tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-112295642024-03-07T21:55:50.907-05:00B(ridge) and T(unnel) CrowdB and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.comBlogger453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-67871708209211052822013-04-08T20:47:00.000-04:002013-04-08T20:47:57.233-04:00Have you cut the cord, but still want to watch some cable TV? Then stream itSo far we’ve cut the cable TV cord and maximized our over-the-air (OTA) antenna reception including the sharing of a coax cable with an Internet feed. While I extol the virtues of cutting the cable cord (<a href="http://adage.com/article/media/1-million-people-cut-pay-tv-cords-year/240677/" target="_blank">one million people cut the cord in 2012</a>), there are moments when I long for a quip from Stephen Colbert or really want to watch a U.S. men's or women's soccer match. At least for soccer, my only viewing options are to go to a bar, invite myself over a friend's house, or hide in the bush in front of my friend's house and watch it through his living room window.<br />
<br />
But there's actually another choice...a media server! Join me as I walk you through this exciting world! And use an exclamation point for three sentences in a row! This is the fourth and final chapter in this OTA adventure, so in case you missed what has been covered so far, here's a recap:<br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 1 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-watch-local-hdtv-channels.html" target="_blank">Receive HD channels on your TV with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna</a></b><br />
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<b>Chapter 2 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/optimize-your-ota-antenna-signal-with.html" target="_blank">Optimize the antenna signal for all TVs with splitters</a></b><br />
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<b>Chapter 3 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/can-you-run-ota-antenna-tv-and-internet.html" target="_blank">Run an antenna's signal on the same cord as your Internet feed</a></b><br />
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<b>Chapter 4 - Stream videos from cable stations with a media server</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0DD3l7xBT9Mh_rOJO5D6y6y16m-MafykzC8IkDtpsq7A5JeA6UHRYNfn1OGmCfwWx1-3yASnxnwjjTlJeUCeTP1hXlJ6z8ZKPalD29bSH1r6ngI4yLucrhxCVelFJCXXA_E/s1600/diagram_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0DD3l7xBT9Mh_rOJO5D6y6y16m-MafykzC8IkDtpsq7A5JeA6UHRYNfn1OGmCfwWx1-3yASnxnwjjTlJeUCeTP1hXlJ6z8ZKPalD29bSH1r6ngI4yLucrhxCVelFJCXXA_E/s320/diagram_1.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<i>Your streaming media setup will look something like this.</i></div>
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<b>Media Server Concepts</b> <br />
A media server takes many forms; in our case I'm referring to a device that provides a more comfortable experience (interface) to watch online movies and TV shows on your TV. A media server visits streaming media web sites, pulls their content in, and displays
the content in an interface on your TV that's easier to navigate.<br />
<br />
Still
having trouble understanding? That's okay. Put it this way, you could
either visit the local farmer's garden for fruits and vegetables, the
butcher for your meat, and the five-and-dime shop for your cereal, or go
to the supermarket that pulls all of these together and
presents them more conveniently. You guessed it, the supermarket is a media
server. <br />
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Popular streaming media sites include YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix. Hulu streams network and cable programming with "limited commercial interruption" they're quick to point out. Hulu's basic service is free, but for a little less than $10/month, you get access to more shows and they're available sooner than basic users. A monthly subscription of $7.99/month is required for Netflix's streaming service. These sites work like YouTube except they offer different programming.<br />
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To watch streaming media from you computer, just point your browser to these sites, pick your show, and press play. Let's say for the purpose of this post that you'd rather watch streaming media from your couch. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyuJmoUc4n8gcNitnO6hHIs6gJqUzAm9J25o8BT-5Yr03zQRvryhZUzjs-fn3qaTt7_pKqoDRuwlr6Gb-16HkE9OIfNzJI9-FqcFTbdzBJUfidgNikcjkaVGG5bVLCWi2RY4/s1600/netflix+hulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyuJmoUc4n8gcNitnO6hHIs6gJqUzAm9J25o8BT-5Yr03zQRvryhZUzjs-fn3qaTt7_pKqoDRuwlr6Gb-16HkE9OIfNzJI9-FqcFTbdzBJUfidgNikcjkaVGG5bVLCWi2RY4/s320/netflix+hulu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Between these services, you'll find enough content to get your entertainment fix.</i></div>
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<b>Streaming Media Access</b><br />
In addition to visiting Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube for entertainment, all networks (CBS, NBC, FOX, and ABC) and many cable channels offer most of their shows on their web sites by navigating to their "view this show here" links to watch what you want for free. <br />
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I have a monthly subscription to Netflix streaming and have been very pleased with its performance. I'm able to view Netflix content at my computer, or sitting on the couch via my TiVo, PS3, or Wii. I prefer the PS3 because its Netflix interface is smooth and responsive. It's great watching entire seasons of programming without commercials. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ5K-go9HGs/UWBTZAxKehI/AAAAAAAAGTo/ACPIP86OQLw/s1600/archer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ5K-go9HGs/UWBTZAxKehI/AAAAAAAAGTo/ACPIP86OQLw/s400/archer.jpg" width="400" /></a><i> </i></div>
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<i>Netflix streaming offers the first three seasons of "Archer" and our country is better for it.</i></div>
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Cable channels that already require a separate subscription like HBO (whose streaming service is <a href="http://www.hbogo.com/#home/" target="_blank">called HBOGO</a>), and a selection of ESPN's live programming require you to verify that you already pay for those channels (which you don't if you cut the cord). You won't get to watch HBO or every game on ESPN, but let me remind you that it shouldn't stop you if you have a sight line into your friend's living room. Amazon also offers a streaming service that requires a subscription, but it's free for Prime members.<br />
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<b>Media Server Choices - Just Your TV</b> <br />
Some of today's HDTVs are well connected to the Internet and may already offer improved interfaces for selected streaming sites like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube. If that's the case, by all means go ahead and watch away by following your TV's instructions. If not, let's keep going and talk trash about those fancy TV owners. Such showoffs, they are!<br />
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<b>Media Server Choices - Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, Netgear NTV300, and Boxee Box --> TV</b><br />
These are names of boxes, about the size of your digital camera, that connect to your Internet router to pull streaming media and then display it in the user-friendly way I've been promising. My media server setup does not involve any of these devices. If you want more information about them, visit a site like <a href="http://deviceguru.com/google-tv-vs-apple-tv-vs-boxee-vs-roku">http://deviceguru.com/google-tv-vs-apple-tv-vs-boxee-vs-roku</a> and <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/set-top-showdown-apple-tv-vs-roku-3-vs-boxee-box-vs-wd-tv-play">http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/set-top-showdown-apple-tv-vs-roku-3-vs-boxee-box-vs-wd-tv-play</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOI3ne3NZYza-WrRg46VF66fGQMWgjIKUowogdSEDMGOgLHnwwQtGBS1GPCzqn964Y7iomwDXVvDwN1Mxh3TwzsohNJunx2fVc4HL2EHRJ2UVv9bcb7s716Q58Uuw_mWG_Dc/s1600/arrested+development+netflix.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOI3ne3NZYza-WrRg46VF66fGQMWgjIKUowogdSEDMGOgLHnwwQtGBS1GPCzqn964Y7iomwDXVvDwN1Mxh3TwzsohNJunx2fVc4HL2EHRJ2UVv9bcb7s716Q58Uuw_mWG_Dc/s400/arrested+development+netflix.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Netflix streaming is available from a ton of devices, so get on board in time for the new "Arrested Development" season coming May 26.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Media Server Choices - PC Software --<i>></i> PS3/XBox/Wii --> TV</b><br />
Another option is to use your computer as a media server device. The software uses your computer to take your Internet feed, grab the latest online offerings, and make them available on a variety of devices connected to your home network. From there you use that device, such as a PS3, XBox, or Wii, and watch the online offerings on your TV.<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_streaming_media_systems" target="_blank">this Wikipedia page</a>, there are tons of media server software choices. I'm not going to compare them here, but I will tell you that most will require you to pay for their services at a monthly, yearly, or one-time lifetime cost. Provided your computer handles streaming media well already, this software should run fine.<br />
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For my setup, I have been pleased with the performance of <a href="http://www.playon.tv/" target="_blank">PlayOn</a> for my media server software needs. After installing it on my computer with a lifetime subscription, I simply boot up my computer which runs PlayOn from the start, turn on my PS3 and TV, and I'm off and watching. PlayOn offers <a href="http://www.playon.tv/content-channels" target="_blank">tons of content</a>, improves the software regularly, and works seamlessly with major home devices.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3TrPwOrf4sM" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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<i>Let's reminisce on the experience of going to a video rental store.</i></div>
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Another piece of PlayOn software that's intriguing is its PlayLater program that records streaming media. I haven't tried it out, but it sounds great if you can delay your viewing while a program is recorded so you can watch it later and not sweat any buffering delays. The company does offer sales for lifetime memberships.<br />
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<b>Peace and Tranquility</b><br />
No longer viewing cable TV's content was tough at first, but then something funny happened...I found that life did go on without its filler programming. I still watch the same amount of TV, but instead I feed my viewing needs with other, cheaper, sources of TV entertainment. I pay a monthly subscription for Internet access (which I'd have anyway) and Netflix and have paid in full for the OTA antenna and PlayOn software. My monthly cost is still a fraction of what it was to be entertained and I don't have to deal with poor cable TV billing practices.<br />
<br />
I hope these four rambling posts have caused you to at least consider cutting the cord and joining the revolution.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-73566315553485064992013-02-23T16:51:00.002-05:002021-05-10T20:05:00.162-04:00Can You Run OTA Antenna TV and Internet Feeds on the Same Coax Cable? Yes!So far we’ve cut the cable TV cord and maximized our over-the-air (OTA) antenna reception for our TVs; however, if you're like me, there's a snag with sharing the antenna's signal with a TV that also depended on one coax (that's a coaxial cable if you're new to these procedures) to provide cable TV and the Internet feed. Fear not, for I would not lead you astray and will show you the way. This is the third chapter in this OTA adventure, so in case you missed what has been covered so far, here's a recap:<br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 1 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-watch-local-hdtv-channels.html" target="_blank">Receive HD channels on your TV with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna</a><br />
<br />
Chapter 2 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/optimize-your-ota-antenna-signal-with.html" target="_blank">Optimize the antenna signal for all TVs with splitters</a><br />
<br />
Chapter 3 - Run an antenna's signal on the same cord as your Internet feed<br />
<br />
Chapter 4 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/04/cut-cord-but-still-want-some-watch.html" target="_blank">Stream videos from cable stations with a media server</a></b><br />
<br />
When my cable TV was installed, a coax was run from the cable box on the bottom floor to the upstairs TV, which is where my main antenna is now located. When I went about maximizing my reception, I wanted to use the coax installed by the cable company to feed the signal from the main antenna upstairs back down to the single coax connected to the downstairs TV. The problem was that the coax from the cable box to the downstairs TV was still being used to connect me to the Internet (you only need one coax to run cable TV and the Internet). Because cable TV and the Internet feed use the same signal, a simple splitter is all that's needed to give the TV its channels and your Internet router its Internet data.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNucrL9L_zS-JxUDYpy6hkHyVmR5t6gHBJ6uVzAo86gZQ0lHv9mXYMjQH1CFtU94psWN9-MYFRn-VchVstAASfLmd42_7OtxRt17ogpDeTf0hbw2bCPKaXu6ASXv3RHkjVCk/s1600/No-Cable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNucrL9L_zS-JxUDYpy6hkHyVmR5t6gHBJ6uVzAo86gZQ0lHv9mXYMjQH1CFtU94psWN9-MYFRn-VchVstAASfLmd42_7OtxRt17ogpDeTf0hbw2bCPKaXu6ASXv3RHkjVCk/s320/No-Cable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Life does go on after you stop subscribing to cable TV, I promise.</i></div>
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The fix in my head was to combine the main antenna's signal with the Internet feed on one coax...if that was even possible. I did lots of research on audio/video forums to see if this was possible and almost <a href="http://www.avsforum.com/t/1145230/can-i-split-comcast-cable-internet-and-ota-antenna-on-same-coax-no" target="_blank">everyone said it was impossible</a>. Most said that you could not run the two different signals on the same coax because they run at different frequencies, there’s an issue with interference, and the gods would not allow it during the summer solstice.<br />
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However, I found one person who said you could use a device called a diplexer. It sounds ominous, but really it’s friendly once you get to know it. It took plenty of research to confirm that a diplexer would do the trick so let's hope you found this blog in less time than it took me to learn about diplexers and type this entry. Here’s how I used to diplexers to help cut the cord and solve this problem; your setup may differ, but the concepts still apply.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">I should stop burying the lede…to run an OTA signal on the same coax as an Internet feed, use one diplexer where the signals combine onto one coax and one diplexer where you want the signals to split again from that single coax.</span><br />
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<b>Step 1</b> - Return to your sketch in <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/optimize-your-ota-antenna-signal-with.html" target="_blank">chapter 2</a> of the optimal setup for your OTA signal, now knowing that you can run the OTA signal on the same coax as your Internet feed. Recall that using one antenna’s signal on multiple TVs does not decrease the video quality even when they’re all on and showing different stations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7eXhgd8j7CnvsLzZ-K02pyN0K7XwSeOCqwnlpWo9qwi2ikCYY7Gh277CXhuTDpQaD58pvJ0sZGZJrw57ahclvfgK-V7AcWlJeQuztqNS_6IEADS1u7YAVXaNkjjSY8dZsdc/s1600/diplexer-diagram.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7eXhgd8j7CnvsLzZ-K02pyN0K7XwSeOCqwnlpWo9qwi2ikCYY7Gh277CXhuTDpQaD58pvJ0sZGZJrw57ahclvfgK-V7AcWlJeQuztqNS_6IEADS1u7YAVXaNkjjSY8dZsdc/s640/diplexer-diagram.gif" width="363" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In my case, the "satellite antenna" is the Internet service provider's feed to the house, the red line is the single coax that carries both streams, and the "satellite signal" is the Internet feed that finds its way to the router.</i> </div>
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<b>Step 2</b> - One diplexer is needed to combine the antenna signal and Internet feed and another diplexer is necessary to (re)split them. Diplexers look like splitters and have all female ends just as splitters do. Go online or your electronics store and purchase your diplexers and connectors as necessary, holding onto that receipt just in case this whole experience fails. <br />
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<b>Step 3</b> - With your diplexers in hand, setup your main antenna and run its signal down to where you want to combine it with the Internet feed. It's okay to use a splitter anywhere in the feed’s path, no matter how far from the combination point, to reach other TVs before the fancy combining happens.<br />
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<b>Step 4</b> - Go where you want the antenna’s signal to combine with the Internet feed. Based on my story, this was outside on the first floor because of where the Internet (and cable TV) box was located.<br />
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<b>Step 5</b> - At the combination point, you should have a free hanging coax with a male end that finds its way back to the main antenna.<br />
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<b>Step 6</b> - Take one of the diplexers, we’ll call it diplexer A, and locate the side with two connectors (the bottom side in the picture above).<br />
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<b>Step 7</b> - Screw the male end of the coax from step 5 into one of the bottom side diplexer connectors, the side with more than one connector on it.<br />
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<b>Step 8</b> - Unplug your router (and modem if you have one).<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just one word: diplexers.</i></div>
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<b>Step 9</b> - Locate the box that pulls the Internet feed into your house, this is probably the same as what was/will be your cable TV box.<br />
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<b>Step 10</b> - Connected to the Internet box is a coax that runs into your house and is split with a familiar looking splitter. Disconnect this coax from the splitter, or closest connection point to the box, leaving the other end of the coax connected to the Internet box.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Step 11</b> - Take the free hanging Internet feed's coax (and its male end) and screw it into the other “IN” female connector of diplexer A.</div>
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<b>Step 12</b> - At the combination point, you now have diplexer A being fed the signal from the main antenna and your Internet feed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD0QkyyOw3QKWsWA8ykO9Px4KVum7Wu2PmCfaOzF4BwttfYtJaX1owplVfNWtYoaI8hGcw9DhCbSTsLRF2A0XvBJkLnAnt6SrArOluAul5hgtgi-Y4MGO6kWJK1K4T3JAQz4/s1600/diplexer+A+setup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD0QkyyOw3QKWsWA8ykO9Px4KVum7Wu2PmCfaOzF4BwttfYtJaX1owplVfNWtYoaI8hGcw9DhCbSTsLRF2A0XvBJkLnAnt6SrArOluAul5hgtgi-Y4MGO6kWJK1K4T3JAQz4/s400/diplexer+A+setup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here's my setup proving something, I'm just not sure yet.</i></div>
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<b>Step 13</b> - Locate the coax that runs into your dwelling; one end should still be screwed to the splitter that was connected to the Internet feed's coax.<br />
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<b>Step 14</b> - Unscrew this coax from the splitter. Congrats, you’ve got a free splitter from the cable company!<br />
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<b>Step 15</b> - Take this same coax and screw it to the “OUT” female connector of diplexer A. <br />
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<b>Step 16</b> - If all is well, diplexer A still has the antenna coax and Internet feed coax connected as inputs, and now has the coax that goes into your house connected to its output.<br />
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<b>Step 17</b> - Take hold of the other diplexer, let’s call it, oh I don’t know, diplexer B.<br />
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<b>Step 18</b> - Follow along the coax that goes into your house and locate its other end where you want to (re)split this super-mega-awesome combined feed. In my case, the cable company setup a coax that ended with a splitter sending the signal to the TV and Internet router.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyjLMUcj7V15e9kzREuSy-7HrW4hTwPNmCr1RvTv6zEo_lsOmroGrvWhUhy74nhKFCEdaN78M2UmZuDJVehUj8yDPkQLiSAjRyBo-D6hDfBk759XXlTv-3R_HeZsDcnPPPio/s1600/diplexer+B+setup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyjLMUcj7V15e9kzREuSy-7HrW4hTwPNmCr1RvTv6zEo_lsOmroGrvWhUhy74nhKFCEdaN78M2UmZuDJVehUj8yDPkQLiSAjRyBo-D6hDfBk759XXlTv-3R_HeZsDcnPPPio/s400/diplexer+B+setup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here's my diplexer B in action.</i></div>
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<b>Step 19</b> - Connect this main coax to the “OUT” female connector of diplexer B (it's the lonely port in the picture above, you can't miss it. Well I guess you could miss it, but then this whole thing won't work well).<br />
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<b>Step 20</b> - From the indoor splitter near you, unscrew the coax connected to your home's Internet router and then unscrew the coax that connects to your TV. Again, you're removing them from the splitter and not the router or TV. The router and TV will keep their coaxes attached.<br />
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<b>Step 21</b> - Locate the coax that runs to your home’s Internet router and screw its free end to a connector on diplexer B with multiple connectors (bottom of the picture above). In the pictured diplexer, the bottom connectors now become "OUT" connectors and the connector that's alone on one side becomes an "IN" port. <br />
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<b>Step 22</b> - Locate the TV’s free coax and screw it to diplexer B’s other “IN” or “INPUT” port. If you want to run multiple TVs from this feed, connect a splitter to this port on diplexer B and connect TVs from there as usual.<br />
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<b>Step 23</b> - Turn on a TV connected to the diplexer and see if you receive signals as done in <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-watch-local-hdtv-channels.html" target="_blank">Chapter 1</a>, step 19.<br />
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<b>Step 24</b> - Any luck? If so, high five yourself, I may have been speaking the truth afterall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb4UleTQPTERNU8LXU8svIS0AGEV6gG2o8ziOGcLkGr4jBgz3HSDnyjLww_JRptv65Dwz3hVHW-qTdp1WD-0IQGf0_saITJkZZ08WpsuXm_TnpgOB0i0UNaQ4T134W1l2x8Q/s1600/bad+cable+management.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb4UleTQPTERNU8LXU8svIS0AGEV6gG2o8ziOGcLkGr4jBgz3HSDnyjLww_JRptv65Dwz3hVHW-qTdp1WD-0IQGf0_saITJkZZ08WpsuXm_TnpgOB0i0UNaQ4T134W1l2x8Q/s400/bad+cable+management.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Don't forget the importance of cable management, keeping them bound and tidy.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Step 25</b> - Turn on all TVs receiving the main antenna’s feed and see if they receive channels too, setting them up as necessary. Pretty cool how you can watch different channels on each TV at the same time, right?<br />
<br />
<b>Step 26</b> - Plug in/turn on your Internet router and let it reconnect to the Internet; then plug in/turn on your modem and let it reconnect to the router. These devices should reconnect to the Internet on their own. If you see lots of lights flashing in good ways then we’re doing alright.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 27</b> - Find yourself a device that connects to the Internet and see if it can connect. Any luck? If so, give yourself two high fives! You may now have every TV tuned to different channels while streaming Internet video without any issues on any of them. As with any antenna signal splitting, channel reception is tied to the quality of a single antenna, but it should have been placed in a location that nullifies this issue.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 28</b> - Congratulations! You are now running the OTA antenna signal on the same coax as your Internet feed, have maximized the signal for every connected TV, and can wow people at your next cocktail party by saying things like, “I spent the weekend working with coaxes, splitters, and diplexers and I’m awesome.”<br />
<br />
In the fourth and final chapter, I’ll talk about replacing some of those cable channels you used to watch by relying on a media player and streaming video.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-22828000202837706682013-02-11T21:54:00.002-05:002021-05-10T20:05:17.484-04:00Optimize Your OTA Antenna Signal With SplittersIn my first post about cutting the cable TV cord, I showed you how to <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-watch-local-hdtv-channels.html" target="_blank">cut the cord and receive over-the-air HD channels</a>. At the very least you now have one TV connected to one antenna, or maybe multiple TVs with their own antennas. We can improve this design, using the best antenna for every TV's signal, even when they're on at the same time.<br />
<br />
Here are the chapters to follow me on this journey to glorious HDTV goodness:<br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 1 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-watch-local-hdtv-channels.html" target="_blank">Receive HD channels on your TV with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 2 - Optimize the antenna signal for all TVs with splitters</b><br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 3 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/can-you-run-ota-antenna-tv-and-internet.html" target="_blank">Run an antenna's signal on the same cord as your Internet feed</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 4 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/04/cut-cord-but-still-want-some-watch.html" target="_blank">Stream videos from cable stations with a media server</a></b><br />
<br />
Before you entertain the thought of using your best antenna location for every TV, you will need to have a coaxial cable (coax) running from the best antenna location to whichever TVs you have in mind. If your antenna's on the top floor and the TV's on the bottom floor, my advice won't help you if there's no coax between the two of them. Because you purchased an antenna to stop your cable TV service, it's likely that your cable company ran a coax to every TV in the house, meaning this might just work after all. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
In my case, I wanted to connect my TV that's downstairs to the TV and its antenna that's upstairs. Because the house was wired for cable TV, the TV that's upstairs has a coax from its location down to where the cable box used to be. Meanwhile, the TV that's downstairs is still near that same cable box area. Because the wiring is already done, this won't require me to drill holes through my walls.<br />
<br />
This blog post is much more interesting if your living quarters have coax running between whatever rooms you need from the prime antenna location. Let's assume that's the case so we can start the steps.<br />
<br />
Note: The antenna may be hooked up to a TV or another device capable of
searching for OTA channels. For example, my OTA antenna is hooked up to
my TiVo, just as I used to run my cable TV through the TiVo. For this
blog, assume "TV" means whatever device you're using to search for OTA
channels. <br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b> - Make a drawing of your setup from the main antenna to the other TVs, noting where the coax would have to split to reach each TV, including the need to add coaxes as necessary. Don't worry, I won't judge the drawing's quality, it just has to make sense to you.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2</b> - Determine how many splitters to purchase. What's a splitter you ask? Well a splitter splits a single coax signal, in this case the main antenna's, and sends it to coax outputs. The most common splitter takes one signal from a coax and splits it into two signals. Larger splitters split the signal into three or more signals as in the diagram below. In my case, the main antenna's signal had to be split to one other TV meaning I would need one splitter to split the signal to two outputs, allowing the antenna to work with its normal TV and the one downstairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u4T3dRyMqYt9D-Kq55feAi6Xr_qSnfoYlVnPgM_yKyG7QHxWyMV3jGxlemhj2QsXJjdVFMNiKb4ZyPYfOkCEmGqMGu4S4aEi_LY02E5x7qZWcl46nU2c6IEUgaaqXYo_tA4/s1600/coax+splitter+tv+diagram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u4T3dRyMqYt9D-Kq55feAi6Xr_qSnfoYlVnPgM_yKyG7QHxWyMV3jGxlemhj2QsXJjdVFMNiKb4ZyPYfOkCEmGqMGu4S4aEi_LY02E5x7qZWcl46nU2c6IEUgaaqXYo_tA4/s400/coax+splitter+tv+diagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This diagram gives a good idea of what we're trying to accomplish with a splitter.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Step 3</b> - Now that you know how many splitters you'll need, also note how many coaxes you'll need. Look at your drawing and note how many coaxes are needed and how many you have; also consider if you need to extend a coax by connecting it to another cable.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4</b> - Each coax has two male ends and a splitter only has female ends. Look at your drawing again and for each connection point, note each side's male or female end. Do you have two male ends connecting? Maybe two female ends are connecting? For these conflicts, you'll need female-to-female coax connectors or female-to-male coax connectors to bridge the issue. Make a note of what you need to purchase.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv-TUynh4XY/URcTMPS3jhI/AAAAAAAAGQg/3ptlAcnOvl0/s1600/coax+tv+connector+male+to+female.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nv-TUynh4XY/URcTMPS3jhI/AAAAAAAAGQg/3ptlAcnOvl0/s200/coax+tv+connector+male+to+female.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YeqVuEVcCM/URcSoa9NugI/AAAAAAAAGQY/J1ckSpHR86A/s1600/tv+coax+connector+female+to+female.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YeqVuEVcCM/URcSoa9NugI/AAAAAAAAGQY/J1ckSpHR86A/s200/tv+coax+connector+female+to+female.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You may need a mixture of female-to-female and male-to-female coax connectors for longer coax connections and device connections.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Step 5</b> - When you think you've got the right number of splitters, coaxes, and connectors for your design, look online or visit your local electronics store and buy the items. These are rather basic audio/video products so they're found everywhere. As always, keep your receipt in case you need to return items and check the store's return policy for opened items. <br />
<br />
<b>Step 6</b> - Optimize the main antenna's location. You already have a nice reception, but see if you can improve it by moving the antenna, adjusting its rabbit ears, or turning it in a new direction. Then see if you can receive even more channels; this may require you to rescan for available channels.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 7</b> - Note the main antenna's optimal location. The antenna will probably move during this chapter so this makes it easier to come back to when all is done.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 8</b> - Get all splitter(s), coaxes, and connectors in hand. For this post, we'll assume you're in the same boat as me, requiring just one splitter. Your home's coax, splitter, and connector needs will vary from my experience, but the same ideas apply.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 9</b> - Locate or place whatever coaxes you need to connect other TVs in your home. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Step 10</b> - Unscrew the main antenna from the TV or device it's connected to. <i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GFKiEQUdodj1H-DQjkSauHCcgu6KkbOK0-rtOGRHoU2_9luNkIfvDHihm35aIzSuesXK8FTjZtCoEOEGZbbozALKx_ORzBw3MtwuJTxZbWcqXFLXXknqXZCRi_AnMy3iAGw/s1600/splitter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GFKiEQUdodj1H-DQjkSauHCcgu6KkbOK0-rtOGRHoU2_9luNkIfvDHihm35aIzSuesXK8FTjZtCoEOEGZbbozALKx_ORzBw3MtwuJTxZbWcqXFLXXknqXZCRi_AnMy3iAGw/s320/splitter.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>With a nod to Ted Williams...all hail the splendid splitter!</i></div>
<br />
<b>Step 11</b> - Take the main antenna's coax cable and screw its male end into the splitter's female "IN" coax port. As with all coax connections, tightening it with your hand is enough and it doesn't have to be super tight.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 12</b> - Take a coax and screw it to one of the splitter's "OUT" coax ports. This should be a male-to-female connection.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 13</b> - Take the other end of this coax and connect it to the TV's coax port.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 14</b> - For the TV that's a new addition to this antenna, take its coax and screw it to the other splitter "OUT" port.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 15</b> - Take the other end of this coax and connect it to the TV's coax port.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 16</b> - If all is well, you now have a single antenna providing a signal to a splitter, and from that splitter there are two coaxes running to two TVs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuHDezHgfqYXMZ_ssfoU131WKeo78S48g4s9o46Pk6CdvjzbdTnYjX6N6Sy1vnZ3Y3cI6sqaGmk1GgK-cUsNsFGYcX2kmiF88p1PvYt3bYxEIFiPUXvhTZw_5GTMnC-r54Hw/s1600/diplexer+C+setup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuHDezHgfqYXMZ_ssfoU131WKeo78S48g4s9o46Pk6CdvjzbdTnYjX6N6Sy1vnZ3Y3cI6sqaGmk1GgK-cUsNsFGYcX2kmiF88p1PvYt3bYxEIFiPUXvhTZw_5GTMnC-r54Hw/s400/diplexer+C+setup.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My beloved splitter setup.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Step 17</b> - Return the main antenna to its optimal location noted in step 7.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 18</b> - Run a channel reception search for each TV; this can be done at the same time. Both TVs should find the same stations. If they don't list the same stations, it's because one of the TVs doesn't consider a station with low reception worthy of saying it is available, while the other one does. If you connected more than two TVs to the splitter, repeat this process with each TV.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 19</b> - Congrats! Now your TVs have the best OTA reception possible and they can watch TV at the same time.<br />
<br />
In my next post, I'll introduce you to the world of diplexers which solved my problem of running an OTA antenna's signal on the same coax as my Internet feed.<br />
<br />B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-65391159633209264802013-02-09T20:10:00.001-05:002021-05-10T20:05:02.249-04:00How to Watch Local Channels in HD Without Cable TVI invite you to join me on a journey. A journey to a magical world free of cable TV bills, shyster pricing, and frustrating phone calls when your bill is wrong or your service is on the fritz. If you follow this four-chapter journey you will leave the land of $100+ cable TV bills and finish in Shambhala where the cable TV industry's poor pricing model has no place.<br />
<br />
Our journey's chapters (links available as they're published):<br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 1 - Receive HD channels on your TV with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna</b><br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 2 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/optimize-your-ota-antenna-signal-with.html" target="_blank">Optimize the antenna signal for all TVs with splitters</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 3 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/02/can-you-run-ota-antenna-tv-and-internet.html" target="_blank">Run an antenna's signal on the same cord as your Internet feed</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Chapter 4 - <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2013/04/cut-cord-but-still-want-some-watch.html" target="_blank">Stream videos from cable stations with a media server</a></b><br />
<br />
Why should you listen to me? These steps worked for me after I taught myself and made some mistakes. I hope these posts save you from the same mistakes.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Let's hope the cord cutting is a smooth ride for us all. </i></div>
<br />
<b>Chapter 1 - Set Up Your HDTV with an OTA Antenna</b><br />
<br />
Note: The antenna may be hooked up to a TV or another device capable of searching for OTA channels. For example, my OTA antenna is hooked up to my TiVo, just as I used to run my cable TV through the TiVo. For this blog, assume "TV" means whatever device you're using to search for OTA channels.<br />
<br />
<i>April 2013 Update - If you're comfortable with streaming media, you now have the option of streaming local OTA content from a rented antenna in your area. Thanks to the recent <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2013/04/01/aereo-wins-appeals-court-ruling/2042527/" target="_blank">appellate ruling in the 2nd Circuit in NY</a>, Aereo may continue offering and expanding such a service.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b> - Don't do anything. I know you can't wait to flip off the cable company and disconnect, but don't do it until you're able to watch TV without that moneysucking cord. <br />
<br />
<b>Step 2</b> - Do something. Determine which channels you should expect to receive with different OTA antennas. Visit <a href="http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29" target="_blank">http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29</a><a href="http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29" target="_blank"></a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 3</b> - Enter your address and click the "Find Local Channels" button.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4</b> - Try not to be worried by the flood of data that appears. All you care about is what channels fall under which color backgrounds. As it states on the bottom of the page: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="1"><thead>
<tr><th align="right" scope="colgroup"><div align="right">
Background color</div>
</th> <th align="left" scope="colgroup"><div align="left">
Estimated signal strength</div>
</th> </tr>
</thead> <tbody>
<tr align="center"> <td align="right" style="background-color: #e5ffe5;"><div align="right">
Green</div>
</td> <td align="right" style="background-color: #e5ffe5;"><div align="left">
An indoor "set-top" antenna is probably sufficient to pick up these channels</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right" style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><div align="right">
Yellow</div>
</td> <td align="right" style="background-color: #ffffe5;"><div align="left">
An attic-mounted antenna is probably needed to pick up channels at this level and above</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right" style="background-color: #ffe5ff;"><div align="right">
Red</div>
</td> <td align="right" style="background-color: #ffe5ff;"><div align="left">
A roof-mounted antenna is probably needed to pick up channels at this level and above</div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right" style="background-color: #e5e5e5;"><div align="right">
Grey</div>
</td> <td align="right" style="background-color: #e5e5e5;"><div align="left">
These channels are very weak and will most likely require extreme measures to try and pick them up</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 5</b> - Do you see most of your local channels in the green section? That's great! You get to start with the cheapest digital antenna out there! If most of your local channels were in other colors, don't sweat it; all it means is that you'll probably have to buy a more powerful antenna.<br />
<br />
Ranking antennas in terms of signal pulling strength/cost in order of weakest/cheapest to strongest/most expensive, antennas generally go indoor/non-amplified, indoor/amplified, outdoor/non-amplified, and outdoor/amplified. Some posters on technical forums say that amplification degrades the signal a bit, but I'm not sure that I'd even notice.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 6</b> - Note which antenna should do the trick for your TV viewing needs. If you live in a city or near other houses, you may need a more powerful antenna than what's stated here, but that's why receipts were created to return items you don't want. I suggest trying the "lowest" model and work your way up as needed; often this will be an indoor/non-amplified model.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 7</b> - Digital antennas come in four flavors, indoor (non-amplified and amplified) and outdoor (non-amplified and amplified). Living close to DC and surrounded by townhomes, I chose to start with the cheapest, an indoor non-amplified model, and haven't had any issues. As you might expect (and just read), outdoor models are more expensive than indoor, and amplified is more expensive than non-amplified. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkeXD-LjAlI/URW5aQ0pizI/AAAAAAAAGPo/uBTdZxL-kb0/s1600/philips_sdv2710_27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lkeXD-LjAlI/URW5aQ0pizI/AAAAAAAAGPo/uBTdZxL-kb0/s320/philips_sdv2710_27.jpg" width="174" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There's no shame in using an antenna with rabbit ears when the picture's crystal clear.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Step 8</b> - Visit a site like Amazon or go to an actual store and find an indoor or outdoor (are you comfortable installing it to the outside of your house?) HDTV antenna. From there, pick an amplified or non-amplified model that suits your price point, has lots of positive reviews, and looks fine in your living quarters. An indoor antenna works best near a window and some models use good'ol rabbit ears which may disrupt your space's feng shui. My antenna has rabbit ears, but it's out of the way so I don't mind them. More powerful indoor antennas are placed in the attic so how it looks doesn't matter, but what does matter is the thought of running cables from the attic to your TVs. Also, an amplified antenna does need to be plugged in somewhere.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 9</b> - Go ahead and purchase the antenna that you'll come to love and adore. Go to step 10 when the antenna is within arm's reach.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 10</b> - Go to the TV that will get the honor of not receiving video of inferior quality from cable. In a later post, I will explain how you can use one antenna to pull channels for all TVs in your house provided you can reach each TV with a cord from the attic or wherever the optimal antenna location ends up being. For now, we'll work with and assume that each TV will get its own antenna.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 11</b> - Provided that the TV was purchased after 2007, it will be ready for a digital antenna. Locate the cable cord that connects to the TV and unscrew it (pictured below). A coax cable's connecting ring can be screwed and unscrewed with your hand. If it's on tight, use a set of pliers to help. This type of cable is called a coaxial cable (coax) and contains a thin copper wire at its male end so be try not to move it too much while unscrewing it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlenYKMhmsI/URMfjY48aFI/AAAAAAAAGO0/QS2-92xkCgg/s1600/coax+cable+tv+hookup.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlenYKMhmsI/URMfjY48aFI/AAAAAAAAGO0/QS2-92xkCgg/s320/coax+cable+tv+hookup.bmp" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Believe it or not, the cable company will not smite you when you disconnect its coax.</i></div>
<br />
<b>Step 12</b> - Congratulations! You've just finished the hardest step of breaking free of the "I can only watch HDTV with cable TV" mindset.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 13</b> - Open your antenna and put it together, if necessary. Some models may require some simple installing of the rabbit ears or other signal catching peripherals. Outdoor antennas will require mounting to your house which you won't learn about in this blog. Sorry, but even a one-man band can't play every instrument out there.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 14</b> - Take the coax cable coming from the antenna and screw the male end into the same outlet where you unscrewed the cable TV cord in step 11. The coax should be screwed well with a normal amount of hand tightening; it doesn't have to be super tight!<br />
<br />
Should your TV have more than one plug such as one just for antenna signals, then screw the antenna cord into that one. If you already know that you have to place your antenna in your attic or outside to receive stations, do what you gotta do to get the coax from the antenna down to a TV. Again, in a later blog post, I'll talk about using this one antenna to pull channels for TVs on multiple floors provided each TV could be wire to a single antenna.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 15</b> - If you have an amplified antenna, plug it in the outlet nearest to where the antenna will probably reside. If you have a non-amplified antenna you don't have to do anything for this step except continue reading the words that I'm typing to see if anything is worth doing only to find out there's nothing else to do except finish this sentence.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 16</b> - Move your antenna where you think it will probably reside, preferably near a window (if not in the attic or mounted outside). If your house has siding, it really helps the reception if the antenna has a clear path to the window view.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 17</b> - If the coax connected to the antenna is not long enough, connect it to another coax cable using a simple coax connection; most likely a female to female connector pictured below. This would allow you to connect the antenna's male end to the connector's female end, and connect the extra coax cable's male end to the connector's other female end, leaving the extra coax cable's male end to be screwed into the TV's female end. Got that?<br />
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<i>So simple, yet so necessary.</i> </div>
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<b>Step 18</b> - If you've reached this step, you now have your TV connected to an antenna through its coax connection. Way to go!<br />
<br />
<b>Step 19</b> - Let's see if the work has paid off. Turn on your TV. You probably won't see any picture. Take a deep breath, things will be okay.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 20</b> - Use your TV's menu and navigate to its area called "channels" or maybe "video". You're looking for the menu option that will allow you to change the signal that your TV receives. Again, in my case I searched for channels using TiVo and not my TV.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 21</b> - At the signal screen, change the input or signal to "antenna"; really just about anything other than cable or satellite.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 22</b> - The TV should begin searching for channels or ask you if it may do so. By all means, let it loose and see what channels the antenna picks up! The search may take up to 10 minutes while the TV checks area frequencies for OTA stations. Most TVs will keep a running total of the number of stations picked up during this search.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVRCYXgwWHY/URW9nMJP1lI/AAAAAAAAGP4/LjAX-iplhrE/s1600/big+money+no+whammy+press+your+luck.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LVRCYXgwWHY/URW9nMJP1lI/AAAAAAAAGP4/LjAX-iplhrE/s320/big+money+no+whammy+press+your+luck.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Industry secret: while the TV searches for channels, improve your chances by saying, "big money, big money, big money, no whammy, stop!"</i></div>
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<b>Step 23</b> - When the search is finished, change your TV's channel to see if anything comes in. With any luck you'll have your standard station affiliates for NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC, and PBS. Larger markets will usually offer another 30 channels.<br />
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<b>Step 24</b> - If you do not receive even half of the "green" channels listed from step 5 or are not satisfied with the found channels, move the antenna to a different location in the room or another room altogether. You may even try connecting it to a TV on a higher floor near a window just to see if reception is possible with this antenna. Each time you move the antenna, return to step 16. If you've tried all rational, reasonable, and legal locations without any luck, you should consider buying a different version of the antenna or upgrading it; then return to step 13.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 25</b> - If you're a picky channel surfer like me, go back to your TV's menu and eliminate stations you don't want. For example, if you don't know much Spanish, you may want to delete the Spanish-only channels from the rotation.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 26</b> - Congrats! You now have your familiar network channels and some new ones, all in HD that is clearer than any cable or satellite provider could, well, provide you with. By all means, call the cable or satellite TV provider and tell them to get lost! This does not mean you must cut ties with the company's Internet service. Also, if you'd like to optimize the TV reception throughout your living quarters, don't remove the coax installed to each room just yet.<br />
<br />
In future posts, I'll explain how you can see most of your favorite cable TV shows for little cost and how to use one antenna to pull stations for every TV in your house.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-65473343114248913132012-01-07T21:06:00.001-05:002012-01-09T12:02:48.358-05:00NOTM – Local Man Makes Like Bradley Cooper in “Limitless”Rockville, MD – On a rainy day off from work, Morris Herlis settled into a caramelized onion brown lounge chair at his local coffee shop. He readied himself with a medium cup of caffeine, cream, and caramel syrup that was much too sweet, as the shop’s folksy-blues-reggae music was just loud enough that he couldn’t quite understand the conversation across the room.<br />
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“That guy, Bradley Cooper, in the movie Limitless," Morris said having watched the movie alone last night, "he had serious writer’s block, but with a special drug he wrote a novel in three days." He went to his own source to score some writer’s block drugs. And enjoy an egg and cheese croissant. With his laptop plugged in and drugs coursing through his bloodstream, his creative writing outlet was powered.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bradley Cooper didn't know he was inspiring Morris' epic composition.</i></div>
<br />
"Now I'm ready to do some serious writing," Morris announced. He brushed his fingers on the touch pad and opened a blank canvas. It stared back and Morris froze. The cursor blinking to his ever accelerating heartbeat. The artist in residence shied away, adjusted his jacket, and took off his shoes. “It’s easier to write with proper lumbar support and non-constricted feet,” he noted.<br />
<br />
Ergonomically comfortable, Morris took a few bites of his croissant and washed it down with another concentrated drug hit. “Ya ever try counting the number of ceiling tiles in this place? It's dizzying”. He then gazed to the olive green walls with Santa Fe gold accents for inspiration, but an hour after settling into his chair, the screen remained blank.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Of the people in this picture, three of them are distracted from their writing assignments.</i></div>
<br />
“I was just about to get started when a guy asked me to provide security detail for his laptop.” Morris graciously put his writing on hold while a mid-30s man with a shirt from Brooks Brothers and hair suited for the Berkeley Bowl went to the bathroom. "He finally came back two minutes later, but I lost all of my momentum. It’s really difficult to get back in that writing groove I was in before.”<br />
<br />
Morris slumped in his chair and titled his head back for clarity. The ceiling tiles were counted again.<br />
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Then the drugs started to work. Morris' head whipped down, his eyes widening, and fingers furiously firing. The composition he had waited for spewed out quicker than he could type, "Dear Uncle Felix, Thanks for the gift." <br />
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He clicked send and left the coffee shop.<br />
<br />B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-54252879333700521992011-11-13T20:33:00.001-05:002011-11-21T16:00:52.061-05:00One Way to Help our Struggling EconomyOut of the mouths of every economist on TV and from the fingers of any financial columnist in town, it sure seems like our economy isn't doing so well these days. I don't understand how our gross domestic product is calculated or the Modigliani–Miller theorem, but financial experts are telling me things are bad so I believe it to be so.<br />
<br />
To improve our economy, I think we should look into how our food sources are managed and operated. And by food sources I don't mean the commodities traded in Chicago. I mean the supermarket checkout experience. If we improve our cashiers, we improve Wall Street.<br />
<br />
At Safeway last night, I was trying to pay for just four items (humus, a cucumber, and two loaves of bread). I had a choice of six staffed checkout lanes and the self-checkout lanes. The self-checkout lanes averaged three people in line which took them out of the running because few consumers have ever been supermarket cashiers and I wasn't willing to watch someone learn the ropes as I did 15 years ago.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Avoid evil looks of incompetence from people behind you; use a real cashier who knows produce lookup (PLU) numbers</i><i>.</i></div>
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Of the six staffed lanes, only one was an express lane for 15 items or less, but it had six people waiting. Often, the express cashier is one of the better cashiers, but with six people in line and only two waiting in normal checkout lanes, I went with line quantity over cashier quality. I chose a lane without a full conveyor belt and a full cart waiting to be loaded. I added my items and a minute later, the customer at the front swiped his credit card while the cashier loaded his reusable bags.<br />
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At this point I would have been fourth in the express lane at this point.<br />
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My cashier began scanning the next family's items, handling them as delicately as you'd expect for a carton of eggs or loaf of bread, but not for the can of Cheez Whiz and box of brownie mix they were buying. Then the mother thought it'd be okay for their two-year-old to hold the plastic container of cherry tomatoes. One squeeze and they were on the floor and took away the cashier's attention. I helped round them up of course; damnit if I'm going to lose to the express line.<br />
<br />
After the cashier paused to make funny faces at the baby for a third time, the couple dumped a bunch of coupons on her to scan. After a misunderstanding of the coupon's terms, the cashier bagged the groceries as though they were Faberge eggs. Heaven forbid the brownie mix box has a dent.<br />
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At this point I would have been next in the express line.<br />
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<br />
<i>Why are Safeway's cashiers slow when they're not even trusted to count coins?</i></div>
<br />
Finally it was my turn in line. The loaves of bread and humus scanned easily, but for some reason the cashier took her lazy-swing-in-a-hammock-time punching in PLU 4062 for the cucumber. I swiped my Safeway card, gave her cash, and waited much too long for her to return a 5-dollar bill and bag my four items. Safeway cashiers don't even have to count coins from their drawers which is why this should be so much faster. The express lane cashier was already onto her second person after me had I stayed in her lane.<br />
<br />
I know that our country's cashiers can do better with just a little more training and desire. In 1996, I did my
best to learn how to work the cash register, deal with personal checks,
and remember PLU numbers. I also took pride in packing paper bags with
fragile items on
top, sound foundations using boxy packages, and the
proper weight per bag based on the customer's strength. Perhaps I only took pride in the work because it paid for my Sour Patch Kids' habit.<br />
<br />
To save the economy, I propose that Safeway improve its training to make cashiers more efficient. More efficient cashiers encourage customers to shop for more items because of a better front end experience; which leads to more money going to the store; which leads to greater food sales; which increases demand for food industry jobs and production; which gives the food industry workforce disposable income to spend on items in other sectors; which increases jobs and product demand in those sectors and their supporting industries; which leads to a continual increase in spending across the economy.<br />
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Or maybe I just won't get those two minutes of my life back waiting to checkout at Safeway.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-90131988015067487342011-09-24T07:15:00.001-04:002011-11-21T16:02:23.788-05:00NOTM: Man's Life Changed 10 Years After College Park TornadoRockville, MD - Ten years ago today, a <a href="http://www.erh.noaa.gov/lwx/Historic_Events/924tornadofiles/September%2024,%202001%20Tornadoes.htm">tornado ravaged College Park</a> and the University of Maryland family. Morris Herlis (MH) was living in his fourth floor apartment at <a href="http://www.umdcourtyards.com/">University Courtyard</a> with his roommate when a typical rainstorm came rolling through. They left their rooms to take in the sights of lightning and sounds of thunder from the safety of their balcony.<br />
<br />
That's when the rain started flying sideways and the afternoon sky turned dark.<br />
<br />
After Morris' roommate found the wind too strong to make it safely down the exterior stairs, they convened at the kitchen island, holding on while their entire building swayed and creaked.<br />
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"Oh yeah I was scared. I'm glad I went to the bathroom before the storm or it would've been a mess," Morris said over a 32-ounce blueberry Slurpee. He contacted News of the Minutiae (NOTM) to explain how his life was impacted by the tornado.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKfd9tal4uc/Tnvrrd3gKrI/AAAAAAAAF2U/EMjGb_FZMhA/s1600/slurpee-web1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKfd9tal4uc/Tnvrrd3gKrI/AAAAAAAAF2U/EMjGb_FZMhA/s320/slurpee-web1.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Give a man a Slurpee and he'll talk a long time after the brain freeze.</i></div>
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<b>NOTM:</b> What damage did you see after the tornado?<br />
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<b>MH:</b> One car was flipped over, another was leaning next to a building. My car's windows were gone and my other roommate's ceiling had a hole in it. Lots of other buildings were messed up. I even had to throw away a gallon of milk.<br />
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<b>NOTM:</b> Were you in shock afterward?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> Oh yeah, how I viewed my time on this planet was forever altered.<br />
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<b>NOTM:</b> Can you tell our readers in what ways?<br />
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<b>MH:</b> Well, back then, I had no cell phone. Without that tornado, I may never have bought one.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Imagine a world before you could play Angry Birds.</i></div>
<br />
<b>NOTM:</b> Did the experience cause you to live life differently?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> Oh for sure. Nowadays I double-knot my shoes, sleep with two pillows, and clean the dryer lint trap more frequently.<br />
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<b>NOTM:</b> How has your life changed in larger, more meaningful ways?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> My life these days is full of <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/BandTCrowdBlog">inane Twitter updates</a>, <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2010/08/notm-man-fails-to-receive-google-alerts.html">empty Google alerts</a>, and inconsequential Facebook statuses. It was rough back then, we had none of those. <br />
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<b>NOTM:</b> How ever did you survive the change to 2011?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> That's what I mean. My life wouldn't have been the same without this tornado. In fact, I no longer use my finger to clean out ear wax; I use cotton swabs.<br />
<br />
<b>NOTM:</b> Sounds rough and off-topic. Have you become thankful each day you're alive?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> Sure, but only when someone asks me that.<br />
<br />
<b>NOTM:</b> Does your level of fear increase when a tornado watch is issued for the DC area?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> I take it more seriously, but nowadays I fear losing my iPad, forgetting a 9-iron on the golf course, and fitting into last season's bathing suit.<br />
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<b>NOTM:</b> Right. Ok then. Other people volunteer their time after learning how precious it is, but you don't seem to have had such a life affirming experience. <br />
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<b>MH:</b> I don't regret it when my day is spent playing PS3 in my boxers, eating Lucky Charms, and drinking root beer. It's a bit cliche when someone says they live every minute to the fullest just because of a life event. Eventually we all regress to lazy Saturdays.<br />
<br />
<b>NOTM:</b> So you're saying that bad stuff happens to everyone and it's often out of your control, but what matters is how you deal with it?<br />
<br />
<b>MH:</b> Precisely. Like when you run out of body wash and improvise with shampoo.<br />
<b></b>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-37123437524442417012011-07-21T18:06:00.002-04:002011-07-22T08:29:40.019-04:00How to Stay Cool on MetroNow that we’re in a three-day cone of thermodynamical torture, here are tips on staying cool while riding Metro. None of these tips will work when you’re on a packed train, but then again, it’s your fault for not waiting all of three minutes for the much emptier train behind it.<br />
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<b>1. Stuff your bladder.</b> Guzzle the coldest water you can find before heading into the station to cool your core. If your platform is outside when temperatures are more than 100 degrees and humidity is off the charts, well then, it sucks to be you now doesn’t it?<br />
<br />
<b>2. Cannonball run</b>. Find the nearest community pool and do a wicked cannonball splash entry. Now that you’re soaking wet, you’ll be nice and cool for the walk to the station.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KgzI8nSLXk7inGI6XU6WMEm9LuLpx9Z176aKBC6uR28BjsHcZdaX2PIbRjE3spE5GLZNycOPGEh-qKbQv0eMBJPwC6YzSw8E87-_58XV73446ARu4MSrYzxn2gg-2bMypAs/s1600/TheSplash_300_0710-md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KgzI8nSLXk7inGI6XU6WMEm9LuLpx9Z176aKBC6uR28BjsHcZdaX2PIbRjE3spE5GLZNycOPGEh-qKbQv0eMBJPwC6YzSw8E87-_58XV73446ARu4MSrYzxn2gg-2bMypAs/s200/TheSplash_300_0710-md.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cannonball!!!</i></div><br />
<b>3. Find your vents.</b> As indoor stations allow, go as far to the end of the platform as possible and find vents in station sign columns and underneath escalators. The vents should be pumping out cool air. I don’t know if the air is all that clean for your lungs, but it sure feels good. Best of all, broken escalators don’t guarantee broken vents.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Gatorade shower.</b> Have two friends follow you around with a Gatorade jug. After you achieve a high score in Angry Birds, have them douse you with it like a football coach. You’ll be sticky, cool, and all sorts of lemon-lime awesome. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WB4HYvQZQMg/TiiOEiwSpUI/AAAAAAAAFa4/FssZakw6ixA/s1600/alg_parcells-gatorade_display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WB4HYvQZQMg/TiiOEiwSpUI/AAAAAAAAFa4/FssZakw6ixA/s320/alg_parcells-gatorade_display_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bill Parcells and the 1986 New York Giants knew the secret to sticky coolness.</i></div><br />
<b>5. Remain still.</b> While standing next to a vent, it helps if you don’t move. Nothing raises your sweat rate faster than burning calories. Remember, fanning yourself actually makes you warmer...so said “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”!<br />
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<b>6. Find that fire hose</b>. Open valves to the Metro station fire hose and douse yourself. Spray water on everyone else too. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it. The hose should have enough pressure that you don't have to place your thumb on the end to make a stronger stream like your garden hose.<br />
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<b>7. Enter the first car</b>. This will be air conditioned because the operator’s in there. The 2nd car may also be an option because Metro cars are air-conditioned in pairs, but that’s assuming a lot about Metro’s mechanical reliability.<br />
<br />
<b>8. Freon immunization.</b> Unhook the Freon tubing from the train and start drinking. If Freon keeps cars, trains, and refrigerators cool, just think what it’ll do for your intestines!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60dQwryV7Ro/TiiPd994NrI/AAAAAAAAFbA/3xdH7xWH3Yc/s1600/freon_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60dQwryV7Ro/TiiPd994NrI/AAAAAAAAFbA/3xdH7xWH3Yc/s320/freon_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>When I want to cool down, I drink dichlorodifluoromethane.</i></div><br />
<b>9. Find a seat.</b> Save energy and calories by sitting because it’s easier than standing. Surely your feet hurt from sitting in a cubicle all day. If you'll be going above ground, pick seats on the side of the train away from the sun. If there are no seats, then enjoy Metro’s summertime eau de toilette, “Those Without Deodorant”.<br />
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<b>9a. Avoid hot thighs. </b>If two seats are open together, grab the aisle seat and remain there until someone else wants to sit. Then take the window seat whose cushion will be cooler because nobody’s thighs were heating it up in the meantime. I might be overthinking this.<br />
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<b>9b. Back off. </b>Try sitting forward so that your back isn’t pressed to the cushion. This will give it just a little more space to breathe and sweat itself out. Though, if you’re like me, your back sweats in perpetuity no matter what you do. Anybody invented back antiperspirant yet?<br />
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<b>10. Pray. </b> Remember that hell will never be as bad as standing armpit-to-armpit in a Metro train that’s stopped above ground for a schedule adjustment in July and August.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_QqDl8p0G0/TiiNpqIzzBI/AAAAAAAAFa0/NOnmL_NZcuk/s1600/vitale_sweat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_QqDl8p0G0/TiiNpqIzzBI/AAAAAAAAFa0/NOnmL_NZcuk/s320/vitale_sweat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is hell...stuck in a booth with sweaty Dick Vitale at a duke game.</i></div><br />
<b>11. Grab some metal.</b> When you’re in an air-conditioned car with metal handlebars, grab any free handlebar space. The bar should be cool to the touch. Better yet, place the bottom of your wrists or entire forearm along a bar to better cool your blood. It’s biology, trust me, I’m a doctor. Keep touching other bars that feel cool, but be sure to shower in Purell when you get home.<br />
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<b>12. Drive. </b>Why are you taking Metro when it’s so freakin’ hot outside?! Instead, drive around in a motorized air conditioned metal box. It won’t be cheaper, better for the environment, easier, or safer, but it’s cool.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-23757577335811268922011-05-15T20:56:00.004-04:002011-06-12T17:51:23.868-04:00NOTM: One Man’s Quest for His Last Pair of Collar StaysRockville, MD – Morris Herlis leads a quiet, regimented, and controlled morning existence. His pre-work routine is as regular as he is when he eats bran cereal. He knows where things are, when they will happen, and how they will happen – most of the time.<br />
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On Wednesday morning at 5:53, after his one allotted snooze button press, Morris rolled out of bed and trudged to the bathroom. He multitasked by shaving his face while emptying his bladder. After showering, Morris brushed his teeth before dressing, lest he risk dripping toothpaste on clean clothes. He is ruthlessly efficient and cautious.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfYPYBiGj3IeqN1BIoWbhhb3wM1Yyh6FbW_Eqj71bAExhAcmu-LxGXNqA-ZEUHtFLh5ICygHIEDqTOTjUqTmJ4lCxwNYL0-WEkbGD2ntC9d86yNJFKXY4u0f1oynDyOzsZWU/s1600/clockwork+toothpaste+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfYPYBiGj3IeqN1BIoWbhhb3wM1Yyh6FbW_Eqj71bAExhAcmu-LxGXNqA-ZEUHtFLh5ICygHIEDqTOTjUqTmJ4lCxwNYL0-WEkbGD2ntC9d86yNJFKXY4u0f1oynDyOzsZWU/s320/clockwork+toothpaste+shirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Morris is sly enough to avoid making his shirt match his toothpaste.</i></div><br />
With temperatures in the 70s, Morris decided that he wouldn't sweat so much that his blue long-sleeved, button-down shirt would require a visit to the dry cleaners before the next wearing. Feeling confident in his unironed and only semi-wrinkled khakis, Morris had his outfit ready.<br />
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Morris demonstrated his wealth of clothing procedural knowledge by deftly placing one leg in his pants and then the other without falling over. Able to zip his fly without catching any of himself in its teeth, he buttoned his pants before directing his black (p)leather belt through the specially designed loops around his waist and buckled it snuggly.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zj4-JqCvbOI" width="480"></iframe></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>This almost makes getting dressed to go to work seem like fun.</i></div><br />
Thanks to many Sesame Street lessons on how to button buttons, Morris closed his shirt, thereby saving the world from viewing his gangly mess of chest hair. He went to lower his collar when he realized they didn't have collar stays. Morris went to his jewelry box with its cuff links and watches, but didn’t find any collar stays there.<br />
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“I don’t know how my collar will stay down without those plastic wonder pieces,” Morris lamented. Indeed without collar stays, the tip of his collar would find its way to point up. Morris’ line of work demands a proper collar fixture.<br />
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Morris looked in his nightstand with its reading glasses, ear plugs, and athlete’s foot spray, but it was to no avail. Sweat began to bead on his forehead. He frantically tore through a pile of shirts destined to the dry cleaner and checked their collars only to find them empty. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlEbvgmHhrg/TdB2CH7c4yI/AAAAAAAAEwE/GyWNPIK00TY/s1600/Hidden-Message-Collar-Stays_5D94CD13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlEbvgmHhrg/TdB2CH7c4yI/AAAAAAAAEwE/GyWNPIK00TY/s320/Hidden-Message-Collar-Stays_5D94CD13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Anyone serious about collar stays keeps them in a secure case.</i></div><br />
Morris’ calculated morning routine schedule does not allow for slippage. When all goes according to plan, he’s out the door by 6:40, but it was already 6:45. With desperation in his voice, Morris said, “five minutes late already! I don’t wanna be stuck with <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2011/03/notm-metro-rider-avoids-giving-seat-to.html">the bus people</a> again!” <br />
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Morris checked the laundry room floor, the catch-all drawer in the kitchen, and his suitcase toiletry bag. It was 6:48 and Morris had searched everywhere and found nothing. He was now assured a Metro ride with the bus people which meant getting a seat would be more difficult. Also, Morris is pretty sure he is allergic to them.<br />
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To clear his mind, Morris went about getting his shoes, socks, and bag ready. Next, he went to the bathroom and put a glob of L.A. Looks styling gel in his hands. He looked at the mirror to style his hornet’s nest hair when he saw something – his shirt also had buttons near the tips for collar stays. His collar would be securely unpopped after all! Morris cracked a smile despite running an ungodly 12 minutes late.<br />
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He grabbed the edge of his left collar and began buttoning it except he hadn't washed his hands. The collar was no longer white, but electric blue from the L.A. Looks gel smooshed into the threads. Morris would have to start the process again. Collapsing to his knees, Morris’ shirt was done and so was he.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-34010737424803369062011-02-12T16:32:00.009-05:002011-02-12T22:15:17.472-05:00How to be Romantic on D.C.'s MetroLet's say you're a regular Metro commuter on your way home this Monday when you realize that it's Valentine's Day and you have nothing for your significant other (SO). Here are some tried-and-true options that are all around you.<br />
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<b>Go retro with anti-E-readers.</b> Anyone can buy a Kindle or iPad for a SO, but you're better than that; you're not a lemming. So go retro by bringing home a copy of the Washington Post Express and Washington Examiner. If your SO's a newshound and has a political lean, only bring one of them home lest you want another fight with your SO.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPlZMooOXi_jVjrls5aZjf4oG_rXwULiH_sfnuDpN9ian5g1QMKslTKXa9JSYJMW7tB4Ryn7V-j-ibOs7HOBWE_fOHVBlVJdJvqzbpfjMnt_xofo_cF0_jFNWK2FDWD_iwgc/s1600/140060320_f067ea1d14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPlZMooOXi_jVjrls5aZjf4oG_rXwULiH_sfnuDpN9ian5g1QMKslTKXa9JSYJMW7tB4Ryn7V-j-ibOs7HOBWE_fOHVBlVJdJvqzbpfjMnt_xofo_cF0_jFNWK2FDWD_iwgc/s320/140060320_f067ea1d14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Soon an entire generation won't know which came first.</i></div><br />
<b>Create a tapas dinner.</b> Though Metro's no food or drink policy has been around a long time, that shouldn't stop you from providing a grand tapas meal. Go on and grab the partially opened bag of Doritos on the window pane, the box of Sour Patch Kids from the floor, and the other half of that Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chip cookie. If you're lucky, you might find some McDonald's chicken nuggets at the top of the escalator on your way out. Your SO would appreciate them even more if they're still in the box. Don't forget to wash things down with the almost empty bottle of Mountain Dew rolling down the aisle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCofEMT8JDI/TVb4QzfgZyI/AAAAAAAAEpk/r_5Dxn9EYPk/s1600/800px-Washington_DC_Metro_in_car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCofEMT8JDI/TVb4QzfgZyI/AAAAAAAAEpk/r_5Dxn9EYPk/s320/800px-Washington_DC_Metro_in_car.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Grab a seat toward the back for optimal drink and food opportunities.</i></div><br />
<b>Provide chauffeur limousine service.</b> If your SO is always asking for rides to and from the station, around town, or to the airport, grab some bus schedule pamphlets. They're great reading material after the retro E-readers and your SO won't have to bum rides off of you. When asked if you can give a ride to BWI, just say, "there's a bus route for that". If the SO is a world traveler, grab some MARC train schedules too. It's the gift that keeps on giving (you back your free time). SOs everywhere will be driven where they want, sort of when they want, and in vehicles that they may confuse for limousines if they're hallucinating.<br />
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<b>Imply you want a future together.</b> Near the bus pamphlets, grab a flyer warning you of future Metro repair delays and escalator outages. Earn bonus points by bringing home road construction public meeting notices too. These show that you're thinking about the future with your SO; at least how it'll impact your commutes. Nobody appreciates foresight and long-term relationship planning more than your SO.<br />
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<b>Create a homemade romantic card.</b> In this age of Twitter, you must be brief with your words. Pickup a Metro card from the ground and write something sweet on it using 15 characters or less depending on your handwriting size. "I love you" is only 10 characters, but "I don't care about our relationship enough to remember this day" is just too long and honest. Don't have a pen? Borrow one from the station manager or grab one from just below the third rail; I've heard there are some great Montblancs down there.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNI1Uj-KVQU/TVb7dglwhyI/AAAAAAAAEps/o9ZL77RCMoc/s1600/MetroCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNI1Uj-KVQU/TVb7dglwhyI/AAAAAAAAEps/o9ZL77RCMoc/s320/MetroCard.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>No SO can be upset when your card is covered with pandas.</i></div><span id="goog_1825880801"></span><span id="goog_1825880802"></span><br />
<b>Listen to live music - Plan A.</b> Take your SO on a Metro ride around 9 am on a weekday, staying between Metro Center and Gallery Place. This ensures you'll overhear music playing on several incessantly loud iPods. If you don't like the genre, move to another car until you find one that sets the romantic mood. Keep changing trains to keep the musical jackpot surprises coming.<br />
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<b>Listen to live music - Plan B.</b> If your SO is picking you up from the station, have them park the car and walk back to the station entrance to take in the local and live music scene. Undoubtedly, you won't find great musicians, but you might find the 5% that are bearable. If anything, you'll be hip to the area's up and coming guitarists, paint bucket drummers, and Peruvian flutists.<br />
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<b>Buy a $5 bouquet of flowers.</b> Flowers are a great sign that you care, even the wilted ones from the flowerseller outside the station. At $5 for a bouquet, you'll get credit for caring and being fiscally responsible by not buying from a local florist whose flowers are needlessly arranged well, tasteful, and better still - alive.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx-Ax00rZ42Vy3hf6oMuPz-wguLjB6hb00ndy-DPteMs_ePpmUy9HNd-m1zQ2Mctf2P4CNVenCHVr7qF7vtOnhyphenhyphen_vFQKmJUQDJOUtibvyVp54Tbrah6iS4pF6OUZ9V6JFFTw/s1600/Diego-Rivera-The-Flower-Seller-7783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx-Ax00rZ42Vy3hf6oMuPz-wguLjB6hb00ndy-DPteMs_ePpmUy9HNd-m1zQ2Mctf2P4CNVenCHVr7qF7vtOnhyphenhyphen_vFQKmJUQDJOUtibvyVp54Tbrah6iS4pF6OUZ9V6JFFTw/s320/Diego-Rivera-The-Flower-Seller-7783.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bring home this Diego Rivera painting called "The Flower Seller" and you'll really make your SO happy.</i></div><br />
<b>Take the SO to an amusement park.</b> If you follow Plan A to Listen to Live Music, remind your SO that a Metro ride doubles as a rollercoaster. Make sure you're both standing up and see who gets sick last from a herky-jerky manually automated ride. Maybe you want to impress by not grabbing a handle for balance - how athletic! It's a fun experience that's all included in the price of admission.<br />
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<b>Just remember Valentine's day next year.</b> If these don't match your SO's lofty expectations, then remind them that it's better than last year's gift - a jar of belly lint.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-77319193367944386402011-01-31T15:33:00.004-05:002021-05-11T14:51:39.266-04:00How to Install an Auxiliary Input (aPAC-NIS1) In a 2005 Nissan AltimaAfter <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2010/02/great-super-bowl-and-birthday-party.html">installing my home speaker system</a> last year, I decided that my 2005 Nissan Altima, <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2005/07/kitt-my-1997-grand-prix-has-passed.html">called Silverman</a>, needed an auxiliary input. I was tired of using my GPS' FM transmitter to listen to MP3s through my car's speakers and burning CDs is just sooooo passe. As a black belt master Googler, I scoured the web and bought an aPAC-NIS1 Aux Input.<br />
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There's just one problem...I've never stolen a car radio before. In this case, I'd just be modifying my radio, but how's it done? Turns out, all you need is a Phillips screwdriver, a willingness to bend dashboard molding.<br />
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The aux input instructions in the package and online were awful. The writing (much like this blog!) was unintelligible so I got help from an <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2009/01/quad-pie-worlds-greatest-pie-baking.html">engineer with advanced degrees</a>. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw1YZZ9QdieQXIH9_fLCqfucwbzl04FN2rpRedUChsK4V4wS7EQ-pJpHUoMbsIFWIjsvPVnJmHbcqcZoc7x1hwd22u2CPj4mBcAbGiBlO4c1HsmvadkHuGLPYtlhZqmwZbG8/s1600/P1050326.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567654326733407986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw1YZZ9QdieQXIH9_fLCqfucwbzl04FN2rpRedUChsK4V4wS7EQ-pJpHUoMbsIFWIjsvPVnJmHbcqcZoc7x1hwd22u2CPj4mBcAbGiBlO4c1HsmvadkHuGLPYtlhZqmwZbG8/s400/P1050326.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">One box, lots of wires</span></div>
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For one, please include a chart that tells me which DIP switches should be up instead of having me call your support line. Using a combination of <a href="http://www.nissanforums.com/l31-2002-2006/68012-head-unit-removal-walk-through-2005s.html">Nissan forums searches</a>, <a href="http://www.modifiedlife.com/2005-nissan-altima-car-stereo-radio-wiring-diagram/">radio wiring diagrams</a>, <a href="http://crutchfield.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8096/session/L3RpbWUvMTI5Mzk3ODAyOS9zaWQvS1RoSWEzams%3D">competitor instructions</a>, and finally trial and error, Silverman now plays music, GPS directions, and cell phone chatter through its speakers, accepting any device with a headphone jack.<br />
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To help the greater good and fill a void in the Internet, allow me to help those in need of better instructions. Aux input inputters of the world, who are installing the same product in a 2005 Nissan Altima with a 6-CD Bose radio, let me guide you as we overcome aPAC-NIS1's disastrous instructions.<br />
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Sure, I could've paid $50 for someone to install it, but where's the fun in that when I got to be frustrated installing this device for several hours over two days. With some luck, it'll take you about an hour. Merchants selling the product offer instructions that contradict each other so while one method may be better, safer, and faster than mine, this one worked for me. In other words, it's completely your fault for following these and short-circuiting your car.<br />
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<b>Step 1</b> - Disconnect the negative terminal from the car battery. As cool as it is to have your hair stick up from electricity, the rest of your nervous system won't like it much, along with your heart. My battery terminal was tough to remove so be ready for some elbow grease. We held the wire away from any metal with the wrench's rubber handle. Electricity likes metals so keep'em away like the two hormone-fueled teenagers they are.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwFcPpSNC1Hp3GkgoxRx5ie_21rVVpkcND27KVZmSS3cphRudRYHE0LvvQKjtq82skr4Tziph7qQ0Vs3F03Qe3dvoLnGtk65lM9cYSCR4r9-XnVBFlPY8KxiFZpbxZ4KzgFM/s1600/P1050319.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567653289686084002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwFcPpSNC1Hp3GkgoxRx5ie_21rVVpkcND27KVZmSS3cphRudRYHE0LvvQKjtq82skr4Tziph7qQ0Vs3F03Qe3dvoLnGtk65lM9cYSCR4r9-XnVBFlPY8KxiFZpbxZ4KzgFM/s400/P1050319.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SAYmF1wy_Qn0ykVU89-UK7Xebipi9BIi3a5v0k0xekJA2DEkjUqa5c9wO0Uvf5kSxuB9kluov0KZ9SxQ1AE2KwjE7YdLK4An_aD05eVNuaR9FbR8pg7GnjIwS1Fmg2xS9ho/s1600/P1050321.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567653291165597122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SAYmF1wy_Qn0ykVU89-UK7Xebipi9BIi3a5v0k0xekJA2DEkjUqa5c9wO0Uvf5kSxuB9kluov0KZ9SxQ1AE2KwjE7YdLK4An_aD05eVNuaR9FbR8pg7GnjIwS1Fmg2xS9ho/s400/P1050321.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 2</b> - look at your dash one last time and say a prayer. It's time to go in. Make sure your door is open in case you have to be hauled out of the car and let someone know what you're up to. Note that this device only works on an Altima radio with a satellite ("SAT") button.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKk9xQ7NJUh3ZGCUTUu7UwlR_IDkwOZu2vI0Vo774QXkLasT7T4OXwKEBlSZnVeUL-yeMhK0KgUoKw3VeW_0xqVW3W5_iONB98tVWf4jYFYAORjQnNEeeUrsWmIYVjpuiZWA/s1600/P1050323.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567654173640416370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKk9xQ7NJUh3ZGCUTUu7UwlR_IDkwOZu2vI0Vo774QXkLasT7T4OXwKEBlSZnVeUL-yeMhK0KgUoKw3VeW_0xqVW3W5_iONB98tVWf4jYFYAORjQnNEeeUrsWmIYVjpuiZWA/s400/P1050323.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 3</b> - pull the HVAC molding down and away from the dash. Do this gently. You'll need to bend the molding just enough to get your fingers behind it. Wow, this hand model actually has two beautiful hands!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfLKdIM_4SVNJIlVDcleCRXVCUvEz8rwHFuCDoxaSo1PnjHqQSBLyEn30wVQ5W4uW9lhAkQlXv1U327CUKa3HiV9JNoRwyCBssT9IcHC5ndAV6bC2dil_mNUuUQFHgYWsEF0/s1600/P1050330.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567655010215937650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfLKdIM_4SVNJIlVDcleCRXVCUvEz8rwHFuCDoxaSo1PnjHqQSBLyEn30wVQ5W4uW9lhAkQlXv1U327CUKa3HiV9JNoRwyCBssT9IcHC5ndAV6bC2dil_mNUuUQFHgYWsEF0/s400/P1050330.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFW-a6ayvMFPwQeioc26NSzvFr-I13lyXPoJLPTUuSYLdIm0LRhmRmdWap-tmQTzl6RhH2JjrvPaHyfYq5pW2-ZWv3SbE4Qi_eiOcs5he22VUdU25i1I4yIYhvGt_dpZ0xmQ/s1600/P1050331.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567655012546581538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFW-a6ayvMFPwQeioc26NSzvFr-I13lyXPoJLPTUuSYLdIm0LRhmRmdWap-tmQTzl6RhH2JjrvPaHyfYq5pW2-ZWv3SbE4Qi_eiOcs5he22VUdU25i1I4yIYhvGt_dpZ0xmQ/s400/P1050331.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURJOtEp9AI/AAAAAAAAEkg/3VXR-lAcWgs/s1600/P1050334.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567655556302894082" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURJOtEp9AI/AAAAAAAAEkg/3VXR-lAcWgs/s400/P1050334.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 303px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 336px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 4</b> - remove the four screws holding the HVAC controls with a screwdriver. Unscrew the screws slowly and be sure you catch them as they come out. I kept them in my door pocket.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgmCPrMfSLRIgfIbfdpUo-nIkNWKpet4b00EHiYQBlvI_ZlKZHfXDNlH1QtchcceyN2n8jyqeU2NWrr_6SJkME7bjEDlWJxq1Vyx_5Zc9l25Y9HLoKA1JxbkYWmtq6nN6QIc/s1600/HVAC+Screws.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567657306501097122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgmCPrMfSLRIgfIbfdpUo-nIkNWKpet4b00EHiYQBlvI_ZlKZHfXDNlH1QtchcceyN2n8jyqeU2NWrr_6SJkME7bjEDlWJxq1Vyx_5Zc9l25Y9HLoKA1JxbkYWmtq6nN6QIc/s400/HVAC+Screws.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGytMAuFjGie57e67JwoehKBxG-Ve-hTkCojUS_Wdy0ZyJnlljKslzsD9Iw6REDnq8MxLZH37tl-DE7lvpfv3yZaq4-ypzego7jmEc8MeHAAyp8rP022C3bPJz-_K6M4Dc8fA/s1600/Unscrew+HVAC.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567657630976816722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGytMAuFjGie57e67JwoehKBxG-Ve-hTkCojUS_Wdy0ZyJnlljKslzsD9Iw6REDnq8MxLZH37tl-DE7lvpfv3yZaq4-ypzego7jmEc8MeHAAyp8rP022C3bPJz-_K6M4Dc8fA/s400/Unscrew+HVAC.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 5</b> - pull off HVAC controls by pulling the unit out from the bottom and then down. What glorious wiring to behold.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURJmnC3mlI/AAAAAAAAEko/Qj6sHUFfLrI/s1600/604197_45_full.jpg"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RhxpbqPYIqjfxadErHwLpuLZCHvLvLKqMr-tUvJUZzLbMnmNRhHl0iFwHXmEfxMVUgibIAOe34Q2U8UQdtpIkhDMkYMFkFf-sr8hfxhVL7VLNz479shHhesu5hIAUO9nsKw/s1600/Pull+off+HVAC.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658491436746018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RhxpbqPYIqjfxadErHwLpuLZCHvLvLKqMr-tUvJUZzLbMnmNRhHl0iFwHXmEfxMVUgibIAOe34Q2U8UQdtpIkhDMkYMFkFf-sr8hfxhVL7VLNz479shHhesu5hIAUO9nsKw/s400/Pull+off+HVAC.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIB5MqgGBkoc3doPhH3K2TQ9vaae0fxtUkEnis8ltFoz9RIddkGgu7WZh0ZeQohxFyrJLUEzVzdH44bk_qlUBF97T9Rj92A9MDc7jjfmtedh30SUk0eQkc3TIq1iSs2n7Bx8/s1600/HVAC+Removed.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567658947510385922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIB5MqgGBkoc3doPhH3K2TQ9vaae0fxtUkEnis8ltFoz9RIddkGgu7WZh0ZeQohxFyrJLUEzVzdH44bk_qlUBF97T9Rj92A9MDc7jjfmtedh30SUk0eQkc3TIq1iSs2n7Bx8/s400/HVAC+Removed.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 6</b> - gently lift the molding for the vents from just below the radio controls. This is held in place by four clips so you will have to carefully pop it off of the clips. This can be very fickle so take your time. You may have to wiggle it and use a flat tool to pry it off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_1lQuhsHWT8N_0eYZh3mSw_27B3y4eu_Eig3cbdfeuNy6rWqetOGsluRTJz-s9V-o6vv0BtJVaMIADMLXDVFliNhEzqa7Q5fcyTX_GL9TqfRBiziY1r02UMWIZhfdPrKkj4/s1600/Remove+vent2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659942104716418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_1lQuhsHWT8N_0eYZh3mSw_27B3y4eu_Eig3cbdfeuNy6rWqetOGsluRTJz-s9V-o6vv0BtJVaMIADMLXDVFliNhEzqa7Q5fcyTX_GL9TqfRBiziY1r02UMWIZhfdPrKkj4/s400/Remove+vent2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 296px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 397px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURNNwkbGWI/AAAAAAAAElk/1MOLlZ_zT0M/s1600/Remove%2Bvent.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659938108086626" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURNNwkbGWI/AAAAAAAAElk/1MOLlZ_zT0M/s400/Remove%2Bvent.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDAL_64EtZUqlrP668Iw0lpAoTS0iOCpO48vV4msWFOTPAuiUoCYLF5IrGl50sNlhLmP0pvbdzbTiRB9ebXVr5y784QhBZZkyAEeeypbrAn54hKUamuDQSNHji2Py6wP7fOw/s1600/P1050348.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567659947479256930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDAL_64EtZUqlrP668Iw0lpAoTS0iOCpO48vV4msWFOTPAuiUoCYLF5IrGl50sNlhLmP0pvbdzbTiRB9ebXVr5y784QhBZZkyAEeeypbrAn54hKUamuDQSNHji2Py6wP7fOw/s400/P1050348.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 7</b> - remove the four screws that hold the radio in place. These are difficult to catch and not lose when they come out. I used my finger to keep the screw in place, but it didn't always work as I lost one of them into the abyss known as my car's innards.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TUROjEdl3KI/AAAAAAAAEl4/kKIG13MxOJo/s1600/Radio%2BScrews.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567661403737021602" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TUROjEdl3KI/AAAAAAAAEl4/kKIG13MxOJo/s400/Radio%2BScrews.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aGl5njRK-ayxIr9pCWxeldYd8mpV5VTcd2GdF0qbnhFbW_e6ZJ5dpvv-itC5zAKQfXWUGMUsif3jv8yqRb0jo56iKeHVvYHz2mXNtEG3U7han6i_n-cWkY2PkdmWkn_bsm4/s1600/P1050357.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567661961069987474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aGl5njRK-ayxIr9pCWxeldYd8mpV5VTcd2GdF0qbnhFbW_e6ZJ5dpvv-itC5zAKQfXWUGMUsif3jv8yqRb0jo56iKeHVvYHz2mXNtEG3U7han6i_n-cWkY2PkdmWkn_bsm4/s400/P1050357.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 8</b> - Pull the radio out. You're almost halfway done. Well not really, just one-third.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cG7ZUsDTX33IjbhOfKHbIeJChGHSzxq7gAXEj0DjAXrvWLcdninr9vx88o4Gls5gveBjkcfUMtWJLoS24vxs7_CYnXBPpJJ4rM-5_5e8LDn1u-dsWqe6AYOlT8n4u-xN8dk/s1600/P1050358.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567662391227939154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cG7ZUsDTX33IjbhOfKHbIeJChGHSzxq7gAXEj0DjAXrvWLcdninr9vx88o4Gls5gveBjkcfUMtWJLoS24vxs7_CYnXBPpJJ4rM-5_5e8LDn1u-dsWqe6AYOlT8n4u-xN8dk/s400/P1050358.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 9</b> - look at the pretty wire colors one final time before adding even more complications.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUp1e-V2gQZw8D-aeyPyrIFjqWyDxkCPRRBZpjgtEJi3jtgp-an2rbrN8HMfqGFBTNSe0JrPaBcK9pi5uopZGOpTBZURh5iFG3RVSLd0goCSGyzg1_IArEYM9ROjvsWt7Yxs/s1600/Radio+wires.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567666286793350706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUp1e-V2gQZw8D-aeyPyrIFjqWyDxkCPRRBZpjgtEJi3jtgp-an2rbrN8HMfqGFBTNSe0JrPaBcK9pi5uopZGOpTBZURh5iFG3RVSLd0goCSGyzg1_IArEYM9ROjvsWt7Yxs/s400/Radio+wires.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 10</b> - disconnect the connection on the far left of the radio and the connection second from the right (when looking from above). These connections can be difficult to remove and may require a tool to push the little knob down and away to unlatch the plastic molding from the radio. As tempting as it is, do not pull the connections using their wires. A second set of hands is really handy here (ha!).<br />
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In addition to incomplete dashboard removal instructions, the instructions that came with the device and those on the web offered zero help in knowing which connections to remove from the radio. That's why I'm writing this very long blog entry that may not help anyone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEM79Y_8QyL08ewWm0bFbHdDraKVHJ19_fdQhSF0TgWF1RyQopjGcqKv_4KfVMv0BIEqPPksyL0cDNpsGaWdBZ4TcSrMBuhRIP_qw0lu07n-shqC80iCxm5Kb5LaSOO4mw0Y/s1600/Slide1.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567669694923226338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEM79Y_8QyL08ewWm0bFbHdDraKVHJ19_fdQhSF0TgWF1RyQopjGcqKv_4KfVMv0BIEqPPksyL0cDNpsGaWdBZ4TcSrMBuhRIP_qw0lu07n-shqC80iCxm5Kb5LaSOO4mw0Y/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 11</b> - as part of the necessary trial and error, the radio eventually had all of its wires removed. So for your edification, here it is from the back, but don't actually remove all of the wires.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURZDLNOJnI/AAAAAAAAEoc/UysyPv1fRdg/s1600/Back%2BWires2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567672950419498610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURZDLNOJnI/AAAAAAAAEoc/UysyPv1fRdg/s400/Back%2BWires2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 321px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 12</b> - connect the audio cable (3.5 mm cable/RCA), used to input the headphone, to the aux input's blue box. For once, a picture isn't needed, right? Good, because I didn't take one.<br />
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<b>Step 13</b> - connect the aux input's bound of wires to the radio using the only two connections that will fit and match the open radio ports. The connections will snap into place.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TUReU_Dh02I/AAAAAAAAEok/Lspu-wz1SU8/s1600/Aux%2BInput%2BConnections2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567678753953403746" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TUReU_Dh02I/AAAAAAAAEok/Lspu-wz1SU8/s400/Aux%2BInput%2BConnections2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 14</b> - run the other end of the aux input's bound of wires down from the radio to behind the cubby that's below the HVAC controls. This is tricky and requires some maneuvering and small fingers. There's a small opening between where the HVAC controls are and the cubby that pops open below. The circled connection disappears behind the cubby in the second picture and may require pulling it down from the cubby too. Ultimately the wire will come out the cubby (see Step 24).<br />
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Again, nowhere is it discussed what you should do with the aux input wires so let this be that somewhere it is discussed.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURf5h6_dwI/AAAAAAAAEos/x67MwTVtGT4/s1600/Run%2Baux%2Bwire%2Bbelow%2Bradio.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567680481299756802" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TURf5h6_dwI/AAAAAAAAEos/x67MwTVtGT4/s400/Run%2Baux%2Bwire%2Bbelow%2Bradio.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-ZsHTW8iZNUPEx4m2P_-PGkVOAqTAXyTPsokItRD5kd94DjQanVHlMQbV6msdJInv-7_XGMO0XMCA9ZxVrrVb6m8wQspJXuGZBlO3IjATrzQPMRWTgnbctVOkHp_ZgG2YV0/s1600/Run+aux+wire+below.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567681410253462386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-ZsHTW8iZNUPEx4m2P_-PGkVOAqTAXyTPsokItRD5kd94DjQanVHlMQbV6msdJInv-7_XGMO0XMCA9ZxVrrVb6m8wQspJXuGZBlO3IjATrzQPMRWTgnbctVOkHp_ZgG2YV0/s400/Run+aux+wire+below.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<b>Step 15</b> - set the aux input's blue box DIP switches to: 1 - down, 2 - up, 3 - up, and 4 - down. I had to call PAC Audio's support line for this. Heaven forbid a chart for all makes and models would be included.<br />
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<b>Step 16</b> - connect the circled connection in picture 1 of step 14 to the aux input's blue box and pull a decent amount of wiring into the cubby. The cubby will store the blue box and your audio input device when used. So convenient!<br />
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<b>Step 17</b> - place the radio back onto its holder in the dash (reverse step 8).<br />
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<b>Step 18</b> - reconnect the battery's negative terminal (reverse step 1); you should hear the radio's CD changer cycle. Some instructions suggested waiting three minutes with the key turned to the "Acc" position before moving to Step 19, but I don't think it matters.<br />
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<b>Step 19</b> - turn the ignition switch to "Acc", turn the radio on, and press the "SAT" button...what do you see on the display? If you see "NO SAT" then that's not good. If you see something like "AUX-01" or "XM CH-001", then it worked! Go ahead and plug an audio device to the aux input to hear something. You may have to turn up the device's volume and the radio's volume. Let's pretend these steps worked so we can move forward.<br />
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<b>Step 20</b> - screw the radio back to the dash harness (reverse step 7). Try to keep all wires down and away from the HVAC system as possible.<br />
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<b>Step 21</b> - place the HVAC vents back into place on the dash (reverse step 6). It should wedge its way back to the original position.<br />
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<b>Step 22</b> - place and screw the HVAC controls back into place (reverse step 5 and then step 4). Good thing you haven't lost the screws, right? <br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Step 23</b> - replace the the HVAC molding (reverse step 3). It will snap back into place ever so gently.<br />
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<b>Step 24</b> - take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, and revel in the awesomeness of your Altima's auxiliary input. Now I can run my MP3 player through the car's speakers or my MP3/bluetooth-enabled GPS. Better yet, both can be connected at the same time, just switching input choices to hear one or the other. Solid!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_4va-KHea3FuiHu7HxDp6YdLyJ6ERSMZ7Px8rath7AMUSUm9vLHkf71BADf5x0TVDM0DP64tt6DIn6nwZulA0Wz4Jxo9pFV4tnm_27eJNxAS9N5Tq7TebioWIzGNVHhehBk/s1600/P1050414.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567686975787037762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_4va-KHea3FuiHu7HxDp6YdLyJ6ERSMZ7Px8rath7AMUSUm9vLHkf71BADf5x0TVDM0DP64tt6DIn6nwZulA0Wz4Jxo9pFV4tnm_27eJNxAS9N5Tq7TebioWIzGNVHhehBk/s400/P1050414.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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</div>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-17331810249768966252011-01-17T22:15:00.004-05:002011-01-17T22:18:41.267-05:00My Fingernail, I Hardly Knew Ye"The biopsy came back negative."<br />
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Five days after <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2011/01/slippery-slope-of-fingernail.html">my nail bed biopsy</a>, the hand surgeon gave me the great news. I only had a bruise on my nail bed; a stubborn, stubborn bruise that thought it'd be fun to leave a streak in my fingernail and cause me to learn far too much about subungual melanoma. Thanks to a solid family history of cancer, I had to be vigilant and proactive. Ignoring health concerns do not heal them.<br />
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I learned quite a few things from this experience. For one, I don't know how to put on a woman's dress. The nurse told me my patient gown is "simply put on with the tie in the back as you would with a woman's dress". When she returned to tie the gown, I had it on backward. For the nurse's sake, I made sure the ties were double-knotted so I had no chance of giving the staff an IV-fueled burlesque show with a twirl.<br />
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I learned that the best nurses are from New Jersey, right mom? My surgical nurse and I bonded over tales of northern NJ diners, accents, and Turnpike traffic.<br />
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I learned that telling the anesthesiologist that redheads require a higher dose ensures that I'll be knocked out really well. A few seconds after I felt the anesthesia in the IV, the operating room ceiling faded to black. When I awoke 20 minutes later, I was in a different bed, with sheets wrapped around me, and I couldn't feel three of my fingers for at least another hour. I'd much rather have it that way.<br />
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I learned that hospital beds aren't long enough for me. Like every sleeping camp bunk bed, my feet dangled over the edge. If there are going to be wider wheelchairs for overweight patients, there should be longer beds for taller patients. Equal rights for above average height!<br />
<br />
I learned that Holy Cross Hospital gives patients great socks for surgery. They kept my feet warm and gave me great traction.<br />
<br />
I learned one way to get a turkey sandwich at the hospital is to have staff use a blood pressure cuff that's too large for my arm resulting in a low reading. Hello lunch in a box! A quick resizing showed my numbers were plenty normal, but not before I got to stuff my face for the first time that day.<br />
<br />
I learned that when a surgeon goes to tell your girlfriend his preliminary observation that I don't have melanoma, she shouldn't be left in "The Grief Room" for more than a nanosecond until he arrives. When other rooms are full, as was the case here, just wait a few minutes until the, "Nothing to Worry About Room" is available.<br />
<br />
I learned that my body definitely gets nauseous from anesthesia. Hello lunch in a box, not so nice to see you again! I was so nauseous that I wasn't able to eat the matzoh ball soup and homemade kugel waiting for me at home. It pained me to wait one whole day before taking in those calories.<br />
<br />
I learned that codeine is wonderful no matter its one-day side effects. <br />
<br />
I learned that having a fingernail and part of your nail bed removed makes for a gnarly story.<br />
<br />
I also learned that my fingernail will grow back to the fingertip in four months and will look healthy again in 9-12 months. That's a small aesthetic price to pay for peace of mind.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-57904213541911558472011-01-05T15:49:00.002-05:002011-02-12T11:29:20.452-05:00The Slippery Slope of Fingernail DiscolorationSlopes can be slippery. The more that's at stake, the steeper the decline, and the easier it is to get going. I tend to not do well with hills like these. When I was 12, I broke my wrist skateboarding by going up a street that was too high for my balance. My mom encouraged me to "go just a little higher." I wasn't comfortable and the speed caught me.<br />
<br />
Today's skateboarding street is my fingernail to be biopsied for melanoma tomorrow. A few months ago I noticed a brownish-reddish streak on my left ring fingernail and thought it was a bruise that would grow out as the nail did; however, the bruise didn't grow out. <br />
<br />
Being redhaired and fair skinned, the sun has never been my friend; I've always thought it held <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2005/03/anyone-else-feel-like-sun-has-too-much.html">too much power over our lives</a>. I slather on sunscreen, wear a sunhat better suited for a trek in the Mojave, and find shade whenever possible. Thanks to my skin type and my skateboard coach's early stage melanoma that was removed recently, the dermatologist suggested I see a hand surgeon for a biopsy. The hand surgeon quickly reached the same conclusion...a nail bed biopsy was needed just to be safe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRhAmExyoKI/TVa09MC8VCI/AAAAAAAAEpU/V4sD5A6KE4g/s1600/Copy+of+P1050376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRhAmExyoKI/TVa09MC8VCI/AAAAAAAAEpU/V4sD5A6KE4g/s320/Copy+of+P1050376.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A nail bed biopsy involves removing the fingernail as deep as the nail bed. I think of myself as a reformed nailbiter so as much as I used to have a fondness for chomping down, neither me nor any nailbiter would ever want to go as far as this surgery calls for. The nail should grow to the fingertip in four months, but it will take about a year for it to look healthy again.<br />
<br />
The surgeon said it was difficult to place a percentage on a diagnosis, but if pressed he said there was a 10% or less chance that the streak is the result of cancerous cells. He said it could simply be from trauma to the nail for example. Let's hope I somehow forgot that I smashed my fingernail in a doorjamb some time ago. I'm not concerned about the procedure or care afterward, I'm concerned about the diagnosis.<br />
<br />
I don't know why I have this streak and I don't t like waiting to find out. Can I just skip ahead like I'm watching something on TiVo? Waiting gives me time to overthink the worst case scenario. As such, waiting also gives me time to underthink the greater likelihood that this won't be a significant concern.<br />
<br />
I'm always quick to remind friends and family to not research medical concerns online, but nobody was faster to <a href="http://surgery.med.nyu.edu/oncology/patients/melanoma/situations/subungal">Google "subungal melanoma" than me</a>. From medical sites to message forums, I read horror stories of people passing away from ignoring their nails that were far more hideously discolored than mine to uplifting stories of people getting checked out and being just fine. I know the information is misleading and only populates my head with unnecessary fears, but I need some control; however unattainable it may be.<br />
<br />
Nail bed melanoma is very rare in whites, making up less than 3% of all melanoma cases, and is commonly found on a big toe or thumb. So I have that in my favor, but my skin type and family history make it an easy call to be safe than sorry. The common treatment for a toe with this is amputation and for a finger is amputation at the nearest joint to the lesion. Damn the information online! My mind gets to race between an inconsequential, benign issue in my nail bed to not getting to see the tip of my finger again.<br />
<br />
I know that thinking through any scenario does me little good. It won't change what is occurring with my finger. I try to stop myself from thinking the worst, but it's hard not to. I think all of us naturally jump to the extreme result to feel prepared and feign having control, but really we don't know how we'll feel when we hear for sure.<br />
<br />
Whatever the doctor tells me is the next step for treatment, I'll welcome it worth open arms (errrr, fingers) because as my mind races ahead, the alternative would be worse. I see no reason why I shouldn't use the slippery slope's momentum to boost me up the ensuing uphill climb.<br />
<br />
So I bid adieu to the fingernail on Thursday and wait for what's sure to be an agonizing five days to hear the diagnosis on Tuesday. I hope that my hill levels off and coasts to a stop.<br />
<br />
***************** <br />
<br />
For the diagnosis, see <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-fingernail-i-hardly-knew-ye.html">the next entry here</a>.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-70675687332266489182010-11-07T22:25:00.000-05:002010-11-07T22:25:00.012-05:00NOTM: Man Microwaves Perfect Bowl of OatmealWashington, D.C. - The scientific method of trial and error has lead to a new wave of federal grants to study the relationship between thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and whole grain oats. On Tuesday morning, Morris Herlis microwaved the perfect bowl of Quaker Instant Oatmeal for his breakfast at work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TNW2MCZP_TI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/KuTE6xCOV5E/s1600/instant-oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TNW2MCZP_TI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/KuTE6xCOV5E/s400/instant-oatmeal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Offering six grams of fiber and assorted whole grain oat ingredients including: pyridoxine hydrochloride, acesulfame potassium, and maltodextrin.</i></div><br />
Morris said that he had been experimenting with water content, bowl structure, and microwave time for several months. He worked tirelessly to find the best way to cook a bowl of oatmeal without making a mess in the company microwave, lest he hear from senior marketing specialist Beth Steinkatz who Morris called, "the kitchen cleanliness police chief".<br />
<br />
"I don't really know what I did to cook my oatmeal for two minutes straight without spilling over the bowl's edge," Morris said humbly. What is clear is that Morris reduced the amount of water used to an amount between too much and too little, used a deeper Crate and Barrel Roulette Blue Band Bowl, and got very lucky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV3OzkwkYzbdct4GetLJWqTePF-vwpNo9XPTfRYQ4MmAd8gBUwGCtAylKUpZMbLHyDZ0oR7BKwmiGukqvKM_77tIhD8eQwOv7911gdQ4kj86HRKJUhQUrRBlRjlSLsPxWK9w/s1600/RouletteBlueBowl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV3OzkwkYzbdct4GetLJWqTePF-vwpNo9XPTfRYQ4MmAd8gBUwGCtAylKUpZMbLHyDZ0oR7BKwmiGukqvKM_77tIhD8eQwOv7911gdQ4kj86HRKJUhQUrRBlRjlSLsPxWK9w/s400/RouletteBlueBowl2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The bowl that cooked a perfect packet of maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal.</i></div><br />
An underachieving overthinker, Morris spent each morning trying different combinations to cook his Weight Control oatmeal pouches. Unable to grasp the concept of recording each test's settings to fine tune the next day's controls, every cooking event was an absolute shot in the dark to not spill. Like stumbling upon a wad of 100-dollar bills, Morris has not been able to cook a clean bowl of oatmeal since.<br />
<br />
"Each morning I shake all of those oats and powder into my bowl, run it under the water cooler, and toss it into the microwave for two minutes," Morris said. "I use the light inside the microwave to watch the oatmeal bubble. Sometimes I act too late to stop some slop from going over the edge, but I clean it up at least. I always get blamed for a messy microwave even though it's impossible for oatmeal to shoot up to the ceiling and look like tomato sauce." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1aETbR1lYpVs5NyD9JvG1iowZE_SFUduTIlmXk7UjS44C_tv7m6UrlAkcF5xUj966_KD0-RmxLYPmbsWEnzBlNOACY_ruKEx2uu6zl7IEao_ynV-kjqZladySpH__fataLM/s1600/microwaveabuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1aETbR1lYpVs5NyD9JvG1iowZE_SFUduTIlmXk7UjS44C_tv7m6UrlAkcF5xUj966_KD0-RmxLYPmbsWEnzBlNOACY_ruKEx2uu6zl7IEao_ynV-kjqZladySpH__fataLM/s400/microwaveabuse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Looks like somebody forgot to put a paper towel on that Lean Cuisine. </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
A newly self-minted expert on heat conduction and dispersion, Morris said heat transfer journals and books increased his understanding of the forces at work. "Anyone with half a brain knows that Welty, Wicks, and Wilson were talking about my oatmeal's properties in '<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Momentum-Heat-Mass-Transfer/dp/0470128682/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289182995&sr=8-1">Fundamentals of Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer</a>.' NOTM pressed Morris for further explanation. <br />
<br />
"They claimed that 'A fluid is defined as a substance that deforms continuously under the action of sheer stress' which I also observed when I added too much water," Morris said. "My oatmeal is the best example of compressibility's effects yet. Those guys should have used my workday breakfast to better relate to a bunch of college kids." Morris claimed he has read more than the free preview pages on Amazon.com, but NOTM has no reason to believe him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TNW8qs32KTI/AAAAAAAAEWg/ROzrwhm3Kn4/s1600/thermody.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TNW8qs32KTI/AAAAAAAAEWg/ROzrwhm3Kn4/s400/thermody.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Somewhere, someone understands how this graph of thermodynamics applies to a bowl of microwaved oatmeal; and it's not Morris Herlis.</i></div><br />
The key to observing a bowl of microwaved oatmeal, Morris said, is to keep the kitchen lights off so the microwave light is not washed out. Using this revolutionary method, Morris observed that his oatmeal had, in fact, survived 120 consecutive seconds without spillage. He jumped in the air and pumped his fist. Unfortunately, no co-workers were in yet so they could not celebrate with him as Morris undoubtedly thinks would have happened. <br />
<br />
Morris opened the door and grabbed his steaming bowl without his trusty heat dispersion paper towels. Despite the ever-increasing skin burn, Morris tried to carry the bowl to his office by saying, "owww, owwww, hot hot hot." It was not enough.<br />
<br />
Morris dropped his perfect bowl of oatmeal, choosing to make a mess of the hallway instead of third-degree burns. An hour later, oatmeal was still soaking into the carpet, prompting Steinkatz to say, "looks like you can add this cleaning job to your tomato sauce artwork in the microwave."B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-63815529889185866322010-08-17T08:36:00.008-04:002010-08-18T08:27:31.018-04:00NOTM: Man Fails to Receive Google Alerts About Himself for Another Week<div style="text-align: left;">Gaithersburg, MD - While trying to figure out if any of the clearance bath rugs were actually worth purchasing at the Target in the Rio, area resident Morris Herlis glanced at his Blackberry and fell into a solemn stupor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He was a failure in life for yet another week.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TGneq36nN2I/AAAAAAAADNY/Pgtimvat9aM/s1600/FAILURE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TGneq36nN2I/AAAAAAAADNY/Pgtimvat9aM/s400/FAILURE.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">An artist's Minesweeper rendition of Morris Herlis' failure to exist in Google's servers.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
"I just don't get it," he said. "Why am I not recognized by the greatest popularity measurement stick?" Morris was referring to Google's search engine. He created Google Alerts for any mention of his name on the web, in the news, and in image captions. "I do all sort of boolean search techniques based on my name and never even get a nod of existence in this world. What do I have to do, land an airplane on the Hudson River?"<br />
<br />
<center><object height="300" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/imDFSnklB0k?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/imDFSnklB0k?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>A pretty drastic way to set off Google Alerts about yourself.</i></div><br />
<br />
Morris admitted to NOTM that he does not do much to increase his presence on the web outside of liking his aunt's vacation pictures on Facebook and ordering tube socks on Amazon.com.<br />
<br />
"At least Facebook recognizes that I like things, sometimes other people like the pictures too so they sort of see me. I'm not invincible ya know. Or is it invisible? I never keep those straight. Whatever Wonder Woman is, that's me. No wait that didn't come out right." Morris probably meant her airplane.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qRjLxZ8uHpIih1CCGh2YjX5rzCI9BLrtMS6S7geKkuVrskHn-8zCgm_nk0JJtdOt6Cv8LEY9uxj6S8amZb-aTa6EtsJdHLiYhg3dFZlJc_yUOIaUng33LAU7-1lsez3X1mo/s1600/wonder+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qRjLxZ8uHpIih1CCGh2YjX5rzCI9BLrtMS6S7geKkuVrskHn-8zCgm_nk0JJtdOt6Cv8LEY9uxj6S8amZb-aTa6EtsJdHLiYhg3dFZlJc_yUOIaUng33LAU7-1lsez3X1mo/s640/wonder+woman.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>How does Wonder Woman find her invisible plane? Why use it if she's not invisible too?</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>NOTM visited Google's corporate office website in Mountain View, California. Unfortunately, the travel budget did not allow for an in-person visit to see if that forwarded email of Google's office is legit.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, NOTM held an in-depth interview with Beth Steinkatz, senior global communications director for international human branding applications analysis for Montgomery County (MD) and Guam, about Morris' plight.<br />
<br />
"I don't know who you're talking about," she said.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TGndVrp1mGI/AAAAAAAADNM/vfPG3IGJYxM/s1600/google+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TGndVrp1mGI/AAAAAAAADNM/vfPG3IGJYxM/s400/google+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Beth Steinkatz (not pictured) did not appreciate NOTM's hard, investigative reporting about Google's practices.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>After speaking with Morris, he moped along toward the front of the store, knowing that another seven suns had set without an Internet packet mentioning his name; that was until he reached the Target cashier. <br />
<br />
After giving the unnervingly always cheerful red polo-shirted employee his license to verity his credit card payment, he heard, "thanks Mr. Herlis and have a good day."B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-14070565741236526472010-06-13T20:51:00.001-04:002010-06-14T08:49:40.434-04:00News of the Minutiae (NOTM): Man Empties Dishwasher In Record TimeRockville, MD - Area resident Morris Herlis nearly fainted in exhaustion after a perfect performance putting away his dishes, cups, utensils, and bowls on Sunday night.<br />
<br />
At 9:12 p.m., after devouring a Foreman grilled steak and microwaved can of corn, Morris found no room to jam his plate into a sink already full of cutlery chaos. The dishes were piling up and he had to do something. Something as drastic, life-threatening, and utterly unimpressive as emptying the dishwasher.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C0x8r2CYtlPhFgnhr9OXeZrBcX5nS7Ah88YM_Z7ml_l9mXLVc6kUi8T1PVE6BPLLI_ruVcbvhCubyZ7ksKamV6lc2Am1krx31wyBnUVGwvQa2LjFht4Y7VKrum2MvRAIAiU/s1600/1950s+dishwasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C0x8r2CYtlPhFgnhr9OXeZrBcX5nS7Ah88YM_Z7ml_l9mXLVc6kUi8T1PVE6BPLLI_ruVcbvhCubyZ7ksKamV6lc2Am1krx31wyBnUVGwvQa2LjFht4Y7VKrum2MvRAIAiU/s320/1950s+dishwasher.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In 1956, only <a href="http://www.kbbonline.com/kbb/news_trends/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003654392">four percent of homes</a> had dishwashers.</i></div><br />
Morris said, "I just wanted to get it done and well, I concluded that if I moved quickly and put things away faster, it would take less time. Neat concept, right? Kind of like pulling a band-aid off quickly is easier than pealing it away, hair by painful hair."<br />
<br />
Morris ripped his Band-Aid with the speed of a sprinter and didn't break anything, displaying the grace of a dancer he's never been confused for. "I was moving fast," he said, "like that Usain Bolt fella and moving like one those people on Dancing With The Stars; one of the ones that isn't like Buzz Aldrin of course."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TBTO8HlAR4I/AAAAAAAADLw/1E3_70ASel0/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-is-a-dishwasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TBTO8HlAR4I/AAAAAAAADLw/1E3_70ASel0/s320/funny-pictures-cat-is-a-dishwasher.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One way to pre-rinse your plates.</i></div><br />
Morris unhinged the dishwasher door and dove right in, ignoring the blast of steam in his face. He wasn't going to be stopped, even when hot cycle temps reach 160 degrees F. 2nd-degree burns be damned. <br />
<br />
In the blink of an eye, plates, cups, and bowls were evacuated to their cabinet shelves. Morris considered throwing the plates like frisbees, but didn't want to make the jump from amateur to all-madden too soon. That, and square plates with dried ketchup, because he doesn't pre-wash, don't fly well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TBTPA0WVh7I/AAAAAAAADL4/AxB5CnMulCQ/s1600/128346330483125000iztiredfrumli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TBTPA0WVh7I/AAAAAAAADL4/AxB5CnMulCQ/s320/128346330483125000iztiredfrumli.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Awwww, so cute!</i></div><br />
Next, he grabbed handfuls of utensils, some of which weren't handle side up. He learned that skin and serrated knife blades don't mix. Sure, he got blood on some formerly clean forks, spoons, and his one spork from the Maryland House's Roy Rogers, but you also don't stop Baryshnikov to tell him his split-sole ballet shoe is untied either.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>At 9:15 his performance began. 1 minute, 48 seconds later the dishwasher door was closed and a man celebrated his fastest dishwasher emptying ever in a blog.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-11219983895203658492010-06-08T20:30:00.004-04:002010-06-09T08:17:58.279-04:00I Ate The Last Non-Oil-Covered Oysters In New Orleans<span xmlns=""><p>I made my first visit to New Orleans last month for work and all I have to show for it are pictures of food, food, Bourbon Street, and more food. So please enjoy and salivate.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpY7N_Qm83HiDt_d4b3JECrerjJ8xabw6sN6O8RECUzQTqJyFYt7jBGMwVXmxsSA29WFp219tOMmcV2SGW2HSDVbvevGauHKGS9tPMExbRAv2xz5FJAlvzeMb36dQLu9zYoYM/s1600/100_4480a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpY7N_Qm83HiDt_d4b3JECrerjJ8xabw6sN6O8RECUzQTqJyFYt7jBGMwVXmxsSA29WFp219tOMmcV2SGW2HSDVbvevGauHKGS9tPMExbRAv2xz5FJAlvzeMb36dQLu9zYoYM/s400/100_4480a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>I expected to be overwhelmed with Saints championship signs, but I only saw this little poster by baggage claim.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7Mrv5ZoxI/AAAAAAAADHE/NSAs_PogPks/s1600/100_4488a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7Mrv5ZoxI/AAAAAAAADHE/NSAs_PogPks/s400/100_4488a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>So that's what the French Quarter looks like without the vomiting, public urination, and beads.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7Ng1ivJcI/AAAAAAAADLE/O7ZECubUt8c/s1600/100_4599a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7Ng1ivJcI/AAAAAAAADLE/O7ZECubUt8c/s400/100_4599a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Bourbon Street was either overrated or I'm just getting older. It wasn't much other than trashy blocks of tourists who are there to make the scene they've heard about. A self-fulfilling night to be sure.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0WWT8S3RX6V5Txf3_9xlCa51LQ-JLFk9cbNC3uSrwGyGK7xL7DussRlrBwmDsKM03bwsr4ftgQQ7JmbODSqix4QjRmpJE2xHk52eWYF_Ewy5Lk0GHR_2dvpSQcz7eWLUM2Q/s1600/100_4503a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0WWT8S3RX6V5Txf3_9xlCa51LQ-JLFk9cbNC3uSrwGyGK7xL7DussRlrBwmDsKM03bwsr4ftgQQ7JmbODSqix4QjRmpJE2xHk52eWYF_Ewy5Lk0GHR_2dvpSQcz7eWLUM2Q/s400/100_4503a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Every bar said it had the strongest drinks in the area, but it seemed like all drinks were wayyyyy watered down. I did what I could to fulfill the scene, but it shouldn't have been impossible to do on a Thursday night.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fQiSI1rgeT6kCkGDpYDzWJLK5L8n2FSt8Kwtm5eUk3Z1IeDMvPt3vSodyYVVuHIxlZEnH8gDm_NpOJ28Kd-YZsSc1hwWLnFYWdn6MTd4K4vdFqVcz9cSyft9Eoah6qcEV_Q/s1600/100_4560a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fQiSI1rgeT6kCkGDpYDzWJLK5L8n2FSt8Kwtm5eUk3Z1IeDMvPt3vSodyYVVuHIxlZEnH8gDm_NpOJ28Kd-YZsSc1hwWLnFYWdn6MTd4K4vdFqVcz9cSyft9Eoah6qcEV_Q/s400/100_4560a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>If you weren't drunk enough last night, here's a bar in the mall serving hurricanes all day.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlDRTo1Lc6yjGYH9JE57sXab9bexsP32koZRtOz6rz-O6aXoUVh_0e4KvA8L2XLZjplntEk5_R7hPNs1sssZVaR1yQLtpqAj2UiY-RTiGrPJxbY05scbW0F8UZFoQAJX2UNw/s1600/100_4501a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlDRTo1Lc6yjGYH9JE57sXab9bexsP32koZRtOz6rz-O6aXoUVh_0e4KvA8L2XLZjplntEk5_R7hPNs1sssZVaR1yQLtpqAj2UiY-RTiGrPJxbY05scbW0F8UZFoQAJX2UNw/s400/100_4501a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>New Orleans' homecooking is pretty simple…just add shellfish to rice and beans with a little spice. It was tasty, but I wasn't wowed.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NShK6jlI/AAAAAAAADJ0/eYdiCskv1XM/s1600/100_4562a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NShK6jlI/AAAAAAAADJ0/eYdiCskv1XM/s400/100_4562a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Check it out! Who knew you could keep Kosher in this land of oysters, shrimp, crawfish, and crabs.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NghR4mFI/AAAAAAAADK8/rPXnpc-bDvI/s1600/100_4598a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NghR4mFI/AAAAAAAADK8/rPXnpc-bDvI/s400/100_4598a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>I tried some Pralines because that's what Wikipedia suggested I do. They were just okay, even all 6 flavors I tried from Southern Candymakers.</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDbQdfUP8vpy0MpNkJYYigWa3qYDu4Uvt0jVFC4YxmbJWNAhryUthgUkaBX0MnjtLryX7fRIOKQyC2vbVITlF_IszSBje3TYItGXaq6nUlPS-u6KvmjI5jE6hVQ70jyL5K8c/s1600/100_4499a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDbQdfUP8vpy0MpNkJYYigWa3qYDu4Uvt0jVFC4YxmbJWNAhryUthgUkaBX0MnjtLryX7fRIOKQyC2vbVITlF_IszSBje3TYItGXaq6nUlPS-u6KvmjI5jE6hVQ70jyL5K8c/s400/100_4499a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz51IErqh671ltgsFlMKTN_Aj3cbKAYScv75t-Yw1w-5VGwCzmo3tY5JBahEyC7gGre-psiHoI9Agt0LtgMolkh6H6s8u12QMuaDsf9phNMeAxqaoZ0qxFxAbY6ScxS2XId8/s1600/100_4498a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz51IErqh671ltgsFlMKTN_Aj3cbKAYScv75t-Yw1w-5VGwCzmo3tY5JBahEyC7gGre-psiHoI9Agt0LtgMolkh6H6s8u12QMuaDsf9phNMeAxqaoZ0qxFxAbY6ScxS2XId8/s400/100_4498a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Lots of beads and masks to be found.</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjE-XXQxdUd6xzFzY5HVlLfnD3aRRs3KW04TSU6S6GgTe_5iBfRcoruu8uCbiXsSHrUBt6yOKgS9cnehmQLXyiWZLO_mnmwUm0iWg9kl6pDowHkB_Z8i6CE8rcUsbCE0N3C8/s1600/100_4550a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjE-XXQxdUd6xzFzY5HVlLfnD3aRRs3KW04TSU6S6GgTe_5iBfRcoruu8uCbiXsSHrUBt6yOKgS9cnehmQLXyiWZLO_mnmwUm0iWg9kl6pDowHkB_Z8i6CE8rcUsbCE0N3C8/s400/100_4550a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Chris Paul was much taller in person than I ever expected.</em><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NZcn1YJI/AAAAAAAADKc/H96OyqlwpYg/s1600/100_4586a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NZcn1YJI/AAAAAAAADKc/H96OyqlwpYg/s400/100_4586a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Mmmmm, oysters at Acme Oyster House, also known as the best meal during the four days I was in town.</em><span style="font-style: italic;"> Might be the final Louisiana oysters for a long time.</span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NZtx0AHI/AAAAAAAADKk/p5SbkcsT4vI/s1600/100_4588a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NZtx0AHI/AAAAAAAADKk/p5SbkcsT4vI/s400/100_4588a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>The charbroiled oysters were spectacular. Finally a meal with some real flavor.</em><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSsX_9vwORYSWQsgdLdboTNzsfTqwyzZdyilES7CNn1OQFbf_ulPDiYdKa1ht9aqT2o_PMmG5DBXTPguVzS6R-0TyQixD-_YGsohluzHCvYQtnZewsf8qNzlbbyPgtABuDsw/s1600/100_4590a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSsX_9vwORYSWQsgdLdboTNzsfTqwyzZdyilES7CNn1OQFbf_ulPDiYdKa1ht9aqT2o_PMmG5DBXTPguVzS6R-0TyQixD-_YGsohluzHCvYQtnZewsf8qNzlbbyPgtABuDsw/s400/100_4590a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>The two dozen oysters I ate weren't anywhere close to getting me on this board. I'd have to eat 15 dozen. The record is held by IFOCE Sonya Thomas who downed 52 dozen in a little over 10 minutes.</em><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bXRBM4EQ0A6y7iJTJE5lyasmroBUdek0QxISmDgBfaCJMhHoElimEB_T0TQEgAk-WSQ-tuonsDFPVycWZ6mSClfiggAasdvABY775dppv9gXIYIhgX5Vx9xAw7nxALFqcao/s1600/100_4563a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bXRBM4EQ0A6y7iJTJE5lyasmroBUdek0QxISmDgBfaCJMhHoElimEB_T0TQEgAk-WSQ-tuonsDFPVycWZ6mSClfiggAasdvABY775dppv9gXIYIhgX5Vx9xAw7nxALFqcao/s400/100_4563a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>The shortest escalator I've ever seen…</em><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7aTJZLS-I/AAAAAAAADLY/4ixFA0f1aeM/s1600/Short_Escalator.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7aTJZLS-I/AAAAAAAADLY/4ixFA0f1aeM/s400/Short_Escalator.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>…that is until I saw a picture of this one in the Garden State Plaza Mall in my NJ neck of the woods.</em><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NYqOTsvI/AAAAAAAADKM/aXyhVswn4uU/s1600/100_4569a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NYqOTsvI/AAAAAAAADKM/aXyhVswn4uU/s400/100_4569a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>I swung by Mothers for a 50/50 po'boy – ½ fried oysters and ½ fried shrimp. It was good, but again, it only tasted how I expected it to taste. There are no surprises with New Orleans cooking.</em><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NR7TYonI/AAAAAAAADJc/Vv1okexWH6g/s1600/100_4557a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NR7TYonI/AAAAAAAADJc/Vv1okexWH6g/s400/100_4557a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>A steamboat on the Mississippi? Who knew.<br /></em></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NC4nE1iI/AAAAAAAADI8/D34sRMT-vu0/s1600/100_4542a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NC4nE1iI/AAAAAAAADI8/D34sRMT-vu0/s400/100_4542a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>That tugboat's heading straight for that shark fin!<br /></em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NC-eS70I/AAAAAAAADI0/8_U2lR7Wo0w/s1600/100_4528a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NC-eS70I/AAAAAAAADI0/8_U2lR7Wo0w/s400/100_4528a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>A sole saxophonist playing along the Mississippi's Riverwalk.<br /></em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNWLHW2yii7u0c2Cuil9sTrCCMTLxT8YhDrgJGMuntlJsaTw7D9E3q6gnG-CwNAHP-sns2UNGYV42Cft3wlutbjG0tqzEZDME2zc1Hmr5uum8eFYyMR497hyphenhyphenXVU89RgGgdmQ/s1600/100_4512a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNWLHW2yii7u0c2Cuil9sTrCCMTLxT8YhDrgJGMuntlJsaTw7D9E3q6gnG-CwNAHP-sns2UNGYV42Cft3wlutbjG0tqzEZDME2zc1Hmr5uum8eFYyMR497hyphenhyphenXVU89RgGgdmQ/s400/100_4512a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Walking a mile in the heat and humidity to eat Café' du Monde was worth it.<br /></em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVHLSAuGNTR9Fj_Xb97NU1rK2exP9xjFI6deQzoFtXVOCohh63uyrrvTYr1ZEcVl3A9qf-6OQx9rG2D_OoDTaaIr379BYlnXx6UkhioH_vqQimxZw4l1HO5tKilgJMRGKw5Y/s1600/100_4513a.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVHLSAuGNTR9Fj_Xb97NU1rK2exP9xjFI6deQzoFtXVOCohh63uyrrvTYr1ZEcVl3A9qf-6OQx9rG2D_OoDTaaIr379BYlnXx6UkhioH_vqQimxZw4l1HO5tKilgJMRGKw5Y/s400/100_4513a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>I didn't know what a beignet was before this trip, but I sure am happy that I do now.<br /></em></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7M1JI09GI/AAAAAAAADIE/_bnL2vtNX3o/s1600/100_4515a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7M1JI09GI/AAAAAAAADIE/_bnL2vtNX3o/s400/100_4515a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Café du Monde's food offerings consist of the fried dough and powdered sugar concoctions. I had no trouble finishing them off.<br /></em></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NhLUOFVI/AAAAAAAADLM/r1yyjl3v0Rw/s1600/100_4624a.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/TA7NhLUOFVI/AAAAAAAADLM/r1yyjl3v0Rw/s400/100_4624a.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>A final sunrise on the mighty Mississippi before heading home.</em></p></span>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-16738471719501837402010-04-26T22:55:00.004-04:002010-04-27T08:26:46.304-04:00Rocking the East CoastAfter a breezy 3.5-hour drive a week ago, I was transported from the cozy confines of MoCo to the real, "The City." I played tourist during the day and surprised my dad for his 65th (!) birthday at night, before visiting Philly for brunch with a friend from college. It was a whirlwind 36 hours, but hot damn it was worth it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9RLlZTxaDI/AAAAAAAADGc/cOZ7VLtCKYU/s1600/t+square+people.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9RLlZTxaDI/AAAAAAAADGc/cOZ7VLtCKYU/s400/t+square+people.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464075353728313394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Somehow nobody's making eye contact with anybody else.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0pAG9U0I/AAAAAAAADFo/R7PvUvgamB4/s1600/pedestrian+walkway.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0pAG9U0I/AAAAAAAADFo/R7PvUvgamB4/s400/pedestrian+walkway.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464050126915720002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The new pedestrian walkway was much appreciated in Times Square. I still had to fend off five-year-olds who didn't know how to get out of the way. I stepped aside instead of getting hit in the groin.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0o4FsibI/AAAAAAAADFg/ZQsLtG_QcF4/s1600/olive+garden.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0o4FsibI/AAAAAAAADFg/ZQsLtG_QcF4/s400/olive+garden.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464050124762941874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Let's travel all the way to this city of great restaurants just to eat at the Olive Garden. Sadly, the place was packed.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwrAhZ154M7-2jq138I-mFgzmyEDbtsWMQZJDfWBjhZSttDrRXg26QIBVAJ5YVRc2P0BnT8T6Wh7piSCnNEKkkST37SptC8SLV4TO0z8NUeAHywFt1IeP7UfesyUmfkJRBhU/s1600/tkts.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwrAhZ154M7-2jq138I-mFgzmyEDbtsWMQZJDfWBjhZSttDrRXg26QIBVAJ5YVRc2P0BnT8T6Wh7piSCnNEKkkST37SptC8SLV4TO0z8NUeAHywFt1IeP7UfesyUmfkJRBhU/s400/tkts.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464050462987482066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Long live the TKTS booth! A haven for me, el Cheapo Depot, I landed orchestra seats to "Chicago."</span> </div><br /><br /><center><object width="382" height="319"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6WjBSDIaQcU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6WjBSDIaQcU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="382" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bianca Marroquin was awesome as Roxie.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> This prohibited video doesn't even do her justice.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyRSSic5Tw6d79xFtUK9uO3gi_kGiM2VNkv_EqIPUcdkGm_n5byKtAeJI3yGel8YrirMuFNGiNBgYPM_PdV-T_TMY14g-xIn2YGiJpEGzPADnJZeeHxbU3WOaYeRVTD14Vvs/s1600/tim+hortons.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyRSSic5Tw6d79xFtUK9uO3gi_kGiM2VNkv_EqIPUcdkGm_n5byKtAeJI3yGel8YrirMuFNGiNBgYPM_PdV-T_TMY14g-xIn2YGiJpEGzPADnJZeeHxbU3WOaYeRVTD14Vvs/s400/tim+hortons.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049959256883762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Blasphemy! Who dares to advertise Canadian bagels in NYC when there's H&H, etc.??? This is the rarest of all things, a Tim Hortons this far south so of course I went inside.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0ewrCe0I/AAAAAAAADE4/Pgd7vwkjAf0/s1600/tim+horton+munchkin.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 336px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0ewrCe0I/AAAAAAAADE4/Pgd7vwkjAf0/s400/tim+horton+munchkin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049950973393730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Thought I must admit that the Tim Horton Timbits were better than Dunkin Donuts' munchkins.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q3bLyd1BI/AAAAAAAADF4/GxHvyOYiilE/s1600/central+park.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q3bLyd1BI/AAAAAAAADF4/GxHvyOYiilE/s400/central+park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464053188067709970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">What ever shall we call this park in the center of the city?<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEH4dhyH99LVgqjTQVu1iAfursMuKbkXY2EwMBGd8b59ZSk0Hn2eXNptGrhaFcCTb23Zca0o9BSW4Trk80_Rzm5SZYkplzRk_UNj9dFwbiC2hE-2nmkAI2OhQYDJCLwQMr0U/s1600/sbarros.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEH4dhyH99LVgqjTQVu1iAfursMuKbkXY2EwMBGd8b59ZSk0Hn2eXNptGrhaFcCTb23Zca0o9BSW4Trk80_Rzm5SZYkplzRk_UNj9dFwbiC2hE-2nmkAI2OhQYDJCLwQMr0U/s400/sbarros.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049961233000434" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">"The meeting isn't until three, but I always like to come a little early. This is where I do my haunts. Oh, look! [points to a Sbarro's] My favorite New York pizza place. I'm going to go get me a New York slice!" -- Michael Scott</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0otA2G2I/AAAAAAAADFY/nPjBUa-75Ck/s1600/nyc+pizza.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0otA2G2I/AAAAAAAADFY/nPjBUa-75Ck/s400/nyc+pizza.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464050121789807458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Time for some legit NYC pizza.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Broccoli on pizza was awesome.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0Xa71GkI/AAAAAAAADEg/kcDUB2CplIw/s1600/flash+dancers.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 390px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0Xa71GkI/AAAAAAAADEg/kcDUB2CplIw/s400/flash+dancers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049824879155778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect! Go to Flash Dancers, now offering a sushi and sake bar. Nice warning above the entrance that warns about bed bugs. These are the things I notice.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0W9EFuXI/AAAAAAAADEQ/C6VdNK_QlTg/s1600/house+of+brews.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0W9EFuXI/AAAAAAAADEQ/C6VdNK_QlTg/s400/house+of+brews.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049816860735858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The House of Brews was like every bar in midtown, an Irish bar with an Irish bartender and Irish customers. "That was a bloody yellow card!" was heard often.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0WoiQiKI/AAAAAAAADEI/wh5yDk58KVM/s1600/bike+lane+signal.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 368px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0WoiQiKI/AAAAAAAADEI/wh5yDk58KVM/s400/bike+lane+signal.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049811350128802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A bike lane signal. At least bikers are safe in one Manhattan intersection. Just a few thousand more to go.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFD_UFN-6eE-yEzyeKwg2DBy4SWxUtgaN4WpiG8y05QJxEfSpcZJta1NalSYx1cwPeG1qnylQjEi3E98a47OK1NQ6_1hoQ7orH4SZ-UMFaaSRjhtllF7YyFVrFZUK_3duEpaQ/s1600/foodcart.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFD_UFN-6eE-yEzyeKwg2DBy4SWxUtgaN4WpiG8y05QJxEfSpcZJta1NalSYx1cwPeG1qnylQjEi3E98a47OK1NQ6_1hoQ7orH4SZ-UMFaaSRjhtllF7YyFVrFZUK_3duEpaQ/s400/foodcart.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049821334544562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Just about as clean as you'll find for a food cart.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0WV1lvYI/AAAAAAAADEA/zVh7qrumE08/s1600/no+line.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0WV1lvYI/AAAAAAAADEA/zVh7qrumE08/s400/no+line.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049806330936706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A great miracle happened at the Empire State Building...no significant lines.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUOLc9SUroM9pPD29llweD0KgQm2yMXfa4LxlZ-jmz6GeMxYGBVnk-BEFGAjPvVhvdwvsdxAe5lasnpGjQkHTf3qlqPD-qwFDu2n5XrkfTFTLAo8n85qqyklTCOb4E8hkBjg/s1600/empire+state+people.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUOLc9SUroM9pPD29llweD0KgQm2yMXfa4LxlZ-jmz6GeMxYGBVnk-BEFGAjPvVhvdwvsdxAe5lasnpGjQkHTf3qlqPD-qwFDu2n5XrkfTFTLAo8n85qqyklTCOb4E8hkBjg/s400/empire+state+people.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464078215314920658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It was really cold up that high, but it was sooooo worth it.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0NjLVA7I/AAAAAAAADD4/XCCxK_pguyY/s1600/northwest.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0NjLVA7I/AAAAAAAADD4/XCCxK_pguyY/s400/northwest.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049655292953522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Tall buildings to the northwest.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0NODIWXI/AAAAAAAADDo/mi7NmB_THJI/s1600/tall+buildings2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0NODIWXI/AAAAAAAADDo/mi7NmB_THJI/s400/tall+buildings2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049649621424498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Taller buildings to the north.</span> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNYZTD2TODxFX1-0dNxMhss9T_ZJmGTBmKvaAg2gU35pc_XP5tIoW2ZTcqAkaR-rrvphn8Fd8jZt0m-p7mRALfoitR-PXehTcz5VeP5ogBCu88capN6vWEmmyAcvU8QCsA9o/s1600/tall+buildings.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNYZTD2TODxFX1-0dNxMhss9T_ZJmGTBmKvaAg2gU35pc_XP5tIoW2ZTcqAkaR-rrvphn8Fd8jZt0m-p7mRALfoitR-PXehTcz5VeP5ogBCu88capN6vWEmmyAcvU8QCsA9o/s400/tall+buildings.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049654157967938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Tallest buildings to the northeast.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0e8W2BzI/AAAAAAAADEw/g4i2e4Ml_DA/s1600/camera+emp+state.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0e8W2BzI/AAAAAAAADEw/g4i2e4Ml_DA/s400/camera+emp+state.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049954109916978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Don't drop your camera!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ7Iz4UADwNNLz299QTFdxUOYhPGMZE97jr659Fihd0RoX4eoj-OHd0mqFn1vEZlvGnJ4gA709TwNvJVkwUsEkiEWd1nTf2Ban8WX95zk8oTaQdfL-jQALJZrSMZ9vEW45dY/s1600/taxis.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ7Iz4UADwNNLz299QTFdxUOYhPGMZE97jr659Fihd0RoX4eoj-OHd0mqFn1vEZlvGnJ4gA709TwNvJVkwUsEkiEWd1nTf2Ban8WX95zk8oTaQdfL-jQALJZrSMZ9vEW45dY/s400/taxis.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049645147247634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Your typical NYC street: school buses, taxis, livery cabs, tourist bus, luxury sedan from the NJ suburbs, and commuter bus from Connecticut.</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0BV4TTPI/AAAAAAAADDI/5vB_2MoOzJ4/s1600/Rottendam+Square+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0BV4TTPI/AAAAAAAADDI/5vB_2MoOzJ4/s400/Rottendam+Square+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049445565058290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Rolled to Philly for a hot minute the next day and enjoyed Rittenhouse Square.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p8c90srU-vcdAgXrpCPa2KyRuwLdqQZlZI3yhps8zntqH-avXYP_5Tj6s0f8mfevXqQO5ebV2Sp6GCTVbYSMBlRBvyhsmD7xqDn0ev4Gws0Wv0hGjmhqA_LLo1K6mOA3eKk/s1600/Rottendam+Square.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6p8c90srU-vcdAgXrpCPa2KyRuwLdqQZlZI3yhps8zntqH-avXYP_5Tj6s0f8mfevXqQO5ebV2Sp6GCTVbYSMBlRBvyhsmD7xqDn0ev4Gws0Wv0hGjmhqA_LLo1K6mOA3eKk/s400/Rottendam+Square.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049641151598594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I tossed a penny over my shoulder and wished for peace on earth. Yeah right!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0AkaH3AI/AAAAAAAADCw/elzbm1ySAzM/s1600/Rottendam+Square+6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9Q0AkaH3AI/AAAAAAAADCw/elzbm1ySAzM/s400/Rottendam+Square+6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464049432285142018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Postcard weather made Philly look good.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9REs02DyRI/AAAAAAAADGU/8m8nzCdxwl0/s1600/Angel+Food+Cake+French+Toast.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S9REs02DyRI/AAAAAAAADGU/8m8nzCdxwl0/s400/Angel+Food+Cake+French+Toast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464067784797571346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I rocked some solid challah french toast with ricotta cheese and blackberry sauce at Marathon on the Square (the freshly squeezed OJ was not so solid).</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> It looked like this except it for the whipped cream and ugly plate. I was stuffed completely for the drive back to Maryland.</span><br /><br /></div>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-35142971999444459802010-04-20T22:15:00.001-04:002010-04-22T10:00:32.647-04:00Rocking the West CoastTwo weeks ago I left the confines of the east coast and visited my sister and her boyfriend who live in another country. Fortunately, my passport isn't required for entry just yet as it expired 10 years ago. What is this great land called? Why, it's California of course. Onward with the pictures!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_jG6GwZsMh9CReNRSbeOZcVxUf700kvwM1ny4UT44W2qGIkJC0IRIoOzH3eml_-z8WlAY94S5yfOuGWnbbqLbW1XVUFeCA5p_jW8EWmfDE1cOV_6cibhsBYQrL02zhrmqsM/s1600/security_check.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_jG6GwZsMh9CReNRSbeOZcVxUf700kvwM1ny4UT44W2qGIkJC0IRIoOzH3eml_-z8WlAY94S5yfOuGWnbbqLbW1XVUFeCA5p_jW8EWmfDE1cOV_6cibhsBYQrL02zhrmqsM/s320/security_check.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461979479550311906" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">As a randomly selected person for a full body scan at BWI, I sure hope I put on a good show for the TSA tech. </span><br /></div><br />For the 2nd time in a row, I flew to LA on Southwest, sat in the first row, and had a crazy woman (this time talking about aliens landing in her home state of NM) sit in my row. Fortunately, someone sat between us. The lesson here as always, if you fly Southwest, accept that you're going to be trapped with more crazies than normal.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkprFX6q4WbI-nKR8bkfQCCsbaHin6dSwoRufTTmwMwY8KONEifC5ivtCDFIGzQUE9BloatJQrP45An-BQT-3EVdJ2W829rejCNJV7U79Mv1aTqT0DaL2bpxBjedz63CRmisc/s1600/will_i_am.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkprFX6q4WbI-nKR8bkfQCCsbaHin6dSwoRufTTmwMwY8KONEifC5ivtCDFIGzQUE9BloatJQrP45An-BQT-3EVdJ2W829rejCNJV7U79Mv1aTqT0DaL2bpxBjedz63CRmisc/s320/will_i_am.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461979733403832962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Will.I.am (or more likely his twin) was on the plane. Boom boom pow</span>!<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilshp0JJtCqjjglH_6C-STiVIVNhKalsPWTezCaQgpiOkeyofgN08Bazzfupz3YqqwUrms5INycnhzfmPbRShomd1FlXry64A4_yoCoUISmuVDmNlLs2SUIvgD8l2Xf1tzU2E/s1600/reagan+library.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilshp0JJtCqjjglH_6C-STiVIVNhKalsPWTezCaQgpiOkeyofgN08Bazzfupz3YqqwUrms5INycnhzfmPbRShomd1FlXry64A4_yoCoUISmuVDmNlLs2SUIvgD8l2Xf1tzU2E/s320/reagan+library.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461982321204323154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The next day we made the pilgrimage to a shrine for one of California's proudest exports - Ronald Reagan. I learned many things about Reagan this day. </span><br /></div><br /><br />Once an actor always an actor. Reagan seemed to act the part of president, but never was a true president making his own decisions. His library even played a few clips about his lack of political aspirations, be it for governor or president. He voted democratic for many years and then changed to republican practically overnight for no ideological reason in the late 60s.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zdthXfSZI/AAAAAAAAC-0/CA35HNqqnrQ/s1600/gipper.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zdthXfSZI/AAAAAAAAC-0/CA35HNqqnrQ/s320/gipper.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461984222214310290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Reagan was a natural fit as the Gipper after his athletic career.</span><br /></div><br /><br />Reagan was a true example of an outlier. He was what the country wanted for a president; a straightshooter, someone who simply came across as a nice guy, and wouldn't break into a hotel room to steal campaign secrets. He won the White House on charm and simplicity and the public was okay with that, nevermind that all of his policies, speeches, and decisions were made by terribly important handlers. Heaven forbid he had his own thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zeNDIaE6I/AAAAAAAAC_E/5HsBsjJhnxM/s1600/reagan+boats.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zeNDIaE6I/AAAAAAAAC_E/5HsBsjJhnxM/s320/reagan+boats.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461984763853804450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">This out of focus picture is of two model boat kits he put together. An entire display for this? I suppose with a library dedicated to a single person, everything gets added. The exhibit cards throughout were infinitely positive - these boats showed Reagan's dedication to finishing a project he began and his tremendous amount of patience to complete every task.</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>His successful acting career was as much about his ability as being in the right place at the right time. He had many moments in which he was literally thrown behind a mic to do sports play-by-play or DJ as a fill-in. From there, he was a star on radio just as TV came into its own. Thanks to the right timing, he made a smooth transition to TV.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1iIZ61WX4JFsmswQfXlVeGx8vZmkI5136zHShSYBBxLa-xUTGK5ft7i5FBd9uqqlrHDtQYwAKQfaeEbFEnikN9tSLQofeRvjk3Ta9VzuVbz7SNn13LFE1MRbY279tvXlfiU/s1600/speaker.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1iIZ61WX4JFsmswQfXlVeGx8vZmkI5136zHShSYBBxLa-xUTGK5ft7i5FBd9uqqlrHDtQYwAKQfaeEbFEnikN9tSLQofeRvjk3Ta9VzuVbz7SNn13LFE1MRbY279tvXlfiU/s320/speaker.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461985516845808610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">When my library's built, I promise that it'll at least hide the speaker wire.</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zfNLqUmQI/AAAAAAAAC_U/CSdrNI6mugM/s1600/Air+Force+One.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zfNLqUmQI/AAAAAAAAC_U/CSdrNI6mugM/s320/Air+Force+One.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461985865655163138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zfk_c6ysI/AAAAAAAAC_c/9HCP9jio4NA/s1600/air+force+one.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zfk_c6ysI/AAAAAAAAC_c/9HCP9jio4NA/s320/air+force+one.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461986274694580930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Turns out, the president's plane wasn't named after the shoes, it's the other way around.</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUweJg_ZlNpDK2NeEPMXi5bKpigZ91tqtYbUzaI3s_SYZyfLpJe3w0mcV4TFziHHtP09T_I0Hc5wvnrPgGjuuvt8Mb_yDkOmQ55FOd_W4D5X3GkH12ZCaY8XqyjrzllvKWog/s1600/inside+air+force+one.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUweJg_ZlNpDK2NeEPMXi5bKpigZ91tqtYbUzaI3s_SYZyfLpJe3w0mcV4TFziHHtP09T_I0Hc5wvnrPgGjuuvt8Mb_yDkOmQ55FOd_W4D5X3GkH12ZCaY8XqyjrzllvKWog/s320/inside+air+force+one.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461986613315804818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">How did anything get done on board without a laptop? HDTV? Touch screen phone?</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Then, with his acting career on the decline a friend suggested that he run for governor. Reagan explains at the library that he didn't want any part of politics, but just did it on a whim. I suspect politics came easy for him because he could just act the part and fit right in with the hot air and phoniness of the profession.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zhLQ13sZI/AAAAAAAAC_0/294qaqo4XVM/s1600/reagan-berlin-wall.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zhLQ13sZI/AAAAAAAAC_0/294qaqo4XVM/s320/reagan-berlin-wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461988031709294994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Finally, a museum that should have an authentic section of the Berlin Wall on display, <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2009/12/newseum-one-journalism-graduates-review.html">unlike say, the Newseum</a>. Of course, saying, "Tear down this wall," could have incited the launch of nuclear missiles, I approve of Reagan's piece of the wall.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zh8PBBnaI/AAAAAAAAC_8/jsJBXgAI2Ds/s1600/mini+white+house.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zh8PBBnaI/AAAAAAAAC_8/jsJBXgAI2Ds/s320/mini+white+house.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461988873032801698" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The miniature White House model was cool.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDCoyK365sZKD3OwBM47zf_o7AvaYNO-FOkEmXw9j2ygPEnPSvKOh-VFp3rMGBARU1KpNRfmngOgdpbHHe_n7Lskd4mxkSyS2i2SNzhMG9ZhDUh7r3NTtS7HkGm_JR530X8k/s1600/Reagan+library+view.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDCoyK365sZKD3OwBM47zf_o7AvaYNO-FOkEmXw9j2ygPEnPSvKOh-VFp3rMGBARU1KpNRfmngOgdpbHHe_n7Lskd4mxkSyS2i2SNzhMG9ZhDUh7r3NTtS7HkGm_JR530X8k/s320/Reagan+library+view.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461989180096264178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The view from the library was nice, if lacking vegetation that makes mountainside pictures really great</span>.<br /></div><br /><br />The next day we walked the beach in Palos Verdes near the Trump National Golf course. The course offers views of the ocean on every hole and costs half as much as Pebble Beach, making it Pebble Beach's ugly stepsister. Really, if you're going to play a course along the beach, Pebble Beach is the one and only. Spend the extra money.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q6V4qLWlgBm2Yl76upRaWIPkkbZe25HCHV5ll5d9OE3eA_iDMiqeEhFfO2JcYeKr48tlZeakrUJK6oOQe6qWrg23uAx0P2jTcg-yMmPyY1wxdTopl07QIwypGiAsXxqx5ag/s1600/trump+clubhouse.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q6V4qLWlgBm2Yl76upRaWIPkkbZe25HCHV5ll5d9OE3eA_iDMiqeEhFfO2JcYeKr48tlZeakrUJK6oOQe6qWrg23uAx0P2jTcg-yMmPyY1wxdTopl07QIwypGiAsXxqx5ag/s320/trump+clubhouse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461990748229776994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"This is the finest putting green and clubhouse on the entire west coast of North America."</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zkDKBDW3I/AAAAAAAADAU/ZDt2K-t1s4c/s1600/condiments+and+heating+tray.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zkDKBDW3I/AAAAAAAADAU/ZDt2K-t1s4c/s320/condiments+and+heating+tray.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461991190973078386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"These are the finest ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayonnaise packets in the state. The heating tray is the best money can buy."</span> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSnpzQweJ3gt-8kY494OXymXJuryx67q7ZFVmfzlUQUqEp6_IMAQkf7LcmgULP9Wvkdk-4I2fQOPpmmZniuNFkh9_XM0RDKTt0lI3xnUKGjDJfC-idKhMWVN0pTGQWitTAPU/s1600/trump+national+golf+course+front+fountain.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSnpzQweJ3gt-8kY494OXymXJuryx67q7ZFVmfzlUQUqEp6_IMAQkf7LcmgULP9Wvkdk-4I2fQOPpmmZniuNFkh9_XM0RDKTt0lI3xnUKGjDJfC-idKhMWVN0pTGQWitTAPU/s320/trump+national+golf+course+front+fountain.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461991681201172898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">One unwritten rule: You may drive nothing worse than a BMW or Mercedes to the golf course.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KAm-_Is13a-s0xoam-9rRIdgUk3JhMiP8rZXDB9LnSOf5tT7_PauKXeMYpnZ-6uW-WCyt19lHE7g457ZKafTAjjKZJBheqQkFHNfVpUY9SVecwg9L13LAxCOuUuaefk4_Gg/s1600/beach+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KAm-_Is13a-s0xoam-9rRIdgUk3JhMiP8rZXDB9LnSOf5tT7_PauKXeMYpnZ-6uW-WCyt19lHE7g457ZKafTAjjKZJBheqQkFHNfVpUY9SVecwg9L13LAxCOuUuaefk4_Gg/s320/beach+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461992178577846594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It sure looks nothing like the 2009-10 winter in DC.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApz9qGDTKGZ29KN9U4xiUE8xbDTsepimf0QnW21yhaeLq1nSPSSS3LogF9n5hbdgdGJDE55eFH2U_17_E8S7dNqMyM91JBMKJA083y9wJPfAABJUQyFfxdZVtWyBuJDw_aec/s1600/beach+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApz9qGDTKGZ29KN9U4xiUE8xbDTsepimf0QnW21yhaeLq1nSPSSS3LogF9n5hbdgdGJDE55eFH2U_17_E8S7dNqMyM91JBMKJA083y9wJPfAABJUQyFfxdZVtWyBuJDw_aec/s320/beach+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461992547668258770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It only gets better as you get closer to the water.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><center><object width="382" height="319"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KHCfYi0RIqo&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KHCfYi0RIqo&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="382" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I doubt this dog appreciates the life he has out here.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zllpBUhgI/AAAAAAAADA0/N2hNA3nUeWg/s1600/beach+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zllpBUhgI/AAAAAAAADA0/N2hNA3nUeWg/s320/beach+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461992882922882562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Let's be honest, having four real seasons is soooo overrated on our coast.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttvMZmJ4pFlRFOxDWK-p6LRLzvAXp-d8fpvsSB9GlhKyGqbm8SQMnAyT26cok-SXMfCaGOJUrLdhZr4vWFk4OxpIpqEW4I0-b8uIOAxOSEZwRvg0Zr_yzdQFuYQ-I4cmscRI/s1600/marineland.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttvMZmJ4pFlRFOxDWK-p6LRLzvAXp-d8fpvsSB9GlhKyGqbm8SQMnAyT26cok-SXMfCaGOJUrLdhZr4vWFk4OxpIpqEW4I0-b8uIOAxOSEZwRvg0Zr_yzdQFuYQ-I4cmscRI/s320/marineland.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461993400198019218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Looks like I missed out on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marineland_of_the_Pacific">visiting Marineland</a>.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zmb6lUA5I/AAAAAAAADBE/FYLGzWm5D8Q/s1600/marineland+lighthouse.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 185px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zmb6lUA5I/AAAAAAAADBE/FYLGzWm5D8Q/s320/marineland+lighthouse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461993815350182802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, it's a tough sell on why moving out here makes sense. Too bad we didn't feel the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck just as we were finishing our walk.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26-embjTMc8fp6eNLYRhwBTR517hblr7D36E7NLSE7dRxJ6hFE73wNXn567VC-3quDIkwp9yVlhnlMeVEfXr_Unc7vujx_7dKP1vuFptByanQgHAQShqcnc1Gg7O3hHQ0vHc/s1600/rattlesnake+sign.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26-embjTMc8fp6eNLYRhwBTR517hblr7D36E7NLSE7dRxJ6hFE73wNXn567VC-3quDIkwp9yVlhnlMeVEfXr_Unc7vujx_7dKP1vuFptByanQgHAQShqcnc1Gg7O3hHQ0vHc/s320/rattlesnake+sign.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461994321910040674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I ain't scared of no rattlesnakes. I watch Man vs. Wild.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8znLD_FpOI/AAAAAAAADBU/soJuCi6hSiU/s1600/Marina+Del+Rey.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8znLD_FpOI/AAAAAAAADBU/soJuCi6hSiU/s320/Marina+Del+Rey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461994625328063714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Just before heading home, I took in la Marina de la Marina del Rey.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zqbWrMWvI/AAAAAAAADBk/Egjpho7P6B4/s1600/northern+lights.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S8zqbWrMWvI/AAAAAAAADBk/Egjpho7P6B4/s320/northern+lights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461998203757681394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">On the flight back over Indiana, I caught a faint glimpse of the northern lights. It almost made up for not being at the beach anymore and missing an exciting men's NCAA basketball final game.</span><br /></div>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-21013813699648218342010-03-30T13:45:00.001-04:002010-03-30T13:45:00.390-04:00Torah Hero - Be A Bar/Bat Mitzvah Badass!<div> </div>Hey kids, ever wanted a cool way to practice your Bar/Bat Mitzvah prayers and Torah portions? Then Torah Hero might be just what you need. Here's how I'd design the game as a parody of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band videogame franchises. Neither the people nor companies nor places mentioned have endorsed or agreed to the game...yet.<span> And as you know, now that it's posted here, I own the copyright to the idea...suckas!</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div><br />For the uninitiated, Torah Hero allows you to sing songs and play plastic instruments to make music. Singing is done like karaoke with words scrolling across the TV. "Music" is made by hitting a colored button on the guitar and "strumming" when a shape of the same color moves down the screen and across a marked line. When you hit the correct button (or drumpad) you'll make a note. The more accurate you are, the better your music will sound, resulting in a higher score and more money.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwihAMVpyzI/AAAAAAAACcw/ES0dKkdP9Ss/s1600/Torah+Hero+Logo+Final.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwihAMVpyzI/AAAAAAAACcw/ES0dKkdP9Ss/s400/Torah+Hero+Logo+Final.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406748377342397234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Be a Mensch and </span><span style="font-style: italic;">pickup a copy at your local Temple...it's tax deductible and pays me for designing this logo.<br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gameplay</span><br />Playing alone or in a group, use the instruments to get through prayers, songs, Torah portions, and minigames. When bandmates fail out of a song, they're revived by Jewish penicillin (matzah ball soup). For more points, activate L'Chaim power with a double drum cymbal hit, guitar master button, or by turning the wiimote and nunchuk like you were scrolling through a Torah.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Difficulty Levels</span><br />Game difficulty is determined by the ratio of English-Hebrew content and game speed. This means a player may choose a Conservative level of English-Hebrew content and play it at an Orthodox game speed. Game speeds increase from Reform up to Chasidic.<br /><ul><li>Reform - English/Hebrew equal split</li></ul><ul><li>Conservative - A little more Hebrew</li></ul><ul><li>Orthodox - Almost all Hebrew<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Chasidic - All Hebrew as possible<br /></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwihpKZaUJI/AAAAAAAACc4/OwQCDYLRIr0/s1600/Torah+Hero+Kid+Guitar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwihpKZaUJI/AAAAAAAACc4/OwQCDYLRIr0/s400/Torah+Hero+Kid+Guitar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406749081195925650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Just think of how proud you'd be of your son when he not only chants prayers and sings songs perfectly, but also plays guitar.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venues</span><br />As you progress through the game, you'll play at many great Jewish locations in the U.S. and Israel, including:<br /><ul><li>Generic Temple Name - Temple Shalom Beth Shalom Har Sinai Shalom Beit Israel</li></ul><ul><li>DC - <a href="http://www.whctemple.org/" target="new">Washington Hebrew Congregation</a></li></ul><ul><li>LA - <a href="http://www.vbs.org/" target="new">Valley Beth Shalom</a><br /></li></ul><ul><li>Baltimore - <a href="http://www.templeohebshalom.org/" target="new">Temple Oheb Shalom</a><br /></li></ul><ul><li>Big City Suburb - <a href="http://www.templesinaibc.org/" target="new">Temple Sinai of Bergen County</a><br /></li></ul><ul><li>NYC - <a href="http://www.emanuelnyc.org/" target="new">Temple Emanu-El</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php" target="new">Carnegie Deli</a><br /></li></ul><ul><li>Cleveland - <a href="http://www.shaareytikvah.org/" target="new">Shaarey Tikvah</a></li></ul><ul><li>JCC Purim Carnival</li></ul><ul><li>Israel - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wall" target="new">Western Wall of the 2nd Temple</a></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Instruments</span><br />You can play the game with up to two plastic guitars (that sound like acoustic and electric when possible), a microphone, set of drums, and a special shofar attachment.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwiiTycPamI/AAAAAAAACdI/HpJCpw9AZBs/s1600/Torah+Hero+Bongos.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwiiTycPamI/AAAAAAAACdI/HpJCpw9AZBs/s400/Torah+Hero+Bongos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406749813499718242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The drumkit doubles as a set of bongos!</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Downloadable Content</span><br />You may download yamulkes, mezzuzahs, menorahs, talises, and weekly Torah portions not included in the original game.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Create-a-Character</span><br />Create you and your bandmates using one of these baseline characters:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SyR6JhN3i9I/AAAAAAAACgs/5eOArW1z1Q0/s1600-h/Torah+Hero+Characters.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 117px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SyR6JhN3i9I/AAAAAAAACgs/5eOArW1z1Q0/s400/Torah+Hero+Characters.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414586955960126418" border="0" /></a>Your character abilities improve as you progress through the game. Many clothing and decorative options are available.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Create-a-Shul</span><br />Torah Hero allows you to create your own shul! You'll begin with a small shul for which you must hire an inexperienced, fresh out of school Rabbi and Cantor; you're too small to attract talented service leaders let alone afford them. The better you perform songs the more money you'll earn in the form of donations to the temple.<br /><br />As you play more songs, you'll attract more congregants allowing you to upgrade and expand the building with a nursery and Hebrew school classrooms. This also means hiring an education director and letting a president of the Temple board take over operational duties if you didn't use them to create your character earlier.<br /><br />Of course running a Temple isn't for everyone. Among the issues that you'll face include:<br /><ul><li>Someone mixed-up the grape juice for Manischewitz for Shabbat services so now lots of middle schoolers are drunk.</li><br /><li>A cardiologist who's pushy, wealthy, and an important donor wants his son's Bar Mitzvah date changed just three weeks before the agreed original date.</li><br /><li>The sisterhood's membership levels are low.</li><br /><li>Nobody's buying the junk in the Temple gift shop (not that anyone does).</li><br /><li>As the shul expands you run low on Gates of Repentance copies.</li></ul><ul><li>Nobody's following carpool pickup rules.</li></ul><ul><li>The Lowensteins brought their triplet toddlers to the adult Rosh Hashannah service again.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>The entire nursery school is infected with the swine flu.</li></ul><ul><li>Someone leaked a copy of the Rabbi's high holiday sermon to the elderly congregants and they're already complaining.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>The accounting office misplaced a family scholarship endowment fund.</li><br /><li>Rampant high holiday ticket forgery, StubHub posting, and eBay scalping.</li><br /><li>You continue losing to the rival Temple across town in the Maccabi games.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwijanrnBfI/AAAAAAAACdQ/H2LJyuNdxo0/s1600/Beth+Am+Shalom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SwijanrnBfI/AAAAAAAACdQ/H2LJyuNdxo0/s400/Beth+Am+Shalom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406751030382102002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Design and construct your shul like Phelps Construction Group did for Beth Am Shalom.</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Jewish Guilt Loading Screens<br /></span>Because there's a delay while the game loads each song, you'll pass the time reading the many passive-aggressive themes of Jewish guilt. You may have done nothing wrong, but your mother thinks you did, including:<br /><ul><li>Why haven't you called your mother today?</li><br /><li>Would it kill you to visit your aunt Ruthie? She's only 10 minutes away.</li><br /><li>Your grandmother made matzah pancakes, can you at least try eating a few to make her happy?</li><br /><li>If you keep eating like that you'll never find yourself a nice Jewish boy.</li><br /><li>Read the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525948848?tag=briantuncr-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0525948848&adid=0QZZPVJSKJ75J695AEC5&" target="new">Modern Jewish Girl's Guide to Guilt.</a></li></ul><ul><li>Now that you're 18 years old, when are you finding a nice Jewish girl, getting engaged, getting married, and having my grandchildren?<br /></li></ul><ul><li>You should come to the brotherhood meeting, it's full of guys like your old man.</li><br /><li>Come over for dinner tonight; we have extra brisket and we never see you anymore.</li></ul><ul><li>You ARE going to Shabbat services even though you're no longer living with us, right?</li></ul><ul><li>I'm sure you have some time to at least volunteer at Shabbat and hand out challah. Don't make me look bad in front of the Rabbi and ruin the family name. We've only been going for generations.<br /></li><br /><li>Why don't I see you wearing that argyle sweater I got you for Channukah?</li><br /><li>Being a rocket scientist is good an all, but I'd be prouder if you had become a doctor, lawyer, or Rabbi. To be honest, I'd only be proud of you if you had become a Rabbi.</li></ul><ul><li>Don't worry about me, I'm just your mother.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Remember that girl you had a crush on in nursery school? Well I ran into her mother at the store and she says hello. You know she's married now, you missed out.</li></ul><ul><li>Did you make me those grandkids yet?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Songlist</span><br />Tiers of songs are played in the order they appear on the calendar. As available, you may choose different melodies and Ashkenazi or Sephardic pronunciations. The following are the default song and prayer versions. Do pity me by checking all song links because I spent many, many unhealthy hours finding just the right ones. Think of this as your one stop site for basic Jewish songs on YouTube.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Tier 1 - Shabbat</span><br />Location - Temple Shalom Beth Shalom Har Sinai Shalom Beit Israel<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52k45aQbDLo" target="new">Wine Blessing</a> (and in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-U3vKh3tE">sign language</a>)<br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI5peCTyMVw" target="new">Bread Blessing</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fmeMq_plXM&NR=1" target="new">Candle Blessing</a><br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSHRWJiZeIM" target="new">Dovid Melech</a> (with hand gestures from "Grease" as I learned in Hebrew school)<br />Song 5 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8uy-PqtyxA&feature=channel" target="new">Shema</a><br />Song 6 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze4VbedVSw8&feature=channel" target="new">Shecheyanu</a><br />Song 7 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLefr1CWEkI#t=0m20s" target="new">Adon Olam</a><br />Song 8 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw5W5qLSezs" target="new">Lecha Dodi</a> (or an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPYkyDTVDW8" target="new">acapella version from Brandeis</a><br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmRoQ6BeGao&feature=related" target="new">Shabbat Shalom</a><br />Extras - Song background includes 12 and 13-year-old kids not paying attention at the back of the sanctuary; party scenes include the electric slide, Coke and Pepsi races, and Hart to Hart performing.<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ziR0fq43e9c&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ziR0fq43e9c&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="382" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This rock version of Adon Olam is great!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 2 - Debbie Friedman (unlockable character)</span><br />Location - Temple Sinai of Bergen County<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXm3lX19nQg" target="new">Mi Shebeirach</a><br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnsy0F3nxh8" target="new">Miriam's Song</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABttgpMBst0" target="new">Aleph-Bet song<br /></a>Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBODShnrpBk&feature=related" target="new">Not by Might, Not by Power</a><br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH-M3CpNLSY&feature=related" target="new">Lechi Lach</a> (quicker <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JITpiYsUOx8&feature=related#t=0m46s" target="new">acapella version</a>)<br />Extras - Unlock kugel to improve guitar skills<br />Unlockable minigame - using the wiimote and nunchuk, flip and cross strands of dough to make challah<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 3 - Rosh Hashannah</span><br />Location - Washington Hebrew Congregation<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAhhBkjKKRM" target="new">Mi Chamocha</a> (or this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eem0Uph3_Mo&feature=related" target="new">band version</a>)<br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm6YcbL-L7c#t=0m20s" target="new">Ein Keloheinu</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkKzhxHfbIg" target="new">Sim Shalom</a><br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6iNXRVN-WE&feature=related" target="new">Shofar prayers</a> (tekiah, teruah, shevarim-teruah, and shevarim) using the shofar attachment<br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJMv1XMIf_Q&feature=related" target="new">Tekiah Gedolah</a> (play the shofar attachment as long as possible)<br />Extras - Unlock apples and honey to improve singing<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 4 - Yom Kippur</span><br />Location - Temple Oheb Shalom<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jryLeIcKc4&feature=related" target="new">Hinei Ma Tov</a> or the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG2vqwpbNjM#t=1m5s" target="new">techno version</a><br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zgtFuHYYAs" target="new">Shalom Rav</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzqAiHxlmOk" target="new">Gevurot</a><br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=4955739&m=4955759" target="new">Kol Nidre</a> is only listened to and not played (Yo-Yo Ma and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra)<br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHphx4iMlF0" target="new">Kedushah</a><br />Unlockable minigame - Drive to beat the Kol Nidre doors before they close<br />Extras - Unlock alternate talises<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/Swiu2fvcmNI/AAAAAAAACdc/xt1KoQxyRs4/s1600/outrun+kol+nidre.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/Swiu2fvcmNI/AAAAAAAACdc/xt1KoQxyRs4/s400/outrun+kol+nidre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406763603914954962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The race to get to the Temple before doors close for Kol Nidre will be based on OutRun's game engine.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 5 - Sukkot and Simchat Torah</span><br />Location - Valley Beth Shalom<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYvuYretXGw" target="new">Torah blessing before</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJOVYMgc7I" target="new">after reading</a><br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAZZKhQXzwU" target="new">Torah Tziva</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LnuNSjnMEQ" target="new">Haftorah blessing before</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxbyO58oD4c&feature=related" target="new">after reading</a><br />Song 4 - <a href="http://pathways.aish.com/pathways/audios/onePlayer-2008.swf?audioVal_A=http://pathways.aish.com/pathways/audios/stsong27.mp3&SongTitle=Vhaer%20Eineinu" target="new">V'ha'er Ein'einu</a><br />Encore - Current Torah portion<br />Extras - Unlock a Sukkah as playable venue<br />Unlockable minigame - "Don't Drop the Torah" has players pressing buttons to balance the Torah as congregants get pushy trying to touch their prayer books to the Torah (the Torah is never shown hitting the ground, but a dropped Torah means replaying Tier 5).<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 6 - Birthright Israel</span><br />Location - Western wall of 2nd Temple<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JZT5fKD9bM" target="new">Yerushalayim Shel Zahav</a><br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbiWlLUHoDg" target="new">V'Shamru</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PSyxMjsYxc&feature=related" target="new">Birthright Israel Program Song</a><br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvFgFpY-TaA" target="new">Zoom Gali Gali</a><br />Song 5 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVkthtXb9-U#t=0m39s" target="new">Am Yisrael Chai</a><br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFDuGiOy3uM" target="new">Havenu Shalom Aleichem</a> (Beach Boys style)<br />Extras - Unlock mezzuzahs from a Jerusalem marketplace to give to your mother or hang in your create-a-Shul's many doorposts<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PslN6RX34lA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PslN6RX34lA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="386" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Wiggles + Havenu Shalom Aleichem = Awesome</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 7 - Channukah</span><br />Location - Carnegie Deli<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nClqTW_4q-8" target="new">Channukah Candle Prayers</a><br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v0kZrLb9NE" target="new">I Have a Little Dreidel</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwb1PnLcchw" target="new">The Latke Song</a> (Debbie in a return performance)<br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mMz-hFZ-U" target="new">Light One Candle</a><br />Song 5 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lagdQN2aSA" target="new">Maoz Tzur</a> (Rock of Ages) (also available in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KVeMw1jIEo#t=1m11s" target="new">Marching Band style</a>)<br />Song 6 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkHgmcZ6ixo" target="new">Sivivon, Sov, Sov, Sov</a><br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQa8JQo0kRg" target="new">Channukah, Oh Channukah</a> with sign language (also available in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BILmgS5TGIU" target="new">Beach Boys style</a>)<br />Extras - Unlock alternate menorahs<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Tier 8 - Tu B'Shevat and Purim</span><br />Location - JCC purim carnival<br />Song 1 -<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdJCaF5Nsy4&feature=related" target="new"> Mein Hut Der Hat Drie Ekken</a> (My Hat, It Has Three Corners)<br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdu3DyxvLJU" target="new">Etz Chaim</a> (It's The Tree of Life)<br />Song 3 - <a href="http://image.aish.com/audio/holidays/Chag_Purim.mp3" target="new">Chag Purim</a> (or the more popular <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRmuv69k9Cs" target="new">party version</a>)<br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.ics.uci.edu/%7Edan/midi/jewish/awickedm.mid" target="new">Once There was a Wicked Man</a> (lyrics found <a href="http://zemerl.com/cgi-bin//show.pl?title=Wicked%2c+Wicked+Man">here</a>)<br />Encore - JCC carnival minigames: basketball free throws and bean bag target toss for the same lame prizes offered every year at every JCC Purim carnival<br />Extras - Activate star power by shaking the wiimote like a grogger; get trees planted in your name in Israel after finishing Tier 8<br />Unlockable minigame - Press button combinations to part the Red Sea<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 9 - Passover</span><br />Location - Shaarey Tikvah<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHgiF5J04ew#t=3m22s" target="new">Dayeinu</a> (use wiimotes during song to dab drops on plates for the 10 plagues)<br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsWh4YaD3HE" target="new">Mah Nishtanah</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi8pFsC8GMs" target="new">Let My People Go</a><br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUYAeTUZKPg" target="new">Chad Gadya</a> (Two Zuzim/An Only Kid) said as fast as possible<br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDT9xPzW3Fw" target="new">Oseh Shalom</a> (also available in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFDuGiOy3uM" target="new">Beach Boys style</a>)<br />Extras - Unlock brisket to improve drumming ability<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fPFH-O247BA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fPFH-O247BA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="382" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Earn extra points chanting the four questions in Yiddish.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tier 10 - Jewish Singers and Broadway </span><br />Location - Temple Emanu-El<br />Song 1 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YONAP39jVE&feature=related" target="new">Avinu Malkeinu</a> by Barbara Streisand (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Zt-6_eK_E&NR=1" target="new">non-celebrity version</a> with lyrics)<br />Song 2 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHZFYpQ6nc#t=0m33s" target="new">If I Were a Rich man</a><br />Song 3 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=H-1qt0NItmw&feature=channel&fmt=18" target="new">Hava Nagila by the Eagles</a> (guitar only)<br />Song 4 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uPHaioopKM#t=3m25s" target="new">Hatikvah</a> (Israel National Anthem by Streisand)<br />Song 5 - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrd9p47MPHg#t=0m8s" target="new">Channukah Song</a> by Adam Sandler (part 1)<br />Encore - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s214RkLm0NQ#t=1m10s">Hava Nagila</a> (Neil Diamond)<br />Extras - Artists are unlockable<br />Song Heard During Credits - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2Tv8b0u4fA">Hatikva and Yerushalayim Shel Zahav</a> combination on Piano<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Champion's Award - You've Earned a Dual Degree as Rabbi and Cantor</span><br />Character presented with certificate at Hebrew Union College (Reform), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziegler_School_of_Rabbinic_Studies" title="Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies">Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies</a> in Los Angeles/Rabbinical School of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Theological_Seminary" title="Jewish Theological Seminary" class="mw-redirect">Jewish Theological Seminary</a> in New York (Conservative), or Yeshiva University (Orthodox).<br /><br />Get your copy of Torah Hero today!<br /><br /></div>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-49801141994542126542010-02-15T18:40:00.001-05:002010-02-15T18:40:45.094-05:00A Great Super Bowl and Birthday Party That Didn't HappenDuring Thanksgiving dinner, I talked to my parents about plans for my 30th birthday taking place this month. I should take a trip to a <a href="http://bandtcrowd.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html">warm climate like LA</a> or head south for some beach time. Then it hit me; I'll combine a Super Bowl party with my birthday all with the purpose of showing off my HD entertainment purchases. I called it my Super Super Bowl and Birthday Party Party.<br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EMhUZAq5IxQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EMhUZAq5IxQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="382" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">2+ feet of snow in 24 hours reminds me why having a winter birthday party is tough to pull off. </span><br /></div><br />Fast forward to last week. I chose to ignore predictions of increasing snowfall and went to Sam's Club in Virginia one week before the Super Bowl to stock up on copious amounts of food, booze, and silverware. Here's what I had for the big game and party:<br /><ul><li>120 frozen buffalo wings</li><li>40 bottles of beer</li><li>10 liters of wine</li><li>8 liters of Coke, 30 cans of Coke Zero, and 24 cans of Diet Pepsi</li><li>6 pounds of tortilla chips, 1 large bag of sour cream and onion chips, and 1 large container of pretzels</li><li>6 pounds of guacamole and salsa dips<br /></li><li>150 shrimp</li><li>1 Transformer cupcake cake</li><li>Vegetable platter, fruit salad, and cheese and sausage plate</li><li>60 bottles of water</li><li>20-person sandwich platter and 15-person chopped salad</li><li>45 jalapeno poppers</li><li>Pistachios<br /></li><li>Dozens of my mom's famous homemade cookies<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S3nFtu-jSTI/AAAAAAAACrQ/J_6weQObRCA/s1600-h/100_3998a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S3nFtu-jSTI/AAAAAAAACrQ/J_6weQObRCA/s400/100_3998a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438595414521760050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Mom's homemade cookies included: chocolate nut, cranberry shortbread, and Russian tea cookies</span>.<br /></div><br />So yeah, I bought a lot of food for the 30-person party. I held out hope that parking wouldn't be an issue by Sunday afternoon because the roads would be fine with 24 hours of sunny skies and plowing. It's just snow after all. This was my Super Bowl and 30th birthday party and damn it, it was going to happen come hell or high water (in the form of snow).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S3nC-uKLLkI/AAAAAAAACq8/h3cpMfUg1nM/s1600-h/P1020079a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S3nC-uKLLkI/AAAAAAAACq8/h3cpMfUg1nM/s400/P1020079a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438592407824969282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The snow made chilling drinks easier. It also prevented anyone from showing.</span><br /></div><br />Turns out the roads weren't that great and parking was impossible. The cancellations poured in as I became friendly with my neighbors shoveling our parking spaces. Realizing that none of my friends would make it, I invited 10 neighbors, 4 of which showed. At least my parents and their dog made it to the DC area before the storm, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0qz7YnI8TxU7yV7s_OZtmf8GqjX4FVdgb1suRmRrqhDxXg1OazmZL7efER6-BefCEOqBfujGN1WEJBWuzJBvBQCKP3JJj8bPsBl1uicTO_VdyXy4SNL5uWep2SXCZgjbVX0/s1600-h/Picture+061a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0qz7YnI8TxU7yV7s_OZtmf8GqjX4FVdgb1suRmRrqhDxXg1OazmZL7efER6-BefCEOqBfujGN1WEJBWuzJBvBQCKP3JJj8bPsBl1uicTO_VdyXy4SNL5uWep2SXCZgjbVX0/s400/Picture+061a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438597074770537650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Not all was lost because of my no-show party; it spurred me to paint the living room, install 5.1 speakers, hide the wires inside, and even clean the house. Collectively known as the most home work I've ever done.</span></div><br />In this week since the big game and big party that didn't happen, I've done my best to eat the remaining cold cuts (ham, roast beef, and turkey), shrimp (mercury overdose anyone?), cookies (constant sugar high), and salad with an occasional Transformer cupcake for dessert. Despite quality meats, I'm at the point of cold cut exhaustion. Mixing toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers with mayo and mustard is appetizing only so many times.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S3nDrVL6wBI/AAAAAAAACrE/hfjLJOJUVSY/s1600-h/P1020085a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S3nDrVL6wBI/AAAAAAAACrE/hfjLJOJUVSY/s400/P1020085a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438593174215507986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Few got to see the Transformer cake actually transform into 30 cupcakes.<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Of my pre-party purchases, I've knocked out 1/2 of what remained of the cold cuts, 2 cans of Coke Zero, two dozen cookies, 3 cupcakes, and the remainder of salad and shrimp. Here's what remains: <ul><li>9 liters of wine</li><li>10 pounds of chips and chip dips</li><li>32 bottles of beer</li><li>Much of the soda and water</li><li>20 cupcakes</li><li>Pistachios<br /></li><li>Many cookies</li><li>All of the jalapeno poppers</li><li>110 buffalo wings</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizickc6z0zdz7r_pcIH-YlgN91XABmsuL2KY-BWA9C4XrkQpgIw6iSpfE6xXz6mzUXzBkM_fFo3KUt7rNOviT3iwdx-mVZMITHKLGPXAq0MJPHN11VrqgGoy1wt9tTf-_45jM/s1600-h/100_3995a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizickc6z0zdz7r_pcIH-YlgN91XABmsuL2KY-BWA9C4XrkQpgIw6iSpfE6xXz6mzUXzBkM_fFo3KUt7rNOviT3iwdx-mVZMITHKLGPXAq0MJPHN11VrqgGoy1wt9tTf-_45jM/s400/100_3995a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438613775789811634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Could my plate be more non-Kosher? Shrimp, ham, roast beef, and cheese on the same plate!<br /></span></div><br />Not one to binge eat forever, my party purchases will be made available for an NCAA Tournament basketball party in mid-March. Knowing my party weather luck, it'll be the weekend of a freak DC hurricane.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-62262698769513573642010-01-20T21:00:00.006-05:002012-04-03T09:14:54.196-04:00The Quad Pie - The World's Greatest Pie Baking ChallengeSince the dawn of time, people have looked for ways to challenge their cooking abilities and expertise. Many centuries later, we are marred in a quagmire of county fair bakeoffs, 4-H recipe challenges, and Food Network forced competitions like Iron Chef and fragile cake creations.<br />
<br />
The need to search for a great baking challenge is finally over. I have a creation that usurps all pie making contests in difficulty, stamina, and creativity. This is the decathlon of pie making. The recipe tests a baker's knowledge of structural integrity, flavor, taste, design, and planning. Only experienced piemakers should even attempt this 3+ hour recipe.<br />
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I present...the Quad Pie! Just in time to celebrate National Pie Day on January 23 or the other Pi Day on March 14 (3.14).<br />
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A Quad Pie is a four-filling pie with multiple crusts and toppings. To my minimal knowledge of everything on the Internet (Google), a Quad Pie has neither been made nor thought of before. The trick is cooking each quad in the same pie plate, balancing cooking times, preventing flavor crossovers, and keeping ingredients fresh without losing your mind from tracking multiple timers.<br />
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Here's my ever so sweet quad breakdown:<br />
<ul>
<li>Quadrant 1: cherry/blueberry with crumble top on standard crust</li>
<li>Quadrant 2: pecan with no top on standard crust </li>
<li>Quadrant 3: key lime on <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1264036215_15" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; cursor: pointer;">graham cracker crust</span> with glazed lime wedges or fruit compote</li>
<li>Quadrant 4: chocolate pudding with a whipp<i>e</i>d cream top on an oreo crust.</li>
</ul>
I did not create a Quad Pie, but I did think of it, documented the steps, and risked my own life for cooking science by eating it after it was done. As mentioned on <a href="http://jezebel.com/5500977/introducing-the-quad-pie-which-will-blow-your-mind">Jezebel</a> and <a href="http://www.asylum.com/2010/03/30/the-quad-pie-rich-an-incredible-feat-in-pie-making-history/">Asylum</a>...Here are pictures from the greatest pie ever made...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr90z2m1teDybDHq4RYnsN_w1HNZE4SyHTq8rn2jXYZvklwbJJEK0ZsKpamSw0fcPBy_yrcPWUHdejkMn4jFK45PNlhVOKhXGG4MByzGTbtP0RDKZ5Edef9EpEtDzRHGoEcQ/s1600-h/100_3769a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428990297505243442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr90z2m1teDybDHq4RYnsN_w1HNZE4SyHTq8rn2jXYZvklwbJJEK0ZsKpamSw0fcPBy_yrcPWUHdejkMn4jFK45PNlhVOKhXGG4MByzGTbtP0RDKZ5Edef9EpEtDzRHGoEcQ/s400/100_3769a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 264px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The pie's bottom is a little thicker than a normal one-filling pie and the two strips are edible walls that will separate fillings.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1emUS9D83I/AAAAAAAAClQ/Ce2owcOfDJY/s1600-h/100_3772a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428990743433966450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1emUS9D83I/AAAAAAAAClQ/Ce2owcOfDJY/s400/100_3772a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 322px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The first half of the Quad Pie's base is set.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGny6MhvkjgXCuJjY68f0G6RGPruBY-fyplU9x7GoZ6z3hovotEV3MYdSDDBhBZvoqsqPvWB6ouCrCxtxiEmUzQY7crQuvKDHGpQRaTXWlhsTm7ISj7Xb_BsU7iXglBxHRp8/s1600-h/100_3775a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428991066898480354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGny6MhvkjgXCuJjY68f0G6RGPruBY-fyplU9x7GoZ6z3hovotEV3MYdSDDBhBZvoqsqPvWB6ouCrCxtxiEmUzQY7crQuvKDHGpQRaTXWlhsTm7ISj7Xb_BsU7iXglBxHRp8/s400/100_3775a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Garbanzo (chick peas) are used to weigh down the bottom dough and hold walls up. Use aluminum foil to shape the load-baring holder as necessary.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICOzbu90QJNIhSMIV0XEHj1OI0_CYRpkxhmZdWf1mayLlpbpxVYab0oTtd_DWOpmCvypAhedN9uVu9KHYAceHSPq_jSPU20iSemSV4XnVXV2RBasKqHjzLs93Gj5Mz955wQ0/s1600-h/100_3777a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428991597913671122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICOzbu90QJNIhSMIV0XEHj1OI0_CYRpkxhmZdWf1mayLlpbpxVYab0oTtd_DWOpmCvypAhedN9uVu9KHYAceHSPq_jSPU20iSemSV4XnVXV2RBasKqHjzLs93Gj5Mz955wQ0/s400/100_3777a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 321px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The cherry filling is the first to be cooked. A tough lesson is learned why you can never assume the walls will hold the filling on their own. Use the foil wrapped beans in all empty quads all the time. Some quick cleanup and the Quad Pie was ready to move forward.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> No harm done.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCqAw6yg6f_X8xb6UvwYtMV8RmQX9AgOsmR-CiQ6vUxtgPT-Xti3CoU_kfGIQ64Oi9bupUS2Y68t0QT9QbUeeW-EaUOunQ3YwXXB5hkIH-izIf001Ze9KNEeKde0m6yizSZE/s1600-h/100_3779a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428992329788788594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCqAw6yg6f_X8xb6UvwYtMV8RmQX9AgOsmR-CiQ6vUxtgPT-Xti3CoU_kfGIQ64Oi9bupUS2Y68t0QT9QbUeeW-EaUOunQ3YwXXB5hkIH-izIf001Ze9KNEeKde0m6yizSZE/s400/100_3779a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 319px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 346px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">With the cherries baked, the next quad was filled with pecans and syrup. Garbanzo beans remain in the unused half for structural integrity.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> You'll want to bake the bakable fillings on the same side because caddy-corner wall baking is not worth the increased risk of collapse.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1eoI1u5S5I/AAAAAAAACl4/nzflugflcqM/s1600-h/100_3781a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428992745634614162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1eoI1u5S5I/AAAAAAAACl4/nzflugflcqM/s400/100_3781a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 336px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 361px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">During the cherry crumble top and pecan baking, some pecan syrup leaked out, but it wasn't a dealbreaker. Be sure the wall is solid before shaping the garbanzo foil for the final quad.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Some quad filling spillage is within the acceptable error threshold.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1eoqGk9MPI/AAAAAAAACmA/GeiA01fEvTY/s1600-h/100_3784a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428993317092012274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1eoqGk9MPI/AAAAAAAACmA/GeiA01fEvTY/s400/100_3784a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 322px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The key lime pie graham cracker foundation is put into place as is the final dough wall axis.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1eqJuWceuI/AAAAAAAACmM/fYKQg9kKyis/s1600-h/100_3788a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428994959856138978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1eqJuWceuI/AAAAAAAACmM/fYKQg9kKyis/s400/100_3788a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Key lime filling added and ready for the fourth, and final quad filling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNSJ_EPHmcRDKCRX2Ta-LkPRPoEwIeuJgwSaR-mPfGDlBOe5fxxecMl_2h_qQWTvTNkT4lIGBPFEhtQyS3juPNQvzNjcRLsJASdFuA8YxPZcVRIT71oRHUfN84nvbFs40r-o/s1600-h/100_3795a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428995857368444754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNSJ_EPHmcRDKCRX2Ta-LkPRPoEwIeuJgwSaR-mPfGDlBOe5fxxecMl_2h_qQWTvTNkT4lIGBPFEhtQyS3juPNQvzNjcRLsJASdFuA8YxPZcVRIT71oRHUfN84nvbFs40r-o/s400/100_3795a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 333px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The oreo crust was added and quickly pressed down with the garbanzo bean foil until its walls were strong enough after baking. It's a great challenge to not over-bake the other ingredients at this time.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1erzGd1soI/AAAAAAAACmk/hWL-WBcCYzU/s1600-h/100_3801a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428996770215867010" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1erzGd1soI/AAAAAAAACmk/hWL-WBcCYzU/s400/100_3801a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 328px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">With the chocolate pudding added, all that's left are the toppings.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1esJ6xwPAI/AAAAAAAACms/Lqbkbl46BB4/s1600-h/100_3806a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428997162215160834" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1esJ6xwPAI/AAAAAAAACms/Lqbkbl46BB4/s400/100_3806a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 336px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 379px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Voila</span><span style="font-style: italic;">! The world's first and only Quad Pie! Note the whipped cream on top of the chocolate pudding and fruit on top of the key lime quad.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1esfwdbArI/AAAAAAAACm0/Qh8m8zlZlUM/s1600-h/100_3809a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428997537402651314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1esfwdbArI/AAAAAAAACm0/Qh8m8zlZlUM/s400/100_3809a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 322px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Another low-resolution picture of the greatest pie ever baked.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj8j6w9-Ztc5gwN9N6XjAUHhnMGVtsxY4bujX3u3H6mOsj2zl4tOBZp5a5cauo2wZtqmlP_dJbz0cCPsX_LTjUxpHdd5jjagApb6mdo9tmhtHOWQNIiBcPcrVo30b-mhGHSw/s1600-h/No+Quad+Cheesecake.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429002372804026754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj8j6w9-Ztc5gwN9N6XjAUHhnMGVtsxY4bujX3u3H6mOsj2zl4tOBZp5a5cauo2wZtqmlP_dJbz0cCPsX_LTjUxpHdd5jjagApb6mdo9tmhtHOWQNIiBcPcrVo30b-mhGHSw/s400/No+Quad+Cheesecake.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 350px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 347px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Any amateur can cook four separate cheesecakes and put a quadrant of each on the same plate. The Quad Pie is for professionals only.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiMVpB8-CV4iznzxXSxw6uap54XPs9ULmyc8ylSS1XeG30rSiZQOCjx93i61pu8dDMzPksCHs0YCkISyhm_YeyQKecDyGNEaa42DmEAF4lVYxg0yvG-v6w4W9TQB4QYeEO1A/s1600-h/100_3814a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428997859016095938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiMVpB8-CV4iznzxXSxw6uap54XPs9ULmyc8ylSS1XeG30rSiZQOCjx93i61pu8dDMzPksCHs0YCkISyhm_YeyQKecDyGNEaa42DmEAF4lVYxg0yvG-v6w4W9TQB4QYeEO1A/s400/100_3814a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 336px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 338px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The best cut from a Quad Pie is the inside square, giving you a small quad of each quad.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1etD_B6MzI/AAAAAAAACnE/BO8fwIruBHM/s1600-h/100_3813a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428998159789077298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/S1etD_B6MzI/AAAAAAAACnE/BO8fwIruBHM/s400/100_3813a.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 336px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">It's a mini Quad Pie...four pies in one! Try making one if you think you're up to the challenge.</span></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-21432102145064271512009-12-26T19:10:00.004-05:002010-01-21T10:10:15.893-05:00The Newseum: One Journalism Graduate's ReviewI've never visited a museum in which I had more knowledge about its subject matter than the average person. I don't know much geology and paleontology at the Natural History Museum, I dropped art history so I'm at a loss at the National Gallery, and I've never committed espionage so I'm unfamiliar with the Spy Museum's gadgets.<br /><br />This was true until my visit to the Newseum. As a reformed, no longer in the business, journalism degree recipient from the University of Maryland, I couldn't wait to see how the building would be filled with the objects, themes, and principles of a dying profession. Worst case scenario if the museum disappointed, I'd at least have a good view of Pennsylvania Avenue.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKlOHWD6hKtN-ajtWkW5R433pjn8w8tJr-kKK-0r7fOSy3FBvnzmP8F8S97jegYKCM3yovszTiRx_Sb5nh5Rp-WWVn3i5EpzwHBeVBO16G1BiDj9f6iIszrGHE_bQ4avt-nw/s1600-h/papers+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419659615458250946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKlOHWD6hKtN-ajtWkW5R433pjn8w8tJr-kKK-0r7fOSy3FBvnzmP8F8S97jegYKCM3yovszTiRx_Sb5nh5Rp-WWVn3i5EpzwHBeVBO16G1BiDj9f6iIszrGHE_bQ4avt-nw/s400/papers+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The display of the day's papers from around the country stop many people who fail to realize the papers are all online anyway.</span><br /></div><br />The Newseum has a prime spot along Pennsylvania Avenue across the street from a few Smithsonians and a good fairway drive to the Capitol. It's glass facade doesn't fit DC's marble and granite style, but who isn't a fan of glass walls? Moved from its first home in Rosslyn, the Newseum boasts some 250,000 square feet with 15 theaters, and many galleries. It's the be all end all of journalism in its most spectacular, come hither and ignore the ugly side of the profession way.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b5ldIDzW6u-JgdEQEYANIZR2KM_zfnITg_dK43kk1_YcUZnDJbrheFXKkBQAG0RDuagcO3gOUwBekiJe7DEFidN6pBZhU3lJThCiGidgdpN8yKdB1ZryAy5pbEw0eLrTbiI/s1600-h/copter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419693509216468834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b5ldIDzW6u-JgdEQEYANIZR2KM_zfnITg_dK43kk1_YcUZnDJbrheFXKkBQAG0RDuagcO3gOUwBekiJe7DEFidN6pBZhU3lJThCiGidgdpN8yKdB1ZryAy5pbEw0eLrTbiI/s400/copter.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The lobby opens to the top floor and offers enough space for a traffic helicopter, satellite, and gigantic video screen.</span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The ground floor houses the eating area, rotating exhibits, several theaters, and pieces of the Berlin wall. That's right, the Berlin Wall. Something better suited for a history museum is in the Newseum, along with a watch tower. The curators tried to put a journalistic spin on things, but I wasn't convinced. The massive stone slabs are off in a corner, on the other side of express elevators. It came across as an afterthought exhibit suited for the basement because other floors that discuss actual journalism couldn't support their massive, empty weight.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaDg4ZlLYI/AAAAAAAAChQ/QngYILwONAM/s1600-h/Berlin+Wall.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419663802505702786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaDg4ZlLYI/AAAAAAAAChQ/QngYILwONAM/s400/Berlin+Wall.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Help me out here, what does the Berlin Wall have to do with writing stories? It's called a gimmick.<br /></span></div><br />The two exhibits available in the rotating space are photographs by SI's Walter Looss and the FBI's top news stories in its first 100 years. The sports pictures were stunning as were the stories behind how Looss managed to luck into being in the right place. The FBI section was really the history of the FBI's biggest stories with examples of articles about the criminals. I didn't think the journalism angle for this was strong. The fact that the Post printed drawings of the DC Sniper's van doesn't warrant a place in a journalism museum.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-XHnh4eNiZ997CPVHK3qY4IA3ibK8pBdnUjQN9BxbxFvk4xZ3K8wkzBXz0yY-ca8xrdBV579U_PlCAUGGg66R5lGA85-FQAVRtawabzt9MxCkmgbwk2SmdlSljlybXXh8lM/s1600-h/Unabomber+Shack.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419663154696722674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-XHnh4eNiZ997CPVHK3qY4IA3ibK8pBdnUjQN9BxbxFvk4xZ3K8wkzBXz0yY-ca8xrdBV579U_PlCAUGGg66R5lGA85-FQAVRtawabzt9MxCkmgbwk2SmdlSljlybXXh8lM/s400/Unabomber+Shack.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Seeing the Unabomber's shed for a house doesn't teach journalism. It just teaches us that he was a bad at building shelves.</span><br /></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The rest of the bottom floor offered theaters showing vignettes on what makes the news, sports journalism history, and a look at Walter Cronkite's career. I walked out of the 25-minute sports movie after 8 minutes because it didn't offer anything new. Anyone who has watched sports documentaries and countless hours of ESPN will also be bored. I was looking for more technical information on sports journalism such as how sporting events are produced, how stories are filed on deadline, what a typical team beat reporter goes through each game, and how your local sports newscast has changed because of ESPN.<br /><br />Instead you're treated to a glossy review of sports journalism history hosted by Ahmad Rashad. Really Newseum? The best you could get was Ahmad Rashad? How does he represent sports journalism? The piece shows interviews with Bob Costas, how about using him? Rashad has never asked a cognitive question in his life and whose claim to fame is being buddy-buddy with Michael Jordan during halftime interviews in the 1990s. A big miss here.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaGhezyjGI/AAAAAAAAChc/tLZlGOg2tGw/s1600-h/pulitzer+prize+photos.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419667111351061602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaGhezyjGI/AAAAAAAAChc/tLZlGOg2tGw/s400/pulitzer+prize+photos.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">My faith in the Newseum was restored after a forgetful concourse floor.</span><br /></div><br />From the first floor up the Newseum begins to correct itself. An outstanding gallery of Pulitzer Prize photography is on display. These jawdropping shots stopped me in my tracks. A well-designed theater inside of the gallery was also interesting. The pictures were terrifying, exciting, haunting, and wonderful.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaG_yz-rFI/AAAAAAAAChk/Lg0sgidiXho/s1600-h/founding+partners.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419667632116640850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaG_yz-rFI/AAAAAAAAChk/Lg0sgidiXho/s400/founding+partners.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Newseum knows who bankrolled its existence so it made no mention of how news pushes the views of it's conglomerate parent companies.</span><br /></div><br />My first stop on the second floor was the ethics interactive exhibit. Believe it or not, there used to be ethics that journalists followed when researching, writing, and publishing stories. I decided to put my thousands of dollars in UMD journalism training to the test and "battled" a family of four to see who can answer ethical questions quicker to fill a front page. My dear parents, fear not, for I did learn something at school and won handily; getting every question right.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaIdnmWA4I/AAAAAAAAChs/vykm2P3EGUs/s1600-h/ethics+win.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419669244014363522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 389px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaIdnmWA4I/AAAAAAAAChs/vykm2P3EGUs/s400/ethics+win.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">See? I did learn something at that cow college.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Iy93ljGmVJ_fA_jaRL5B9khVO6TuZ_Ouq1Mg_bigRUQLPXQ7OKIi9b7dVjN6kUswmWkJeQ5M4rLmhaUMoLqWhybt59CQDenTGR9pEYQn38JuFwxa_UpwIl15_uf8j9dUEt8/s1600-h/Beasley.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419670140407061250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Iy93ljGmVJ_fA_jaRL5B9khVO6TuZ_Ouq1Mg_bigRUQLPXQ7OKIi9b7dVjN6kUswmWkJeQ5M4rLmhaUMoLqWhybt59CQDenTGR9pEYQn38JuFwxa_UpwIl15_uf8j9dUEt8/s400/Beasley.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">A favorite J-school teacher of mine teaching all visitors about ethics.</span><br /></div><br />The floor also offered a suite of cameras for visitors to act as TV reporters. Only one person was doing his live shot when I passed by. I declined an offer to try my hand having done it far too often as an undergrad. The staff member told the visitor that the teleprompter moves at either an adult or child rate. It's too bad the staffer couldn't move the teleprompter as the person spoke because having predefined rates of display couldn't be more wrong. The teleprompter moves as the talent speaks, not the other way around.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAy9id4P6ii1bYNOfD5a7EkQyIUEQ0gGo6xz8Qjzzl_XYAF0e7Sk61rHRhHX2qqcXPwFALrV5Rd1Mka5XifJRcKjhUpGYeI5Fi3gu3jwPtke4DMWOlLCsCAqb8YxfqRLlk0Q/s1600-h/be+a+reporter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419671338319186978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAy9id4P6ii1bYNOfD5a7EkQyIUEQ0gGo6xz8Qjzzl_XYAF0e7Sk61rHRhHX2qqcXPwFALrV5Rd1Mka5XifJRcKjhUpGYeI5Fi3gu3jwPtke4DMWOlLCsCAqb8YxfqRLlk0Q/s400/be+a+reporter.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Could my nose have been any higher when I, of all people, didn't participate?<br /></span></div><br />The third floor offered a memorial to fallen journalists that should have been more prominent. Tucked in an uninviting corner, it's easy to miss when it shouldn't be. There's also a great display showing how electronic news has changed from the 19th century to today. The panels chronicled advances in radio, TV, and Internet reporting along with events that best represented those advances. It's the exact display you'd expect a history of journalism museum to offer.<br /><br />Another display tucked away on this floor is one to Edward R. Murrow. Long before his image was abused by every media outlet as a false stamp of approval for talent and whose award is offered in so many categories and market sizes that everyone will win something, he was providing the first live reports from WW2. Murrow's area has poor lighting and takes less space than a display of first family dogs. Priorities, Newseum. Where are your priorities?<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4wYxmXv3MI51quQfLGtlkLvKblTayEmwaRepeEwdWembT9c_ka3IH1YA4huZLLtqo7A8Ebf0yrVhyphenhyphenLCBFQZtLKbMnMtqmnyrXr0X9GW_xUbTOANDSEYpMq6gFRLo_es6DQU/s1600-h/control+room.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419677052154602274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4wYxmXv3MI51quQfLGtlkLvKblTayEmwaRepeEwdWembT9c_ka3IH1YA4huZLLtqo7A8Ebf0yrVhyphenhyphenLCBFQZtLKbMnMtqmnyrXr0X9GW_xUbTOANDSEYpMq6gFRLo_es6DQU/s400/control+room.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">A modern control room, but no lessons to be taught. How about explaining what goes on behind the scenes?<br /></span></div><br />The fourth floor was weak. Following the third floor's lead of hiding important exhibits, a gallery on the first amendment was also easy to miss. Seeing as how it's a foundation for all press, more space should be dedicated to this article of the Constitution. Visitors can also see a mock of the late Tim Russert's office. This was very creepy, unenlightening, and clearly done to appease a big sponsor of the Newseum. Nothing is gleaned from Russert's desk.<br /><br />He did host Meet the Press for many years, but to give his entire office exhibit space is too much for just an interviewer. Russert is not on par with Murrow, the only other journalist receiving such space. The Newseum should have had more displays about the greats of journalism. Another missed opportunity.<br /><br />The 9/11 gallery was well done and modest with a wall of front pages, the mangled broadcast antenna, and a small theater. I chose to not watch the movie and see those images more often than I need. The Newseum balanced the event's gravity with its technical and logistical impact to NYC TV news.<br /><br />I would like to see more talk about how 9/11 was the first major news story to test the Internet's capacity to deliver breaking news and how web sites featured abbreviated pages because their servers were slammed. For the first time, TV was no longer the fastest way to get news nor was it everyone's first choice. No longer did I have to wait for TV to tell me breaking news when I could just refresh my browser from many, many sources. It stamped the Internet as my generation's source for breaking stories.<br /><br />The Newseum's best floor is the fifth floor, home to its collection of historic newspapers. Offering 500 years of newspapers, visitors can pull out drawers of front page copies about major events. Walls are also lined with major objects of journalism history like typewriters and "portable" communication devices. There are also small theaters with documentaries on things like the civil rights movement and the media and Hollywood's depiction of the press.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaV8oXGjaI/AAAAAAAACiU/NPQHqoirKcc/s1600-h/100-foot+wall+screen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419684070445976994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaV8oXGjaI/AAAAAAAACiU/NPQHqoirKcc/s400/100-foot+wall+screen.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">An exhibit on Woodstock used the 100-foot screen, but I wasn't interested. The exhibit tried to argue that Woodstock was a boon to music reviews, but it was a tough sell.</span><br /></div><br />The history of news panels finished with a small blurb about "Who Controls the News?" It mentions that major companies own media outlets because they're tremendous revenue streams and few of these companies have ties to journalism. The Newseum tiptoed around this so as not to insult its founding partners, but to be true to the craft, more honesty is needed when writing about today's journalism world.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaYMJNvNiI/AAAAAAAACic/C8V4httHKxM/s1600-h/printing+press.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419686535986361890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 362px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gfEWQ--RiFU/SzaYMJNvNiI/AAAAAAAACic/C8V4httHKxM/s400/printing+press.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">This printer is so so old...it can't even print double-sided, collated, colored, stapled, 3-hole punched, 11x17 copies from a network server off a USB thumbdrive!<br /></span></div><br />Corporations own many media forms, influencing and determining a story's content, angle, and opinion. If the Newseum was honest, it would debate the pros and cons, even finding this to be negative in the changing landscape. Is it too much to ask the museum built to display journalism to not reflect bias in its own reporting? It's only the foundation for the entire ethics center on the second floor.<br /><br />The final floor offers more front pages from around the world, views of Pennsylvania Avenue, and an exhibit (through February 2010) about Lincoln's assassination. I though this exhibit was well done, telling the story with newspaper prints, showing how journalism actually did impact the event. Curators were just lucky to make this more about the journalism because few artifacts remain; unlike the FBI exhibit that was all artifacts and little about journalism's impact because it had little.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8Qiaf1fciAlNR_G5XWBVgow-Hh5wQmN9kb_InbBaDb-AOnTYtr5ZXtJzKL5TPWjT4yphvXEtmiARf3DdkbStxqOhwBpYWMmlFVaVJpOxm7czkv9s70NezWSpmw6e-HxOw-g/s1600-h/bathroom.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419688764675361794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 312px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8Qiaf1fciAlNR_G5XWBVgow-Hh5wQmN9kb_InbBaDb-AOnTYtr5ZXtJzKL5TPWjT4yphvXEtmiARf3DdkbStxqOhwBpYWMmlFVaVJpOxm7czkv9s70NezWSpmw6e-HxOw-g/s400/bathroom.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Funny headline mistakes keep you entertained in the bathroom.<br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">The Newseum should change exhibit space to explain how an event becomes a story, much like you'd learn how a bill becomes a law during a visit to Congress. I suggest taking a story like a burning building and show how it's covered in a newspaper, on the radio, on TV, and on the Internet. How do the stories differ? What does each medium offer or lack in trying to tell the story? The Newseum should explain the steps to storytelling, from the assignment editor to the reporter who then talks to sources, firefighters, and neighbors, writing shorthand notes before composing the story.<br /><br />From there, the story is composed in different styles depending on the medium. How about getting NAT sound for radio or good "B" roll for TV? Maybe a multimedia gallery for the web site? The Newseum should explain how a copy editor proofs a story, how a video editor works with the reporter (in larger markets) to sync pictures with words, and how a radio reporter has to put you at the scene without pictures. How do you overcome each medium's drawbacks?<br /><br />Finally, with the story ready for publication, the Newseum should explain how an editor lays out a front page, how a producer and director pull together a 30-minute newscast including a much deserving mention to those behind the scenes like cameramen, tape rollers, and the many people in a control room. It's more than just the pretty face on camera that makes it work. The Newseum must dive into the nitty-gritty of journalism and put the visitor in the position to really be a reporter and not just read a teleprompter.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkeT9f6St1msRi085306cOnkuhFyTl10-3h0Q3eu1lSxh2UzXAvhu8eD8p3Hs4ou2ymOqT2TWvGfAUyZWH1Yr56mxIVL2ryXqLwTWjSR3yy02Yd__SM1_JYEt-Ey_NQBpUWs/s1600-h/CONUS.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419717004053985714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkeT9f6St1msRi085306cOnkuhFyTl10-3h0Q3eu1lSxh2UzXAvhu8eD8p3Hs4ou2ymOqT2TWvGfAUyZWH1Yr56mxIVL2ryXqLwTWjSR3yy02Yd__SM1_JYEt-Ey_NQBpUWs/s400/CONUS.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">The Newseum already had the satellite truck so why not continue telling the tale of how an event is told as a story?<br /></span></div><br />The Newseum, as I touched on before, must have honest debates about the state of the profession. The big elephant in the room is the public's distrust of the media. There should be talks about how the image of a reporter has eroded so quickly in the last 15 years and what could be done to improve things. The filtering of news through mother company eyes must be out in the open, no matter who pays the electric bills.<br /><br />Journalism is about honesty so the Newseum should be honest about journalism. Until then, it's as much a building about journalism as it is a glorified modern history museum with newspapers.<br /><br /></div></div><br /></div>B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-58354233764005747022009-11-17T23:12:00.000-05:002009-11-21T23:06:47.349-05:00How I'd Improve Gas Station PumpsWhy must pumping gas be such an ugly, messy, and industrial affair? I have yet to find a pump that puts the consumer experience first. This needs to change.<br /><br />I understand that because the nozzle tip is going into a gas tank, it needs to be plain metal, but there's no need for me to see it. I propose adding a retractable outer shell over the metal end that collapses as you put the nozzle into the gas tank. When the nozzle is removed from the tank, the outer shell would re-cover the nozzle and catch gas drops. Just imagine, no more gas drops on your shoes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XdUUQnE6B2-Mx9pK5BRp8RLy4NkDbVYEL_avy85s57BJzEBMbdyjsE4b_ZhhJ01sBTy4XkdBQtdbr_KkMwWED5rrIIUqijn6RKAvZczo0mPIblDBTdv-phrxo0riDKzs_A4/s1600/collapsible+cup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XdUUQnE6B2-Mx9pK5BRp8RLy4NkDbVYEL_avy85s57BJzEBMbdyjsE4b_ZhhJ01sBTy4XkdBQtdbr_KkMwWED5rrIIUqijn6RKAvZczo0mPIblDBTdv-phrxo0riDKzs_A4/s400/collapsible+cup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406767976034810066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The retractable cover is based on advanced collapsible pink cup technology.<br /></span></div><br />The lever that's pulled to allow gas to flow is very unappealing. It's A barren 3-inch metal strip that may or may not lock into position for hands-free pouring. I think there should be a button on the outside that you press once to get the gas flowing. Like its metal brethren, the button would return to its original place when the tank is full. This would make the nozzle piece sleeker.<br /><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tibe0Ncl8A0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tibe0Ncl8A0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="382" height="319"></embed></object></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">With my improvements, this won't happen again!</span><br /></div><br />All pump stations should ask if you want a receipt before pumping. There's nothing a driver wants to do less after returning the pump than answer whether or not a receipt is needed. I only want to sanitize my hands after dealing with gas and be on my way. Sure, people could just use gas gloves, but why make the gas pumper purchase protective equipment when that won't be necessary with these changes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNw0iNZt-UUUMWpwOaihS6BWUx3jwmsoLzHhVtS07g5JYlbUXNUezxw-YcaCVy0nqucsZNU6Stx6bcs3cj2CDc_5KGzfyZGgaaIhgjJbRoKE4F0-qLXSBVVBLuH_SO0rnlsY/s1600/gas+glove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNw0iNZt-UUUMWpwOaihS6BWUx3jwmsoLzHhVtS07g5JYlbUXNUezxw-YcaCVy0nqucsZNU6Stx6bcs3cj2CDc_5KGzfyZGgaaIhgjJbRoKE4F0-qLXSBVVBLuH_SO0rnlsY/s400/gas+glove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406771232821145282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Gas gloves, like this one for U.S. Patent US6643846,</span><b style="font-style: italic;"><b> </b></b><span style="font-style: italic;">won't be needed if I have my way.</span><br /></div><br />With any revolutionary idea like this one, there are some hurdles in the way. There's the cost of designing a prototype, let alone a mass produced version. Building new pumps and retrofitting current models requires hours of work and manufacturing logistics. Selling station owners on the idea is hard because they might have to increase their prices by a few cents. I think customers won't mind the price if it means a guaranteed 100% clean gas pumping experience.<br /><br />For clean gas pumping you can either hire me as a consultant to implement my idea or drive to New Jersey and Ohio to have someone pump for you. Who says New Jersey isn't high class?B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11229564.post-71868184817839818192009-11-11T18:10:00.004-05:002009-12-26T19:07:46.021-05:00My Quest to Ride all 1,126 Metro Cars BeginsOne day, I shared a Metro ride with fellow blogger <a href="http://mocolotion.blogspot.com/">MoCoLotion</a> who pointed out that we were riding the first Metro car, #1000. With that ride, I began logging the cars I rode each way to and from work along the red line. I've compiled 40 cars that I rode since #1000 and will continue to do so until I forget to note the car number too often.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_OZARRolxev866ujmboRZzYXFHjJicSiKX1fixNHj_HcXf2LdCaTg0uQ3oFCLyeyikrSLJf16uOhk0t4ZJWG3Wne4ucBuAm0Z04oHm3pwuWzVwuCESeeZQNnZi3ay7fioto/s1600-h/Metro+Car+1000.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_OZARRolxev866ujmboRZzYXFHjJicSiKX1fixNHj_HcXf2LdCaTg0uQ3oFCLyeyikrSLJf16uOhk0t4ZJWG3Wne4ucBuAm0Z04oHm3pwuWzVwuCESeeZQNnZi3ay7fioto/s320/Metro+Car+1000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402982099494099730" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The momentous occasion demanded this cell phone picture.</span><br /></div><br />So far I haven't had any repeats. It's not that surprising because the Metro system has 1,126 cars and will have a few hundred 7000 series models in the system in 2012. According to a <a href="http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2624">recent press release</a>, "There are 290 1000-series rail cars, 364 2000/3000-series rail cars, 100 4000-series rail cars, 188 5000-series rail cars and 184 6000-series rail cars."<br /><br />I'll log future rides along the right panel of this blog where only the truly bored are welcome to follow along. For now, here are the trains that I've graced with my backside:<br /><ol><li>1000</li><li>1015</li><li>1032</li><li>1063</li><li>1064</li><li>1068</li><li>1101</li><li>1111</li><li>1143</li><li>1194</li><li>1195</li><li>1205</li><li>1246</li><li>1250</li><li>1271</li><li>3038</li><li>3075</li><li>3106</li><li>3107</li><li>3169</li><li>3196</li><li>3217<br /></li><li>3221</li><li>3251<br /></li><li>3255</li><li>3267</li><li>3270</li><li>3279</li><li>4001</li><li>4021</li><li>4031</li><li>4043</li><li>5056</li><li>5125</li><li>5147</li><li>6074</li><li>6102</li><li>6122</li><li>6136</li><li>6153</li><li>6182</li></ol>******UPDATE*******<br /><br />Six weeks after beginning my quest to ride all Metro cars, I finally had a repeat car, #3023.B and T Crowdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07443865625147279069noreply@blogger.com2