Give into static | Someone didn't do their job | Such a deal?

A couple weeks ago, I ordered the TotalMount Roku Mounting System for my Roku 3 from Amazon.

I got tired of having it sit on a (hand made... in high school, no less) book shelf, collecting heat all day. Since the Roku doesn't have a power button, I always worry about the thing over heating and catching things on fire. As sill as it is, you never know; it could happen.

So... after 3 years of having the Roku sit and hide, it's now hanging and hiding.

It was surprisingly easy to install; as the kit comes with everything you need, along with directions for TV mount or wall mount (if your TV hangs off the wall). All it took was figuring out what the slots were on the back of my Vizio, and 1, 2, 3, hooked! Literally, 5 minutes.

Since the mount is relatively cheap (@ $11.99 plus tax and/or shipping), it's worth it. I haven't had any problems watching shows with it on the TV vs when it was under the TV (it sat on the same shelf as the television). I know the directions suggest hooking it up in such a way (for wall mount or apartment problems), that the remote can find the device, but I've done neither, so it's not an issue. If anything, there's a two foot difference in placement.

I also didn't need to purchase any extra HDMI cables - the nice thing about the TV I have, is there are 3 HDMI inputs, so I could place my original cable in any port, but the mount still gives me a decent amount of space, to be able to leave my set up the way it was. Which is a good thing.

I know some of the reviews for this suggest Velcro, and I was originally intending on trying it out, but the Velcro I got was the 3M command strips. They didn't hold so well (because of the heat on the Roku), and I wasn't going to get Velcro velcro because it leaves sticky residue. I don't need that if I decide to get rid of the TV*. Or upgrade the Roku. Whatever comes first. The mount is perfect because it's peace of mind, outside of failed strip idea. Plus, it's seemingly cleaner looking, even though I've to too many wires back there (damn cable box... those free boxes they give out, aren't HDMI friendly. Bout time for an update in the technology??).

Proof or it didn't happen (photos taken with the Canon):

 

 

 

 

 



* The TV is "so old", Amazon doesn't have it anymore. "Currently unavailable. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock" the site says. I do have to point out: I did try out the Velcro for my remotes, because I got the idea over a year ago to clean up the area around my TV. I know how messy the residue is, considering I've had to move the cable box around on the TV to get everything working properly. It's going to be a PITA to clean if I ever decide to upgrade, but at least it looks more aesthetically pleasing from the front. All I have to do now, is read all the books I've been hoarding.

My "messy as all hell" stash (taken on an iPhone):

 


Moving on...

I was at a local chain super market today (ok, The Fresh Market) and was walking up and down the aisles. This is one of those "you had one job. *facepalm*". Whoever created the price tags showing this week's special on a brand of coffee, didn't put the decimal in the price, so instead of getting $2 off the bag, you're getting $200 off. Who in their right mind was paying $210.99 for a bag of coffee, and what in the hell is it made out of? It better be worth it, for what it's being sold as... lol.

It's really supposed to be $12.99 original price, with a $2.00 special, making it $10.99.

Photos or it's a lie (taken on the iPhone):

 



After going to the market, my mother decided she wanted to clean a cabinet. What was found in this cabinet? A microwaveable egg poacher that she bought at the Avon, Massachusetts' Christmas Tree Shop, probably 25 years ago (or so the box looks like she did). It was probably bought sometime in the late 1990s to early 2000s, so we're talking close to 20. Which is close enough.

How old is it? (iPhone pictures):

 

 












It's old enough that I can't find the name brand on Amazon, but I've found similar ones for a couple dollars to over 10 dollars more.



Last but not least for today, I had an interesting conversation with my mother, which ultimately led to me buying her an Echo Dot.


Sure, it's the 2nd generation, but it's currently part of Amazon's 2018 Cyber Monday deals. For $19.99 plus tax and free shipping (total: $21.19), I should get it Tuesday. Just in time to wrap it and give it to her for Hanukkah (on Sunday).

What prompted this, you ask? Especially after my posts about these fancy devices?

We were at our cousin's for Thanksgiving. They are the family with the Google Mini I posted a video about the other day. My uncle has the Amazon Echo (not part of the Cyber Monday deal, but still has $30 off), and another cousin has the current Echo Dot (again, not part of the package, except it's $20 off the original price, but $5 more than what the 2nd generation is... for less than an inch in size difference).

Due to everyone talking to their devices to play music (plus we have a Prime membership, which doesn't hurt [except my wallet will ask me wtf, come January, and my phone will notify me there's been a new charge to my Visa card]). However, my mom started asking random / out of the blue questions:

• Does the device use data?
• No, mom, it uses wifi
  
• How do you know? 
• These things connect to our wireless internet, much like your computer does. It doesn't need a cellular service to work.
  
• I don't understand. How come it doesn't use data?
• Think about how you turn on your computer and read your email. Your Acer computer isn't a cell phone, but you connect to the Comcast internet to go online. It's the same thing with Ivan and Carrie's Echo and Gail's Google Mini.
  
• So if I ask it to play Michael Bublè, it would?
• Yes
  
• And not use data?
• Right.
  
• I want it. 😃

She's concerned about all the connected devices using mobile data. Which only our smartphones use, if we go out roaming around. We've never used more than the 2GB allotment our Verizon contract came with, but she got a little scare last month when the Verizon rep told her that her phone was nearing full (she keeps too much crap on it. Which isn't data; it's memory). But she still is concerned because we try to keep our bills low, regardless of what it is and is used for. Since she plans on getting the phone bill lower once our contract is up in March, I can understand the concern. I'm not savvy enough on all electronics, but I've come across certain things that help me explain our using to her, well enough, for me to understand myself (and to attempt to explain such things to people like Emily, when she got a new phone on Friday). Plus, I have a friend in IT that I always text emergency questions to (hi, Tim) and I've got a cousin that always researches the best of the best (Hi Howie). It also doesn't hurt my #brandmarketingextraordianire cousin is quite insightful as well (Hi, Brady). 

- off topic for a second: Have you checked out Brady's podcast and book yet? - 

- back on topic - 

After the conversation, I went and I ordered the Dot. I still do what I'm told by my mother. Especially since this thing will be tied to my Prime account, I'm going to be watching the card carefully, making sure she doesn't do anything stupid. Maybe she needs to FaceTime a relative and get a couple lessons in how to ask the right questions to the device? 

Considering we found out Thursday that Google doesn't like you to tell it to shut off a reminder; it prefers you say "cancel the reminder". It'll be a lesson for the both of us, actually, since I still find it shady as hell to be using these things. The future is nigh and it's invading my house quicker than I want. I've been fine with my Roku and wireless printers, but now we're diving into deeper waters, what's next? 

Time will tell, and I'll be sure to post an update on what the Echo Dot does when it's fully set up.

Until then, enjoy your online shopping.

Cheers;

I forgot to post a couple pictures

Yesterday, while shopping at various stores, we were in Ollie's, and I was browsing the electronics section. Ollie's is like Building #19 for the Massholes; even down to the ads on the walls. Anyway, I happened to see "one of the shittiest things on Earth", or, "if you need this, your phone power is shit". Although Amazon doesn't seem to carry this exact model, I don't have a price comparison to give. So I guess $4.99 is a good price?

While in the food market, I found the Celestial Seasonings Madagascar Vanilla Red Tea Bags, in its lion box. I haven't seen these in years, as they changed the packaging. Guess the market had an over flow?

It's cheap enough I could have bought a couple boxes, but I opted for one, as I've got a ton of tea at home.


Cyber Monday is coming.... are you ready?





Cheers;

Gobble gobble

It's the day after National Eat A Bird Day.

I was able to get off from work for Thursday and Friday, and Emily took the hit for the team and is working tomorrow. Leading me to have a four day weekend. Which only means one of two things: Either I won't want to go back to work on Monday, or I've got to spend time with family 90 minutes away. No matter what you think, I guess I'm going to be sleeping off the turkey sweats come Sunday and wish I could have another 4 days to recuperate.

Seeing how I had time today, not only did I take some pictures of the backyard view, I tested out the hosts' Google Mini. While Amazon sells their own streaming devices and an occasional Roku, they do not sell one of the number one search engine's. However, they do sell the Mini's accessories (wall mounts, etc).


The video below was recorded on an iPhone 6S and then my Canon EOS Rebel T3. I edited it on Pinnacle Studio 18, Ultimate.

The pictures of the backyard view are from this afternoon. Taken on my Canon and edited in Photoshop.

 

 

 

 

 

It's only 8pm on Friday and I'm so tired. We did boost the local economy, but to a point. We didn't do extreme shopping, only light "needs". No electronics, no major expenditures. I think the most everyone spent was $50. I spent $22 on food because we went to a local Amish market. Think one of those high end specialty stores (that totes itself on being natural... but it's more for those who have the paycheck to lead the lifestyle. Although I do miss that store. There's one about 45 minutes from me, although the one in Brookline I used to frequent a lot while I was in Boston).

Anyway, everyone wants to watch some new television show on one of the premium stations. They want me to watch with them.

Guess I'll shorten this up and take a gander.

Be well, be safe, hope your last paycheck is still intact.


Cheers;

Seems like a slow news month?

Considering nothing has been posted lately, it's either been a slow news month, or I just forgot to post a few words. Either way, at least I can come on and say "Happy Thanksgiving!" to the humans partaking in the National Turkey Day, and to those shopping for various deals online or in stores Thursday night and all day Friday.

For those who need their gifts 2 weeks ago, Amazon has been offering free shipping on eligible purchases this past week, in order to get Black Friday deals going.

I do have to say, I've been on Amazon this week because I'm watching some deals for a Canon DSLR bundle. I'm still on the fence about "needing" a new camera, but some of the bundles are under $500, so I don't know how great they are, considering the camera itself starts around that price. The add ons must be junk or something. I can't tell unless I spend a day reading reviews on the kits I would like. I've been thinking about a new camera lately, or at least the past few months; every time I go somewhere, people always what their pictures immediately, since I don't take photos on cell phones. I like the feel of a regular camera. I still think you do more with one, over a phone.  If I had a WiFi enabled camera, at least I could send the photos to my phone and share that way. Immediate enough, that people get the raw file and can stop abusing the privilege of having someone with a camera and is willing to take everyone's photo for free. What I've been looking at is the Canon Rebel T6i, for what it's worth.

However, every time I've logged in lately, I've seen some sort of advert for the smart lights, and how the Dot can attach itself and dim the room. I know the Echos have the capability if you buy a smart hub - I've seen it in person, and it's interestingly scary. Currently, there's a 2 pack kit being sold with an Echo Dot for $79.98. I guess what that means, is you get two smart lights, a dimmer and a Dot for that price.

What the Amazon page says about the two pack is:

"This bundle contains the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) and the Sengled Smart Color Lighting Starter Kit (2 A19 bulbs + hub)
Connect your smart lights to Alexa for easy voice control of your lights. Just ask, "Alexa, turn on the living room light"."

You do have to read everything carefully, because the starter kits are completely different from what is being offered.

For example:

• 1 bulb is $22.49 and no hub or Alexa device (both are extra cost, individually).
• The 2 pack starter kit is $59.62 and that includes 2 bulbs and a hub. No Alexa device.
• A straight 4 pack of bulbs is $86.24, and no hub or Alexa device
• And finally, for $104.99, you get four smart light bulbs and a hub. No Dot or other Alexa device. 

So if you're looking for the best deal, the 2 pack kit with the hub and Dot is the best out of these options, I think. At least it gets you started in lighting the house and if you don't have an Alexa device, welcome to the tech world?

Outside of all of this fun stuff, I haven't been too busy. I mean, I did go to a local theater at the end of October to see The Simon And Garfunkel Story and then last Saturday (the 17th) to see In Dreams: Roy Orbison In Concert - The Hologram Tour.

I do have to say, omfgjfc... I wanna go again!

The Hologram concert was fast, even for having Julian Frampton (yes, son of Peter) play an acoustic set for 30 minutes. He's actually pretty good, and I think he deserves his own credit, outside of the famous name. Armed with just a couple guitars, Julian took the stage like a champ. He cracked some forced jokes, but given the audience was all over 50, can you blame him for trying to find a commonality? People around me questioned why he was there, he wasn't that amazing. I'm like "be lucky there was an opening act and be lucky he did 4 original songs". The 2 covers were a Bill Withers (song name unknown to me) and Fleetwood Mac (Landslide). He nailed the Fleetwood Mac tune - like, dude has skill, nailed it. Outside of his backing band (who wasn't there), he sounds a little like John Mayer. With the band, it's a little folky, a little rocky, kinda late 90s vibe. Even though he has to be younger than me. Haha. He seems cool as all hell. I got a signed CD from him, shook his hand, and thanked him for performing. I was so nervous about meeting him, that I lost the nerve to make a comment about his dad. I ended up wishing him well in the tour and with his band instead of making a really cool suggestion about a new tour for his pops. Oh well... maybe if I ever get the chance to see him again and get another autograph, I'll make the comment and perhaps ask for a picture. That's the other thing I kicked myself for not doing.

The hologram is something of a different spectacle. It's basically a shortened "Greatest Hits" concert. Or: Half a hits album covered by Orbison and half covered by an Orchestra. Either way you call it, I can't believe we have the technology to (re)create such things. It was like Orbison was really on stage, even though he's no longer coming down for breakfast (as of December 6, 1988). To have grown up listening to Roy and not have seen him perform, this really was an adventure because it was everything I've ever heard and read about. I know it was a projected image, but he really lit up the stage in the fact that the hologram company seemed to have gotten every minute detail down. Between the tassels on the grey suit and the orange red guitar (with guitar cable looping on the floor), I was amazed how in the back of the house, I was able to see The Big O so clearly. With the orchestra playing behind him, there was no lack of audio on the singer's part. The only exception was a couple songs seemed flat. Meaning, it sounded like however they found the vocals, they didn't mix it down properly to sound great with the symphony. Like the band was outperforming the singer for a minute. It only dropped for a couple seconds in 2 songs. Not that I was noticing or counting. The other little thing (again, not that it was horrible and I was looking for something), was there was projection residue in the background. Over lit, under lit, however you want to describe it, I don't have the exact words. But there's Roy singing away with the orchestra, and he's sharp as a tack. In the darker toned lights (blues, crimsons), there was a light static image of him, blown up x10. Almost like someone moved a projector to the wall, unfocused it, and made it super light. The image was super imposed for a lot of the performance. At least, it was more noticeable when the bright movers weren't going and the drip lights weren't flashing.If the random audio drop and super imposed image were the only things wrong, I'll take it. I would see this again in a heart beat, no questions asked. I'm excited to see what the future can bring with other artists. Word on the street says the company that put this show on, is working on an Amy Winehouse tour???

The Simon and Garfunkel story on the other hand... it was alright, nothing to be like "yaaaasssss... more!!".

I've got some pictures to post, but they're not of either concert. It's actually of a statue of Mr. Edison on the grounds of the theater. Which is on the grounds of the local college. It's weird as hell to stumble upon, in the dark, when you least expect it.

 

 

 

 

The other day I was heading to my car after work, when I found a tiny dinosaur trying to car jack my window.

 

 

 

 



And finally.....

Today, I joined Emily on an adventure.


We went on grill checks and found out that someone really got a little over zealous with the heat and their cooking. To the point that there's no food residue on the grates, but a burnt brush stuck on the center panel.

Honest to whatever cooking gods there are... someone tried flame broiling a grill brush.

 

 


How in the world do you "forget" there's a brush on an open flame? Is this the new way of making s'mores? If so, then I think I need to return my kit.

I guess that's it for now. I want to make sure I see Criminal Minds tonight since tomorrow is the big gobble day and American Horror Story is over. Emily will expect a text at some point to confirm I watched the show tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, if I don't get on before the weekend.



Be good and don't stuff yourself too much... just make sure you have the fat pants ready...




Cheers;