28 Nov 2009

Everything's Amazing ...

One of my favorite videos. You probably saw this. This video was posted some time ago. This is Lewis CK on Late Night. It says a lot.

17 Nov 2009

So much for my last post

I guess it was pretty hypocritical of me to post such a glowing testimonial about blogging. Look at that last date! August. Well here it is November. A lot has happened to keep me away. My father is battling cancer. I have been struck down by a virus and some stomach issues. I have traveled to LA and VA. It has been a busy fall so far. Perhaps I will get back to posting over the winter.
 
In the meantime how about another video. Another favorite commercial. Enjoy.
 
 
 
 
26 Aug 2009

The return of the blog

I was listening to This Week In Tech (TWiT) and Leo Laporte said something that really hit home for me. In a nutshell, he made a statement that there will be a return to "the blog". His comment included an interesting statement that people were putting a lot of effort into microblogs and are not able to retain some of that content. I can see that. I have used Twitter for about a year, but I found it lacking real "depth". It is pretty shallow in what it can do. 

I don't know if that was my reasoning. However, I will say that Posterous was a big reason for my return to blogging. I heard about it through Leo's podcast and through Andy Ihnatko's postings as well. Posterous makes posting so easy. Still, the big value added is it's ability to add rich media content easily. So, even before Leo's comment, I fully credit Posterous for bringing me back to blogging. (Disclaimer: I don't work for Posterous, but I like their stuff.)

In closing, I wanted to thank Posterous for bringing me back to blogging. I left blogging behind because it was too tough to simply get a jpeg to show up in my previous blog. Now, no worries. I just compose an email, attach the image and off it goes. Thanks Posterous!
25 Aug 2009

DIY: Scosche FM-MOD02 FM Modulator

Audio_input

 

Disclaimer:

These are some tips that have worked for me. If you follow these tips, you do so at your own risk. Please be careful and take all appropriate safety measures. 

Last month I bought a used vehicle. Being a 2002 model year truck, it was not yet outfitted with any means to play an "iPod" like device. Since I am into the iPod Touch, I really wanted a way to play audio through the truck stereo. Some folks might suggest an FM transmitter. My experience with FM transmitters has been less than impressive. They are just not strong enough to keep a constant signal to the radio. In my opinion, don't waste your time with the transmitters. Also, I did not want to spend a ton of money on a new head unit, nor did I need anything more than the ability to play decent quality audio.

To solve this problem, I chose the solution I used in my Mustang. The solution is a Scosche FM Modulator. An FM modulator is a device that is installed in-line with your car antenna. Unlike the FM transmitters you sometimes see, this requires you remove the radio. That may sound daunting to some, but with a little research and patience it is well worth the time and effort.

The FM modulator provides a direct feed into the stereo on one of two modulation frequencies (87.9, 88.3). You will have to choose which one works for you in your area. There is a tiny switch on the side of the unit that lets you choose which frequency to use.

There are three basic things to hook up: the antenna, power and ground wires. I tapped into my fuse box for the power and used a self tapping screw on a metal support behind the dash. Probably the hardest part is sliding the radio out. For this you might need to consult a repair manual (like a Chilton's) at your local library.

The last thing to consider is the switch and input (pictured above). Compaired to previous Scosche versions of this product, this new one unit design integrates the switch and input jack in one little module. In past versions, there was s seperate switch and then a wire with a mini stereo jack that hung down behind the dash. This model is much cleaner.

To sum it up, if you want to hook an MP3 player to your stereo and are looking for a step above an FM Transmitter give this unit a try. I have been very happy with it. It is not fancy and the audio quality is not "pure" digital but for podcasts and audio books it is fantastic (music is not bad either). It is a nice middle ground for getting the audio into an older car stereo.

PS. I got mine at Amazon. Here is the link ...
24 Aug 2009

DIY: Disconnecting You Car Battery

0820091806

Disclaimer:

These are some tips that have worked for me. If you follow these tips, you do so at your own risk. Please be careful and take all appropriate safety measures. 

I do a lot of work on my own cars. As such, when dealing with electronic items, the rule of thumb is to disconncect the battery. I suppose this is to prevent an accidental short, or shock. Anyway, the battery cables in my Mustang are kind of stiff and have a tendancy to flop back onto the battery when disconnected. I found that a spent toilet paper tube (or paper towel roll) fits nicely over the end of the loose battery cable. This insulates the battery from an accidental touch in case the cable flops over and hits the terminal(s).

After I discovered this, I also assume any plastic bottle (with the neck cut off) would work well too. So, for those of you who want a little peace of mind when you disconnect your battery consider the TP roll, or a plastic bottle.
14 Aug 2009

Corvette Chase Video

Great Corvette video by http://www.autocar.co.uk/co...
13 Aug 2009

R.I.P. Les Paul

I believe this came from the PBS special. Here is the link to PBS ...

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/les-paul/chasing-sound/100/

 

11 Aug 2009

A quote for the day ...

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.
 
- Dilbert
9 Aug 2009

Ironman 2 footage at ComicCon

If you are a comic book fan, or a fan of the Ironman film, you will love this clip on Gizmodo.

http://gizmodo.com/5333347/iron-man-2-comic-con-leaked-footage-sets-my-pants-on-fire?autoplay=true

6 Aug 2009

Another Favorite Commercial

Jon Stepro's Space

"A place for my stuff"
- Credit to George Carlin

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