A Flashback from Way Back

Relax.  You're not having a flashback.  Retro video game systems have made a massive resurgence in recent years, likely due to the fact that some kids never grow up.  There seems to be a real affection among the techno-geeks out there for the original gaming systems.  A cursory search of the internet will yield hundreds of results for websites dedicated to retro gaming.  These systems were all the rage back in the day, and it appears that their time has come again.

Back when I was a young boy, these gaming systems were like a gift from the heavens.  The only way I was able to play video games was to go downtown to the arcade.  This posed a significant problem, as my parents were not too keen on the idea of letting me go downtown by myself.  Furthermore, the local arcade tended to attract some shady characters.  I skipped school one afternoon and went down to play Ms. Pac-Man, but I got caught by a truant officer.  After that incident, my parents were only too eager to buy me the new Atari.

Man, I loved that system.  The Atari 2600 had all the best games.  Asteroids was, by far, my favorite game.  Dude, I could play that game forever.  Or so it seemed.  What about Pitfall?  I loved that game, too.  Then, Kung-Fu Master came out!  I don't think I left my bedroom for a month.  At the time, I swore I wouldn't sleep until I rescued the fair Princess Victoria.  Damn those knife throwers!  To this day, my parents still blame that game for the decline in my grades that semester.  

By the time the home video game market bottomed out in 1984, I had amassed a rather large collection of games.  I sort of lost interest in video games around that time.  I ended up giving my Atari and all of the games to my kid brother.  I didn't play it much anymore, and I was too busy trying to get a girlfriend.  In retrospect, I wish I had kept that system.  I would love to spend an evening playing Space Invaders!  Maybe I'll see if that arcade is still open.  I wonder if girls ever go there

A Moving Experience

I’ve found a cool apartment! Okay, okay…so it’s not perfect. Just a few bugs. I mean literally! First expense? An exterminator! Is it worth the cash? Well, I can’t afford a more expensive place, so a one-time (please!) cash outlay should be okay. Maybe just a can of “Raid?”

I need a way to move my stuff. Daddy, can I borrow your truck? You don’t have one? Why not? Do you want one? I’ll help you pick it out! Well, it was just a suggestion. No need to get all bent out of shape! I guess I’d better call the truck rental places. What do you mean…$200…PLUS mileage? AND Gas? Good grief!

While I’m on the phone I’ll call the utility and phone companies. Yes, I know I haven’t used your services before. No, I don’t have a credit card; this is my first place. You want what? A $100 deposit? For EACH? Holy cow…do you people have a license to steal? 

Daddy, I need $500 for moving expenses! I used all my money for the first and last months rent AND the damage deposit. Well, how was I to know this was going to be so expensive? Sell something? Daaaaad…I NEED my TV!

Boy, this place is pretty empty. Maybe I should buy a couch and a chair. Nah…I have my bed. That’ll be good enough. I don’t need a table; I’ll just use this box.

Renters Insurance? I don’t think so! What do I have to insure?

Just got my first phone call! I’d love to come to your party! Daddy, I need a car. Because it’s too far to walk to work, that’s why. Umm, Daddy…there’s car insurance too! Thanks, Dad…you’re the best! And gas? I didn’t think so…

Time for dinner. Let’s look in these boxes. Oh, No! No dishes or pans. No FOOD! 

Uhhh, Mom?

About Embroidery Machines

What happens when you combine the old hobby of stitching designs to a cloth or fabric with computer technology? You get an embroidery machine! Before embroidery is being done by hand that meticulously and painstakingly takes for several hours to finish. With the development of the embroidery machine, the process narrows down to a mere few minutes and even seconds. What is good about embroidery machine is that accuracy and perfection is always assured every time the needle starts to move. Since it is computer generated, every stroke of needle is assured to land on the right spot. 

If you are considering buying an embroidery machine, here are some things you should do:

Doing an initial research on different embroidery machine on the market (online or offline) is the best first step towards your goal of owning one. This would give you an overview of the type of embroidery machine you would need. From here you can now set your budget. Limit your shopping to your set budget so as not to get surprised once you are already shopping. One important remainder: an embroidery machine could cost thousands of dollars so you have to be mindful of your set budget. Make sure you don’t go with the most expensive for sometimes, cost cannot be equated with quality.

After you have done some initial research and have already set your budget, you should not rush on the nearest appliance store or online shops. You should identify the features you want. Some embroidery machines are built for industrial purposes- the ones that are tough and can do several stitches in short span of time. Some embroidery machines are capable of stitching on soft fabrics. Some would do well in leather and heavy fabrics. So what should you choose? If you think you would not be able to put it under extreme work, then there is no need to buy high-end machines. Other embroidery machines are so complex; they can do several tasks in one time. Though it is very tempting to buy this kind of machine, still have to ponder if you can maximize this type. Make sure that the embroidery machine you buy would definitely serve your purpose.

If you are only beginning to love embroidery, make sure you settle for basic machines. Upgrade only once you progress your technical skill. Most people would tend to buy the most sophisticated and complex embroidery machine you could find. And more often than not, these machines are left useless and gathering dusts for owners do not know how to use it. 

If you are planning to make embroidery a living, you still have to consider its purpose. Choose a machine that would answer the specific task you expect them to give. For example: if you desire a machine that would solely do embroidery, then settle for a particular one that would do the specific kind. 

Several embroidery machines have additional accessories that could be added afterwards. Usually additional accessories compatible with the machine are enumerated. Choose an embroidery machine that does not necessarily have the most accessories. Instead, choose one with accessories you can use.

Finally, make sure you do not go primarily for brand names. Although you can surely trust those with good and tested names, go after the product, features, warranty, service, and price.