low Pass Filter, VCA, and Distortion with Brass Touchpoints
Schlappi Engineering Interstellar Radio (Black Panel) – DESTRUCTIVE TRANSMISSION LINE
Schlappi Engineering Angle Grinder (Black) – Sine waves and grinding feedback
2hp Freez (Black Panel) – Freez is a voltage controlled locked looper
Erica Synths Black CV Tool – Full analogue CV and audio processor
Erica Synths Ringfade – Ringmodulator/Crossfader/VCA
Empress Effects ZOIA Euroburo – Complete Modular System by Empress Effects
Erica Synths Pico INPUT – Instrument input booster
Erica Synths Drum Mixer Lite – Compact Drum Mixer with a compressor
Erica Synths Drum Stereo Mixer – Stereo mixer, 4 stereo in, with limiter
Erica Synths Black Stereo Mixer V3 – 4 input stereo mixer
Erica Synths Black Output Module v2 – High quality output mixer and stereo panner with balanced outputs and headphone amplifier.
Expert Sleepers ES-5 mk3 – Gate, Clock and Sync expander for the ES-3 Lightpipe to CV DAC
Expert Sleepers ES-9 – USB Audio Interface
Erica Synths Fusion VCO2 – Full analogue sound source with lots of distinct features
Erica Synths Fusion VCO2 – Full analogue sound source with lots of distinct features
Erica Synths Fusion VCA-Waveshaper-Ringmodulator – Unconventional VCA/Waveshaper/Ringmodulator
Erica Synths DIY Polivoks VCO II – Updated design based on the original Polivoks VCO
4ms Company Ensemble Oscillator (Black Panel) – Black panel for the Ensemble Oscillator
Erica Synths Black Double Bass – Erica Synths Black Double Bass is unique module that combines two transistor suboscillators (-1 and -2 octaves) and lowpass filter.
2hp ADSR (Black Panel) – Four Stage Linear Envelope
Erica Synths Black Quad VCA2 – Four channel voltage controlled amplifier and mixer
Erica Synths Pico VCA – Dual linear VCA
Erica Synths Black Quad VCA2 – Four channel voltage controlled amplifier and mixer
Erica Synths Drum Mixer – Dedicated Drum Mixer with a compresor
CalSynth uO_C – Micro Ornament & Crime in matte black
Acid Rain Technology Navigator – Attenuator, Attenuverter and Mixer
Erica Synths Black MIDI-CV v2
Polyend Poly 2 – Polyend Poly 2 MIDI to CV Converter
Instruō Harmonaig – Chord generating quantizer

Here’s a modular grid view of the center case:

Detail view of all the components in the center rack. — Tap to view at full size.

You can see a larger view of the center rack here, and it contains the following:

Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF V2
Polivoks VCF with original programable opamps
Erica Synths DIY Multimode VCF – DIY Multimode VCF based on AS3320 chip
Erica Synths Fusion VCF3 – Resonant 24dB/oct lowpass filter
Erica Synths Black LPG – Novel LPG design with a decay envelope
Erica Synths Black Dual ASR EG – Full analogue looping AD/ASR envelope generator
Erica Synths Fusion Modulator – Complex, all analogue modulation source
Xaoc Devices Zadar (black panel) – Optional accessory replacement panel.
Alyseum MATRIX II – 16 X 16 Sequential Matrix I/O router.
Synthesis Technology E370 Quad Morphing VCO (black panel) – Quad Morphing VCO
Erica Synths Bassline – Full analogue synth voice module for ultimate acid basslines
Neutron Sound Dust of Time – Dual stereo oscillator with modulators
Modbap Modular Osiris – Bi-Fidelity Wavetable Oscillator
ST Modular OBERHAUSEN – Complex Oscillator
CalSynth uBraids II – Mutable Instruments Braids Oscillator Module
Erica Synths Drum Mixer – Dedicated Drum Mixer with a compresor
Synthrotek 2HP Buff Mult – Compact buffered multiple
Moog Music Inc. DFAM – Drummer From Another Mother – Semi-Modular Analog Percussion Synthesizer
Erica Synths Sample Drum – Sample Drum with the current screen
Erica Synths Bass Drum – 909-style Bass Drum Module
Erica Synths Snare Drum – 909-inspired Snare Drum
Erica Synths TOMS – Low Tom, Mid Tom and High Tom in a sigle module
Erica Synths HiHats D – Erica Synths take on classical 909 HiHats sounds
Erica Synths CLAP – Classical drum machine Clap sound in eurorack
Erica Synths Cymbals – Distinct topology digital/analogue cymbals module
Erica Synths Dual Drive – Dual overdrive/distortion
Synthrotek 2HP Buff Mult – Compact buffered multiple
Erica Synths Black Output Module v2 – High quality output mixer and stereo panner with balanced outputs and headphone amplifier.
Synthrotek 2HP Buff Mult – Compact buffered multiple
Moog Music Inc. Subharmonicon – Semi-modular synthesizer based on Trautonium and Rhythmicon concepts for Moogfest 2018
Erica Synths Drum Stereo Mixer – Stereo mixer, 4 stereo in, with limiter
Erica Synths Drum Sequencer with Black Keys – X0X-style live performance oriented sequencer
Erica Synths Pico Mixer – 3 channel DC coupled mixer for CV and audio signals
Erica Synths Pico Mixer – 3 channel DC coupled mixer for CV and audio signals
1010 Music BitBox 2.0 Black Panel – Sampler, Looper, Slicer & Recorder
Synthrotek 2HP Buff Mult – Compact buffered multiple
4ms Company 1hp Blank Panel – 1hp Blank
Erica Synths Drum Stereo Mixer – Stereo mixer, 4 stereo in, with limiter
Blue Lantern Modules CMOS Clock Divider – Musical Clock Divider
Moog Music Inc. Moog Mother-32 – Complete semi-modular voice with sequencer and keyboard

And finally, here’s a modular grid view of the lower case:

Detail view of all the components in the lower rack. — Tap to view at full size.

You can see a larger view of the lower rack here, and it contains the following:

XOR Electronics Nerdseq – IO Expander – IO Expander black
XOR Electronics Nerdseq Black Aluminium Front – The Nerdseq is a Hybrid Tracker Sequencer
XOR Electronics Nerdseq – ‘More Triggers 16’ Expander Black – 16 additional trigger/gate outputs
Poly Effects Hector (Black Panel) – (Black panel version of Hector)
Synthesis Technology E520 Hyperion Processor (black panel) – Stereo Effects Processor
Synthrotek 2HP Buff Mult – Compact buffered multiple
Orthogonal Devices Black ER-301 – Voltage-controllable canvas for digital signal processing algorithms
Erica Synths Black Joystick2 – 4 channel recordable Joystick controller
Instruō arbhar expander – arbhar expander (included w/ module)
Erica Synths Black Stereo Delay
Instruō arbhar – Granular processor
Erica Synths Black Hole DSP2 – Stereo Effects Processor
Endorphin.es Milky Way (black) – 16 Algorithm Stereo FX Processor
Erica Synths Black BBD – Dual tap analogue delay
Erica Synths Dual FX – 2×8 custom FXes
Strymon Magneto – Stereo multi-head tape delay emulation, looper, phrase sampler, reverb, clock multiplier, chaotic oscillator
Erica Synths Black Octasource – LFO with 8 simultaneous outputs
Erica Synths Modulator – An advanced modulation and pitched noise source with focus on rhythmic (but not limited to) compositions in mind
Erica Synths Pico RND – Combined LFO/random source
Acid Rain Technology Maestro – Clocked Modulation Controller
Mordax DATA (BLACK) – Four channel oscilloscope, Spectrum analyzer, Spectrograph, Tuner, Dual waveform generator, Clock source/div/mult, and more

Closeup of the synth setup’s sequencer section. — Tap to view at full size.

Closeup of synth system’s center rack. — Tap to view at full size.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with synthesizers (I used to be — and still am — a synth keyboardist), this rack is a killer collection of:

Synthesizers, which make all the beep boop sounds,
Drum machines, which make all the thumpy and OONTZ OONTZ OONTZ sounds,
Sequencers, which record the order in which the beep boop, thumpy, and OONTZ OONTZ OONTZ sounds should be played,
Effects, which add dimension to all the sounds, from reverb to echo to distortion to oddball sonic effects.

Closeup of synth system’s center and lower racks. — Tap to view at full size.

The asking price is US$28,000. I can’t tell you if this is a good price or not; I’m more familiar with the more conventional synths you’ll find at Sam Ash or Guitar Center than with this sort of rig.

Maybe someone should contact Trent Reznor and see if he’d be interested in coming down to Clearwater, and maybe, you know, meet up with me for a beer or two?