Sandwich Eaters’ Chronicle: Morsels of Mall Walking, Magnetic Tape & More

Posted: October 2nd, 2012 | Filed under: Sandwich Eater Chronicle | No Comments »

I know, it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve checked in. Real life trumps blogging, you know?

Besides Doonesbury’s been giving the profession the what for recnetly. So many of us have been lying low. (And a tip of the hat to the grammarian I recently read somewhere who explained the difference in proper usage between lay and lie. The former requires an object, the latter doesn’t.)

Know that I haven’t eschewed my obsession with sandwichiness while I’ve been away. Saturday night I bought cold cuts to munch on while some fellows and I watched the U of L game. And just last night, I stopped by L’il Cheezers for some of boffo tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and a fried egg.

Sandwiches ‘r’ Still Us.

* * * * *

I don’t usually comment on TV shows. Mainly because I mostly watch sports and “Treme” and the occasional show on PBS. Okay, “Storage Wars” did interest me for awhile, but that’s over.

But I do have a new obsession.

“Holmes on Homes.”

It’s on the DIY Network. Mike Holmes is a contractor, who is, to be understated, quite confident in his abilities. The guy is cocky, and universally dismissive of the work of those who have gone before him. Apparently, he does really know his stuff, but he sure does continually remind the audience of that belief.

The show’s premise is that people have had some work done in their homes, and it’s not done correctly. Leaky roof. Drafty room above the garage. Mold in a new bathroom. Etc, etc. Holmes comes in, diagnoses the issues, tells the homeowners he’ll make it right, then does so. He usually finds more problems after he starts tearing up walls and floors, whatever.

I’m not sure why I’ve become so fascinated, but I’m locked in. Some nights they show several episodes in a row, and I stick around.

At the end of the show, the owners always love the work. The wife hugs Holmes as he regales them with all the good work he’s done. He loads his truck, and with his work crew — and TV crew — moves on to the next rehab.

* * * * *

Is it my imagination, or are there all of a sudden a bunch of new bike shops in the east end?

* * * * *

I recently had to take my trusty Denon turntable in for repair. Yes, I still play my LPs.

Which isn’t such a bad thing, since it meant a trip to one of my favorite shops in town, Magnetic Tape Recorder Company, at the corner of Baxter and Payne. It’s just about the only place in town where they work on stereo equipment. I say that without actually researching it. There may be other places, but these guys love amps and turntables and speakers.

They are stereo geeks. The true descendents of Jay Carder, the guru of this kind of stuff around here, who used to have his shop, High Fidelity, in St. Matthews.

They not only work on equipment, but also have shelves full of both new and used amps and speakers and turntables to sell.

Anyway, it turned out all my turntable needed was a little adjustment, which the fellow did immediately and at no charge. Maybe he remembered that in recent months, I bought a new receiver and new CD player there. Maybe he’s just a good small businessman, who knows how to cultivate business.

At any rate, if you are in need of any of the kind of stereo stuff I’ve mentioned here, check out Magnetic Tape.

* * * * *

Mall walking is curious exercise at best.

I guess I understand the idea. It’s dry. It’s safe. There is sensory input to take one’s mind off the exertion. I believe some of the malls here might even have walking clubs. Or, maybe I made that up.

Anyway, it just seems weird watching people, usually golden agers, walking the perimeter of Oxmoor or wherever, dodging the sub teens talking on cellphones and the ladies too dressed up for a Tuesday afternoon, scurrying about with their Pottery Barn bags.

My favorite mall walker is a woman who does it at Mid City Mall. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. Always makes me smile.

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