captbrando’s log

HOPEFULLY.  For reals this time.  Got us a good signal in a good location and have a working cable.

OK folks, I think I have the issue fixed. Turns out, not only were there issues with the electronics in the sending stations, but the CONSOLE was busted as well! Wait for the weather data to catch up, but you will now see updated weather here!

Update (8/1 @ 8am)… SPOKE TOO SOON!  ARGH.  This is unbelievable.  I must have some kind of magical RF blocking technology in my house that is not letting the signals make it all the way back to my office.  It might be time to do some creative cable routing………

Update (8/1 @ 10am)… Maybe have a workaround.  Rerouted some cables and have the console higher in the closet… stay tuned.

Update (8/1 @ 5:30pm)… Still having reception issues, even with rebroadcast.  Apparently there is some crazy stuff going on in the closet.  Tomorrow I will route some cables from one room to the next through the walls and see if I can get a connection from the console that seems to have good reception.

Update (8/2 @ Noon)… Been up routing cable in the attic.  I always remember how much I hate fiberglass insulation AFTER I get down.  Ugh.  Half of the cables are routed, other half requires me making noise near a sleeping baby.  I may be dumb, but I’m not THAT dumb.  Hope to have a fix in the next 2 hours.

Update (8/3 @ 9am)… Wade is going to help me get cables punched down correctly.  Tomorrow maybe.

Update (8/4) @ 7pm)… So you are NOT going to believe this.  SOMEHOW, the channels of our baby monitor overlap with the weather station.  Both in the 900MHz range, and that’s the damn problem.  Thanks to Davis for helping me figure it out!  Now I just need to figure out the right combination to reduce the signal->noise ratio.  Expect some funny readings over the next few days.

Sent from my iPhone

Lemon Berry Smoothie Remix, by terriseesthings

You saw the first one, here’s another one!

Brando’s Morning Power Shake, Part Deux

• 2/3 to 1 cup 0% Horizon Organic Milk (6-9g protein)
• 1-2 scoops Strawberry Impact Protein by Chicago Nutrition Company (24-48g protein)
• 1/2 Banana
• Small handful of fresh blueberries
• Handful crushed ice

Drop in a blender and mix until mixed well.  You can substitute frozen blueberries to give it more of a slushy feel.

Oh good gravy, it has started.  I know it is part of the universe reminding me how a pain in the ass great son I was.  In fact, I was the best son my parents ever had.  And I feel comfortable saying that at least until that paternity test comes back.

Over the last month or so, Garrett has a one word response to pretty much everything you say.  I never thought that the power of one word would cause Chris’s blood pressure to go up 10-20 points at dinner as she looks at me screaming “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!”  What’s that famous word?

“Why?”

Us: Garrett, please put your dishes away.

G: Why?

Us: Because that’s what we do when we are done with our meal.

Us: Garrett, it’s time to go inside.

G: Why?

Us: Because we need to eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed.

G: Why?

Us: Because you need to go to sleep so you can rest for tomorrow.

G: WHY?

Us: Garrett, STOP RUNNING.

G: Why?

Us: Because I said so dammit! (At this point I saw pigs flying by our window after realizing I just turned into my parents.)

If this is any indication of how his formative years will be spent, I expect him to be challening the Man as often as he can.

Hey folks, you may have noticed my big warning about the accuracy of the weather station data.  I finally sent the thing off to Davis’s HQ for repair.  I was going to send it earlier, but wanted it handy for the tail end of tornado season.  I hope to get it back in about six weeks, so stay tuned!

First off, I’m not being paid to post this. That said, you can probably guess where this is going.

GREATEST. INVENTION. EVER.

Holy crap, if you are a photographer, this is a MUST HAVE accessory for your camera.

Camera straps are something that most of us don’t think about… until we are using them. For starters, most camera straps proudly announce both the camera make and model, screaming “STEAL ME” from your neck and shoulder. Specifically, the new 5D Mark II from Canon says this.

Note to Canon: I understand you are proud. I am a proud owner of that magnificent piece of machinery, but seriously, everyone hates those “My kid is an honor student” bumper stickers just like we hate advertising how much we spent on the electronics slung across our shoulders. Some of us even go as far as blacking out the model number imprinted on the body, and others use duct tape and other tricks to make their cameras look like beat up hunks of junk to deter theft.

I immediately threw that camera strap away and purchased a generic one, and hated it just like I have hated every other camera strap I have attached to a camera I have used. In the field, using a camera strap is awkward even if you are only carrying one camera. Do I put it around my neck and support the whole weight of my camera in a manner that would make my chiropractor disown me? Do I put it over my shoulder and risk it falling off? How do I grab that thing and get it up to my face so I can see through the … damn… viewfinder.. ARGH.

Screw that.

The R-Strap series from BlackRapid is GENIUS. Here’s a video demonstrating how it works.  This strap allows you to put the weight across your core, and you can pick the camera up off your hip for super quick shooting without adjusting anything.  It’s the basic Ronco “Set it and forget it!” mantra.  You get it situated on your body, and just shoot.

I found it to be very comfortable to wear, and walking around even at a brisk pace did not cause the camera to swing around.  I suppose running would be an interesting thing to watch, but I don’t feel like trying that out.

The best part about this strap?  It makes me want to carry my camera around!

Thank you BlackRapid for this fantastic product!