Sunday, July 26, 2015

your personal website archive

While archive.org is the biggest online website archive - you have no control over it. If you want something that archives on command, you can use archive.is . It takes a "snapshot" of a webpage that will always be online even if the original page disappears. You can use it for your own sites or for other sites you like visiting. This way, you'll be able to see them even if they turn off or get suspended.

I found a firefly in my yard

It seems to be a larvae and every night I find her in the same place. After looking around in the vicinity I have found a few more. But this is the first year they appeared, I have no idea why or where they came from. Anyway, it's very nice to have them around.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Top 5 automatic watches brands considering price and quality

After reading tons of online materials and testing over a hundred watches, I will summarize here a top of the best watches in terms of quality and price. Please be aware that the top will not include Chinese cheapies and it will not include snob watches.



  1. Seiko - By far, this is the winner. You can find on Amazon a brand new Seiko 5 for $56. They are reliable watches and you simply cannot get better quality for this money. 
  2. Orient - Plenty of models, good prices and decent movements. You can choose from sports or dressy designs and lately even military inspired. You can find nice and reliable models around $100.
  3. Tissot  - Most of their automatic models are using 2824-2 ETA movement. This movement has everything you need: manual winding option, hacking, excellent accuracy and fine tuning adjustments. However, the price is much higher than on any other brand discussed here, you'll need to spend around $500.
  4. Citizen - Their automatic watches come with Miyota movements. You simply cannot go wrong with these movements, there are people reporting 15+ years without any service and still going well.
  5. Vostok - Vostok has the Amphibia line, which to some people may appear rugged and old, but personally I like these watches very much. 200 meters water resistance comes as standard, nice plexiglass and very original appearance.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Baby birds I found today (Red backed shrikes - Lanius collurio)



I have found this nest today. I'm not sure what species of bird is it, I'll have to spy for their parents. I'm very concerned a cat might notice this, because it's very close to the ground.


[UPDATE]: After only a dozen of minutes, the parents came to feed them, so here they are:





It seems they are Red backed shrikes (Lanius collurio).