Wmcmanus

Did this same search a couple of years ago, and the Panasonic UB820 for $400 (ish) seemed to be the clear winner from a value perspective. But they also make a reference-level player for $1k (ish), Panasonic UB9000. Essentially is has the same video and audio quality as the 820, but said to maybe be slightly better in certain nebulous ways, forget which and why. The main difference is that it's built like a tank and looks and feels like a proper high end audio system component. Of course I bought one of each, like I do. But they're in totally different locations and connected to totally different TVs and systems. I never did A/B them. Duh!! Those who have compared them seem to think that the 9000 may be slightly better. Which likely means better at feeding your placebo and ego needs. But the 9000 sure is a nice piece of gear, and probably worth an extra $100 or $200 for that. If it was $600, maybe a logical case could be made for it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q2GXYRG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

Thanks, man.

Thanks, guys! It was another good one. They all are as we start getting older... urgh! But thankful for sure.

What an incredible talent. RIP, John Mayall. https://deadline.com/2024/07/john-mayall-dead-bluesbreakers-1236019591/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1NWKjVLePZ-1BMkDXsxULtYWYCKUh7jnXdqbIbjt5e4NWuFhIn_IJxH4Q_aem_AecvaVoFEuaJ0oQ00qEQ4w

Really liked him. Not much else to say. Glad he got to live a full life. RIP.

Leon McBryde, one of my favorite Santa performers and a good friend of mine over the past 15 years or so. He was famous first as Buttons the Clown in the Ringling Brothers circus, and later in life as the professional Santa Claus at The Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas. He and his friend Stephen Gillham worked as a "Brothers Claus" team teaching all of the tricks of the trade at most of the large Santa training venues. Suffice it to say, he was one of a kind. https://famousclowns.org/circus-clowns/leon-mcbryde-aka-buttons-biography/ https://santaclaushall.com/2017-inductees/leon-a-mcbryde/

Fuck, just saw that. RIP, Bill Walton, you crazy man, you, and I mean that in the best possible way. He was always a trip to listen to. Fuck cancer, and colon cancer in particular. "But you have to understand, my beard is so nasty. I mean, it's the only beard in the history of Western civilization that makes Bob Dylan's beard look good." - Bill Walton

David Sanborn, 78 (seemed younger), talented guy. Fuck cancer.

Sad. He was a gem and will be missed.

Nice that you guys keep this thread and the Mattnog tradition going. He would have loved this thread. Well, no, actually, he wouldn't have said a word about it. But it would have made him feel good inside to know that you cared that much about him and that you still remember him well.

Bobby Knight again. Touching. https://www.facebook.com/BTN/videos/1034189737615695/

RIP, Bobby! He could be a real piece of work at times, but he sure could coach. As intense as they'll ever get and the results spoke for themselves.

Hey, what can I say? Hope you're all doing well.