The Weekend Starts Here...

Bluetooth Headset Nightmares & Reviews

2009-11-15T17:34:00.009-06:00

Sharper Image Headset

Price: $29.99

Battery Life: 5-8 hrs talktime / 150-180 hrs standby

Range: 3 FEET (according to manual)

So I've been on a mission to find a decent bluetooth headset these last few weeks. I started out going cheap ($20-$30.00) range and ended up with a very small model from Sharper Image. This headset is packaged VERY impressively (in the same style as the high end jawbone headsets) with heavy plastic cubes displaying the tiny headset on the top and 4 small screws holding the box together (the box actually requires a tiny screwdriver to open).

This headset is literally not much bigger than my thumbprint. The entire piece is less than an inch in length and appears quite high-end looking. The button on the front at first glance looks like it's made from light metal. When you touch it, you'll be disappointed to discover that it's made from light silver plastic and jiggles around when you put your finger on it.

There was really nothing on the outer box that suggested range or battery longevity (that should have been my first clue to stay away!). Inside however, the specs were laid out. Battery life was typical of most headsets 5-8 hours talktime and (150-180 standby). The most shocking spec. though was the range (distance that you can use the headset from your phone). The range on the sharper image bluetooth headset was 3 FEET!!

I didn't actually read all this until after I cracked open the package and charged the unit up. Unfortunatly, I never experienced this headset functioning on my iPhone 3GS as it would not pair with the headset. I tried several times (powering down the phone, turning off bluetooth mode and turning off headset). After contacting Sharper Image Technical Support (which is AlcaTel). I was asked to ship the unit back to Sharper Image (pay shipping) and they would send me out a new, more compatible model. It seems I wasn't the first customer to have this problem!

After pairing the headset with my wife's LG Shine, I found the audio quality to be very low, with significant delay and I also noticed that holding the phone in my hand straight away from the earpiece gave so much static that it all but disconnected the phonecall. So, I've learned my lesson. No longer will I be swept away by small, tiny and cute little tech gadgets from kitschy executive toy companys.

Once I returned the Sharper Image model (Against the Store's policy)I went across the street to our local mall and checked out the "Cell Booth" kiosk which sells phones from all cellular phone companies and offers a pretty decent selection of accessories. At this point, I realized I was going to have to raise the bar a little bit and probably spend a little more money if I wanted to stay away from the cheap little bluetooth models with the interchangeable plastic faceplates and crappy designs...

Sony Ericsson HBH-GV435a
Price: $49.99
Battery Life: 8 hrs talktime / 180 hrs standby
Range: 10 METERS (according to manual)

So I walked out with this model from Sony Ericsson. A very nice over-the-ear style headset (almost like a traditional hearing aid) with great rubberized arm for bending around your ear and an earpiece that swivels in about an 80degree angle to accommodate a comfortable placement inside your ear. Typically, from what I've read online, this headset retails for a lot more in a lot of places. And, my particular box had been repriced 3 times with a starting price of $149.99. So I figured I was getting a significantly higher quality headset. The unit charged in 2 hours and paired instantly with my iPhone. I made a quick phonecall and recieved a call with no problem. The controls are a little tricky to get used to since the buttons are located at the top of your ear. But sound quality was very good. Actually, impressive. There was no delay and noise cancellation was beautiful. I was thrilled. Until it dropped it's first call.

I was sitting at home and had the headset out and my phone rang. So I put the headset on and answered the call. We talked for a few minutes and with no warning, the headset stopped responding and I realized that the headset had not turned off, but had reverted back to my iPhone. I continued the call with the handset and just chalked it up to a fluke. Later on, while I was with my kids at the Santa Claus parade, I experienced exactly the same thing. A few minutes in and the audio goes out and goes back to the handset. So, back to the kiosk we go.

Nokia BH900

Price: $49.99

Battery Life: 8 hrs talktime / 180 hrs standby

Range: 10 METERS (according to manual)

Back we went to the kiosk. After really liking the quality and style of the Sony Ericsson model, I was really tempted to just exchange for the same headset. But, I didn't want to risk having the same issues with a new headset. So I opted this time for a slightly larger headset from Nokia. The BH900. This retailed originally for $99.99. It features a sliding boom mic and the headset itself hangs over your ear without sitting inside. I am not a fan of this particular style, so right off the bat I was apprehensive. The size was a bit of an issue too. This is not the small headset that I've been attracted to. This unit looks more like a mouse gnawing on your ear. As much as I'd like to tell you how the unit performed, I can't. When I plugged the headset in to charge, I got a green light. According to the manual I should have seen a red flashing light indicating charge mode. After more than two hours of being plugged in, I still had a green light. I unplugged the headset and pushed the power button. Nothing. I tried replugging in the headset, tried a new outlet, nothing. I was able to get a flashing green light if I plugged the headset in and pushed the power button. But as soon as I unplugged the headset, it went dead.

So, now I am 0 for 3. I am considering going for another price boost (to $99.00). I will post more on this story as I try to find a working and decent functioning bluetooth headset.

Brabus Motorcycle!

2009-11-09T11:33:00.007-06:00

Brabus is a company that specializes in tuning already amazing cars (Maybachs, Mercedes) and making them even more amazing (But mostly faster). Lately, they have expanded into pimping out luxury yachts and specialized vehicles (law enforcement or mobile offices for the elite). But I was very surprised to see this parked at my local Starbucks.

As it turns out, the bike's owner is runs an ad agency. The agency was contacted to do some creative marketing for the Brabus company. The campaign centred around a vehicle that brabus would never manufacture. And so this bike was created. Apparently, the only one in existence. With a top speed of 300 mph.

I captured these pictures with my iPhone. The owner is a fan of Brabus products (and owns others). I didn't get too indepth taking pictures with the bike (and blurred the owners license plates). But it has a very "naked" design concept. Bare handlebars and foot operated break pedals. Speedometer is mounted between the oversized (but necessary) gas tank and the handlebars. Everything is made out of carbon fibre. Also, not in the picture is a Nitrous Oxide cannister on the ride side of the bike near where the rider's knees would be.

Any readers with knowledge of these types of bikes are welcome to comment. I really don't know a lot more about this particular bike (engine size or actual horsepower). I only got to chat with the owner a few minutes. But I did get to hear him start the bike and pull out of the parkinglot. The engine sounded much like a tuned Ferarri or Porsche revving at high RPM's. Not throaty and deep like a harley and not high pitched or whiney like a japanese crotch rocket. Very much in between.

That's all I got. Hope to see some comments and thoughts.

Marley Coffee

2009-07-03T14:31:00.006-05:00

I came across something the other day that nearly melted my brain! Readers of this blog (if there are any left!) probably already know of my love for all styles of music (although Reggae is pretty dear to me) and you definitely know of my coffee addiction and love for all kinds of new and different coffees. Well, this changes EVERYTHING!

It turns out that Rohan Marley, a child of Reggae Legend Bob Marley has opened his very own plantation under the Marley name. "The Marley Estate sits atop the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, long revered as the region with the world’s most desirable coffee beans. Rohan remembers his grandmother drying their wild coffee berries in the sun, hulling and roasting them for her own cup of coffee each morning. Marley Coffee is determined to deliver that same intoxicating aroma and rich, smooth flavor into every cup that bears the Marley name. Marley Coffee offers a unique line of single origin and blended coffees. We produce and source the finest beans from the top growing regions in the world; Blue Mountain Jamaica, Central America, Indonesia and the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. Our ITAL Coffee's are certified organic and sustainably grown." - www.marleycoffee.com

WHAT?!! I can buy coffee from Bob Marley's son? How crazy is that? To say that I'm excited about this is a grand understatement. We are planning to order some this week!

Rohan Marley currently offers five different blends each with unique names all befitting of coffee from the estate of Jamaica's most famous!

Jammin' Java Organic Bold Full City Roast."Sultry, smoky, sweet, and yet unexpectedly smooth brew will leave you wanting more. Full bodied with traces of earthy overtones, dark chocolate berries that produce a zingy acidity and rich lingering finish." - www.marleycoffee.comMystic Morning Wakeup Medium Roast. "This rich but snappy coffee is medium to full bodied with wonderful acidity. Aromas and tastes of cocoa, spice, cedar, cinnamon and cooked pumpkin gives you the perfect morning kick." - www.marleycoffee.com

One Love Organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. "From the birthplace of coffee, One Love’s floral aromas unfold with hints of blueberry, cocoa and spice with a medium body and bright acidity. It tantalizes the palette leaving a profound cherry finish." - www.marleycoffee.com

Lively Up! 5 Bean Organic Espresso Blend. "Our exquisite 5-bean espresso is dynamically balanced and rich in body. Its dense, abundant taste leaves a long, savory finish with flavors of cocoa, candied fruit and buttery caramel notes. Enjoy as espresso, drip or press." - www.marleycoffee.com

Simmer Down Organic Swiss Water Decaf. "Aromas of cocoa, nutmeg, star anise and spices of the West Indies fill this cup. Simmer Down reveals chocolate, and smoky tastes with great body and mild acidity leaving a peppery finish." - www.marleycoffee.com

If you're a music fan or coffee drinker, you owe it to yourself to check this out! If you get some before I do, Please!!! post a comment with your review on the coffee you purchased and what it was like! As soon as we get our order I will be putting a full review of each blend on this blog.

Stay tuned! In the meantime, if you'd like to order some Marley Coffee click on the links to go directly to their online store!

1500 Records and a New Blog...

2009-01-17T16:26:00.004-06:00

For those who don't know. I started this year without my Dad. He passed away boxing day (december 26, 2008). It was very unexpected and he was quite young (at 60) to leave us so soon. However, we were very blessed to spend quality time with him throughout the Christmas season and as a family who trusts in God, we also rest knowing that he is now without pain and suffering and that someday we will see him again.

I have recently begun the arduous task of converting my Dad's vinyl collection of over 1500 titles onto CD/Hard drive. I started this last night figuring that it would take me most of this year due to my schedule and family responsibilities. I came across a few gems that I would like to post here. So I will begin posting some of his old Southern Gospel and a few of his classical/Orchestra albums on this blog.

Keep your RSS reader locked to that blog for albums as I complete them.

More on this later.

Jeff.

Muppet Kits At FAO Schwartz!!!

2008-12-05T10:34:00.003-06:00

Just noticed this via one of my favorite tech/gadget blogs. Starting in February, F.A.O. Schwartz will allow you to design and create your very own Muppet! Using either the online Muppet creator (at F.A.O. Schwartz beginning in February 2009) or in the form of a workbook/kit, you will be able to choose from physical features (nose, eyes, hair, clothing, body shape, head, etc.) and make a unique muppet character that you can either have shipped (3-5 Weeks) or you can take your gift card to the F.A.O. Schwartz store in New York City and have it made on the spot! At only 130.00, for a 16" rod and arm muppet, this is pretty amazing! I think I will have to add a custom muppet to my collection in the new year!

Reuben Turns Into The Hulk

2008-11-17T14:11:00.001-06:00

iPhone Observations

2008-08-06T11:44:00.004-05:00

After a couple weeks, I have a few things to say about the iPhone. First, Apple nailed it with the world's best convergence device. Let's be honest. It's a phone, but it does so much more. I find myself thinking of it as a tablet computer. In fact, I sometimes get frustrated when I can't do things I can normally do on my powerbook and then I have to remind myself that it's my phone?!

The Camera...
The camera takes great pictures for a 2MP camera, and better still, the iPhone's display shows the pictures off like they were taken on a high end SLR. Beautiful color, great clarity. I have found myself resorting to this camera more often than Carolann's 7MP Sony.

The GPS...
The fact that Apple saw fit to include this in the 3G was special. This little GPS receiver kicks serious tale! I have put it to the test numerous times and found it to be 100% on the nose every time. Since TomTom and TeleNav have already made waves in the press stating that they are already running versions of their voice navigated GPS software on the iPhone. Rumours of Apple's major OS update (2.1) on the iPhone suggest that it will add directional awareness to the Maps application which would make this a very viable reality. Apple is really going to put a large dent into the dedicated GPS market when something running on their phone is equally as good, not to mention all the extra integrated features that come along with the iPhone.

The Phone...
I haven't noticed much in the way of any big improvements over the actual phone itself. It is very clear sounding, has nice tone and great noise cancelling...but so did my Blackberry 8100. What I am missing so far in this department is voice dialing....which is kind of a novelty, but is really handy when I am rocking a bluetooth headset. The bluetooth side of the phone is genius. Apple has added a prompt when the phone rings (if your Bluetooth headset is activated) that asks you if you would like to take the call on your headset, speakerphone or on the phone itself. This is genius for anyone who has woken up to the phone ringing and grabbed the phone and yelled "Hello...HELLO" into the phone only to see the headset flashing away on the nightstand.

I WOULD like a slightly louder ringer, but I imagine this could be fixed with a different ringtone as well. The other issue I have is I am not overly impressed by having to purchase my ringtones in the Apple Store. I expect an app to come along shortly to alleviate this. I was able to make a pile of pretty sick ringtones on my blackberry using Audacity and just add them whenever I felt the need.

Battery...
It just plain sucks compared to most smartphones. My Blackberry 8100 would forever even with heavy usage. However, the iPhone has packed a ton of new (very power intensive) features that the BB 8100 didn't have, and so for this, I can mostly forgive the battery issues.

The iPod...
Brilliant. Wide screen movies look stunning, music sounds great and I love having a spare 8gig ipod along with my 80gig Classic in case I have to step out of the house and the kids are falling to sleep listening to the lullaby playlist. Only one added feature I would like to see here....The ability to purchase songs on 3G through the Music store. Currently, you have to be connected to Wifi.

Now....Here's what I would love to see for Apps...

Wifi/MAP Mashup...
I would love an app that whenever a wifi network is detected, it would prompt me (or do it automatically) to save it's location (GPS coordinates) on a map so that the next time I am in that particular neighbourhood, I could pull up the Wifi overlay and see where all of the open Wifi networks are located. Brilliant? Yes.

A.D.D'ers Lifesaver...
Since you can already pull up a contacts address info and view it on the map from your contacts list, how about an application that allows you to enter an appointment into iCal (with complete address information and time of appointment) and have iCal display a reminder that notices your current GPS coordinates and the coordinates of your appointment destination and then tells you...."You have an appointment at __________ location, In order to be on time, you must leave in 5,10,15 minutes...or RIGHT NOW!". I can see this saving my bacon many times over!

Any thoughts?

Leapfrog Didj Educational Gaming Console

2008-07-08T12:29:00.003-05:00

Leapfrog has just released the latest and greatest gadget for edutaining your 6-10yr old kids. The Leapfrog Didj Console looks pretty substantial and has great possibilities when it comes to long trips and times when you prefer not to put your kids in front of a movie or traditional game console. Leapfrog has always produced high end products with great ideas at the outset, but sometimes abandons the product line too soon, ending in frustration for parents attemping to pick out a new title for their obsolete product. The Leapfrog Didj connects via USB to your Mac or PC through the Leapfrog Connect service so that kids can customize games and interact in different ways. Time will tell if the availability of cartridges and range of supporting software proves this to be an outstanding product instead of a nice idea. I've contacted Leapfrog for a demo, As soon as I get a hands on, I'll post a greater review.

Jeff.

Jim Houser Speaks After Steven Curtis Chapman's Tragic Loss

2008-06-14T00:35:00.000-05:00

I still regularly check Jim Houser's blog for updates on the Chapman family to see how they are doing and progressing in trying to cope with the loss of such an incredibly beautiful and vibrant little girl. Here are 2 interviews (in 3 parts) and a brief look into Jim's role and how the Chapman's are clinging to God through this time. These were recorded very shortly after Maria Sue's death.

Part 1 - Jim Houser Interview

Part 2 - Jim Houser Interview

2nd Interview With Jim Houser

L3 Communications

2008-06-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

A new development in the Car PC situation. We were driving through town yesterday and I noticed a business in one of the more industrial sections of town that looked oddly familiar...at least the signage and logo did. The sign said L3 and it had a familiar circular logo. I completely forgot about it until later that night when I did a search online for the company. Not believing my eyes, I went over and grabbed the flat panel screen and PC that I had purchased on ebay and couldn't believe it. The company that made the computer and flat panel I had purchased (randomly) from Ebay had an office right in our town of 19,000 people!

So, I hopped in the car and paid them a visit! I showed up around 4pm yesterday, was not able to get in the front door (it was locked) so I went to the side and someone answered and I began my story of needing 2 power cables for the panel and the PC. He explained that their office only handled aerospace systems (supporting Trenton's military base) and that I would need to get a hold of the office in Mississauga. He also directed me to two other electronics supply businesses in a nearby city that could help. He was really friendly (much more so than the woman who answered the phone and told me unless I was an agency that I would not be getting help from them).

Anyway, this week I will be taking the computer into an electronics supply store to look into getting a proprietary power cable for the monitor and flat panel.

Stay tuned!

That's What She Said...

2008-06-11T00:23:00.003-05:00

On friday Emily babysat for us while my wife Carolann and I went out for a much needed daytrip to Kingston just to get away from the house and see some different scenery. We were passing by a city park/field. Our conversation went like this.

C: WHAT ARE THEY DOING??!

Me: Who?

C: Them (pointing to football players in full uniform, playing....football)

Me: Uhh, They're playing football

C: WHAT? IT'S JUNE!!!

2008-06-05T13:18:00.002-05:00

To mark my Car PC project, instead of setting up a whole new blog, I have decided to tag my posts more carefully and keep the traffic coming to one place. Of course, my ADD brain could have this idea without a flood of grander ideas on how best to visually seperate Car PC posts from ADD Parenting posts to Recommendation Posts....So here's the first of some headers that I will use from now on to visually divide the topics on this blog. Nothing overly fancy...Just functional.

Two 2 Year olds, a 4 Year old Boy and a 6 Year old Girl...Yes we are familiar with the Magic Eraser.

2008-06-04T20:23:00.010-05:00

One day during naptime, I all of the sudden realized that A...it was just past the time when the twin tornadoes should be arousing from their glorious two hour morning respite...I mean naptime and B) it was very very quiet. So I went upstairs and discover this....

And this...

Yea....and this...

Now....Where's that blue crayon.

Maria Sue Chapman

2008-06-02T06:10:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since my last post...I seem to be saying that a lot. But it just occured to me that my last post was the day Maria Sue Chapman was killed tragically in the family's driveway in Tennessee. Without sounding over-dramatic, that hit home pretty hard for us. Our daughter Mabel-Kate is a year older than Maria Sue and I just can't imagine the pain and loss that family is experiencing. I have been keeping up with Jim houser (Steven's manager) by reading his blog. He has daily contact with the Chapman's and writes a little about what it's like for them right now. Actually, Jim's blog was the only outlet the press had for quotes or information about Maria's death.

I've also been going back through some of Steven's video blog which has some great and funny glimpses into live with the Chapmans and insights into songs, staff members and lots of videos about kids! I have included a very relevant intro to the song Cinderella. I think given recent events, it ties in well. Also, an acoustic version of the song Cinderella.

Never Underestimate The Power of the Force in a 2 year Old!

2008-05-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in my interview on Jumping Monkeys Episode 46 "The Weekend Starts Here.
I've been having some fun trying to figure out a new nap schedule for the Demolition Twins. This morning around 11am, I scooped them up and attempted to lay them down for naps. As much as I detest them, I bought those cruel Safety First Door handle covers so that once they were able to climb out of their cribs they could not open the door and wander the house. Marley was the first to demonstrate this and Lauren followed soon after. Today started out normal, I gave them half a bottle, laid them down and gave them the speech. "Don't get out of your bed...Stay in your bed please, It's nap time, lay down and go to sleep...etc..." Today, after about an hour of silence, Marley came down stairs proudly holding this in two pieces in her hand. It seems she is on to our tricks and won't be fooled again. Oi.

When Mornings Attack

2008-05-20T12:21:00.004-05:00

This morning was a little nuts. Carolann was working early this morning which meant I was in charge of the morning wake-up call. Since I'm not always 100% intelligent before my first pot of coffee, Things can get interesting when I wake up and attempt to ready the troops.

I got my wake-up call from Mabel-Kate who came in to our room frantically stating that she was going to be late. This is always my worst nightmare, since we're down to only one vehicle until our van gets fixed, this would mean she would be here for the day unless Carolann came home early from work. Neither would be perfect solutions. I leapt out of bed, checked my blackberry for time and immediately flipped out the toaster, popped in some bread and started making her lunch. Carolann had already packed snacks and drink in her lunch bag so I was more than halfway there. I got toast buttered and on a plate and she was happily eating. I checked the clock again, it was only 5 minutes from the last time I looked so I was doing well. Taking a look at MK I noticed that she had a pretty funky hair situation....This was not going to be fun. Do you think I could find a hairbrush? Where did they go? Who doesn't have hairbrushes when they need them? Don't they just give them out at the hospital when you have a baby girl along with the pink hat and mittens? There was no finding a hairbrush and I was surely running out of time, I grabbed a number 4 comb from my hair trimmers (very loose comb) and started combing out her hair. This, did not go well for MK. She recoiled in horror at the sight of the comb and began a fit of rage that would make a spoiled celebrity jealous. It was becoming clear that her hair was not going to cooperate. Dreading that we were going to miss her bus, I checked the clock again and did a doubletake. It was only 7:00am. We had gotten up at 6:30. When exactly.....the time on our kitchen iPod dock, stove clock, microwave and blackberry all started to display different times I can't be sure, but it sure made for an interesting morning.

Well, she was not going to school with tangled hair. I grabbed a towel, shampoo and held an emergency hair wash. She wasn't crazy about this idea either, she laid down on the kitchen counter and I held her head while she alternated between howling and giggling for the next 10 minutes. Finally we got the soap out and towel dried her hair and then went through the equally tramautizing hair drying routine which normally consists of me blow drying her hair with one hand and flipping her hair through my fingers while I pull her hands away and tell her that its almost over. Once it was over, she looked cute and despite our hour of free time, I just got her out to the bus stop stop before the scheduled pick up time.

The Weekend Starts Here on Jumping Monkeys With Leo Laporte & Megan Morrone

2008-05-18T20:43:00.005-05:00

Just thought I'd post a note and let everyone know that the latest episode of Jumping Monkeys is online and available through itunes and I'm in it!

I got the amazing privilege of talking to Leo Laporte from Tech TV (the Screen Savers, Call for Help and now the TWIT podcast network) and Megan Morrone (Tech TV/TWIT) on Jumping Monkeys! We talk about kids, parenting, twins, ADD and technology. So check it out! Full show notes are available at Megan's blog www.jumpingmonkeys.com.

Download the MP3 Here

Canadian Olympic Clothing Revealed....Gangsta

2008-05-18T12:29:00.012-05:00

Ever since Roots, Canada's pride and joy clothier lost the Canadian contract to clothe the Atlhletes, I think the style factor has gone a little downhill. Roots' "Poor Boy" hat from Nagano attracted huge attention to the company and led to the Canadians becoming the style Belles of the ball. I mean, at least...if we can't score medals we can look good while we're losing right?

What exactly the crucial decision making team of hotshots were thinking when they decided that ZELLERS was a worthy successor to design the Canadian's hallowed threads is far beyond me. To be fair, HBC Holdings owns the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters. But, let's be honest...none of those companies really embody the height of fashion....do they? This year, however...The collective Canadian Clothing gods have lost their collective minds. Because this year, while the US has upped their game and graduated from Roots to Ralph Lauren (a logical progression), Canada has opted for a fashion that can only be described as......

Well, if the Canadian flag and the fifty dollar bill puked on a gang of thugs from Queen and
Jarvis, you might get a sense for what our glorious athletic peeps will be sportin' while rolling through Beijing's olympic village....Ice Ice Baby.
Is this for real? Are we really going to make our athletes who are representing our country at the World's biggest sporting event go out like this? I mean, check out the white Home Hardware painter's cap that Girl-left is wearing. It comes complete with a dollar-store amber plastic peak! Now that's sexy! And what's up with the Zoolander guy second to the left? The model on the far left in this picture is looking like "Dude, I'm getting paid to be in these clothes for 5 minutes, but you guys aren't getting paid squat and you have to wear them for 2 weeks?! Sorry."

While the US is sporting white Ralph Lauren V-neck sweaters and a more dignified Country Club look and France's athletes will look like they went through wardrobe and makeup, our athletes are going to be the pinnacle of style with the Beijing bloods and crips! Anyone have anything to say about this?

Do You Own A Blackberry?

2008-05-16T14:41:00.005-05:00

There's nice perks to being a blackberry owner! If you go over to www.blackberry.com, signup and click on the owner's lounge, you can get a free 5.00 giftcard from Starbucks! I've been registered at the site for a year now, so the offer is open to new and existing members!

Enjoy!

Make Your Own Poptarts!

2008-05-10T10:51:00.001-05:00

I saw this over at Planet Green. Check it out and make your own poptarts!

Coffee & Technology....What else is there?

2008-05-08T14:25:00.005-05:00

Getting ready for my interview with Leo and Megan Morrone's show Jumping Monkeys on the TWIT network. I don't use Skype regularly, but am pretty familiar with it, so I am just spending the next half hour to hour tweaking and making sure everything is running quickly and without any audio hiccups. I'll provide a link to the show once it's edited and released. Looking forward to talking about blended families and the fun of raising kids with ADD.

I am considering starting to work with Guru.com and possibly Elance. I am a little skeptical about the amount of projects I can take on as I have no idea how competitive things are on either site, but I am willing to take a chance and open a paid account.

I've also started work on developing the next Baby Chill Cd.

OROS(R) Methylphenidate in Adults with ADHD: New Insights

2008-05-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

OROS(R) Methylphenidate in Adults with ADHD: New Insights
New information about the longterm effects of ritalin in adults.

The Baby Chill CD is Here!

2008-05-07T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Baby Chill CD is very simply, a proven tool for relaxing upset or colichy babies! Comprised of white and pink noise, this CD may not make sense at first, but if you are a new parent or expecting, there is no better time than now to grab on to one of these CDs for the car or nursery.

How does it work? It's pretty easy! During pregnancy your baby hears a mish-mash of sounds in the womb. White noise reminds your baby of the noise that comforted and lulled it to sleep. Just like a relaxation CD with ocean waves or sounds of the rainforest, the baby chill CD is a comforting sound that almost instantly stops crying and restlessness.

For maximum effectiveness, we recommend getting one of these before your baby is born or as soon after as possible. The earlier you begin to use the Baby Chill CD with your baby, the more effective it will be. We have found that babies who have not been exposed to white noise until 4-6 months after birth are not as receptive to white noise.

We are not scientists, doctors or child development experts, but as parents of 7 children we have found a surefire way to soothe an upset baby. If you would like your own copy of the Baby Chill CD, click on the album image to purchase one in our online store.

Happy Thirty-Secondy-ith? Birthday

2008-05-05T11:32:00.005-05:00

That's the kind of day it feels like. I am guilty of procrastinating beyond the normal borders of acceptable procrastination. Today is my 32nd birthday and I've just seen the wife off to work and gotten lunch for MK and Drummerboy. They are happily eating in the kitchen of the place we moved to in late February. It is comfortable enough...our house. But it hasn't been without it's share of nightmares. Like, we were without hydro for a day while the landlord attempted to determine why our fuses kept blowing....Could it be because the glass fuses from the early 17th century could be slightly outdated? Nah, that couldn't be it? Then, the same day as Carolann's spa party, our sump pump either stopped working or failed to come on...The verdict is still out on that, and we ended up with 3.5 inches of water in our basement. Luckily, with kids in tow, we discovered it early, got the landlord involved and cleaned up just in time for Carolann's party. For about 2 weeks afterwards our pump ran 24/7 pumping out what was laying around the outside of our house and apparently what was in the water table underneath until things got to a manageable level. I've never seen so much water!

MK is enjoying her new school and the drummerboy pestered us until we set his drums up and now he's happily banging out beats to all the songs he hears on TV and the radio.

Two days ago we were pre-celebrating my birthday with family and noticed just as parents were arriving that there was water in the basement....again. Yes. This time coming from a new hole in the wall! This water is muddy so we can only assume it is from standing water outside our house. The landlord has not shown up yet and I think he's kind of scared, this place as nice as it is, hasn't been without a ton of headaches. But that's another story altogether. Updates should be regular from now on. I will get to the other reason for the long delay when I attempt to record the whole Rogers Home Phone debacle.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Things I Never Thought My 4 Year Old Would Say...

2008-02-12T13:27:00.000-06:00

Coming upstairs from the playroom today, Our only boy (4) matter-0f-factly announced to his mom the following:

"Mommy, Daddy would like a French Press and I would like an espresso."

To which my wife responded..."Coming right up!"