NPR : ‘Scream Queen’ Melissa Cross
This was a very interesting and musical lesson in sound, biology and biomechanics. Recommend.
Archive for the ‘Odds and Ends’ Category
NPR : ‘Scream Queen’ Melissa Cross
1 September 2007The one that started it all.
21 August 2007Barats & Bereta Productions is my favorite YouTube subscription.
This is the first video of theirs that I found and I still laugh uncontrollably when I watch it.
It is just my kind of humor.
Ancient version of my current job in the IT world
8 August 2007Someday they will look back at my job of teaching people to use computers like this documentary of teaching people how to use books.
This is a classic, enjoy.
10 Thrifty Ways to Deal with Mosquitoes
5 July 200710 Thrifty Ways to Deal with Mosquitoes
I am a mosquito magnet. If there is one around, it will find me. This past week while I was at camp, many mosquitos found me. I’ve done a little research and found some inexpensive ways that you can fight off mosquitoes.
1. Keep your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed. This eliminates having a nice place for mosquitoes to rest.
2. Keep spare tires and other items that collect water stored in a sheltered area. This cuts down on the amount of rain these items can collect. Empty standing water from buckets, boats, planters, wheelbarrows, etc.
3. Make sure roof gutters drain properly to prevent standing water.
4. Change the water in bird baths at least once a week or install a fountain or dripper to keep the water moving.
5. Wear light colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothes.
6. Keep your body covered as much as possible. Yes, mosquitoes can find their way through the fabric, but it helps to cut down on the number of bites.
7. Spray garlic powder and water all over the yard.
8. Plant mosquito deterring plants around your yard such as citronella, marigolds, basil, lavender, and catnip.
9. Try hiding your scent. Some people are sold on the effects of using Bounce dryer sheets, Vicks VapoRub and Avon’s Skin So Soft. Some prefer eating garlic or lemons or taking B1 Vitamins.
10. When all else fails, use the bug spray. I had to resort to this at camp last week. I also found that the lotion worked better than the spray, although the smell was worse.
Kids current favorite YouTube Video
24 June 2007what kinda axcent do yous have?
14 June 2007Catholic Heart Attack
10 April 2007A man suffered a serious heart attack and had open heart bypass surgery. He wakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at a Catholic hospital As he was recovering, a nun asked him questions regarding how he would like to pay for his treatment. She asked if he had health insurance.
He replied, in a raspy voice, “No health insurance.”
The nun asked if he had money in the bank.
He replied, “No money in the bank.”
The nun asked, “Do you have a relative who could help you?”
He said, “I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun.”
The nun became agitated and announced loudly, “Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God.”
The patient replied, “Send the bill to my brother in law.
bowes 
throw out your headphones
11 January 2008Some time ago I got to reading about headphones, probably on lifehacker.com . Since then I have found goodcans.com and every so often I go there and read again.
If you have read this far you are interested enough in headphones that you should get up and throw out what you currently have.
OK, now what to buy…. this is easy and life changing. Sennheiser PX100 link below. I found that without spending much money you can make a big difference in your listening experience… and you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.
I picked up circumaural open Sennheisers and I have never heard anything better.
Amazon is selling the link below for $27. Yup, that is $27, not $270. The sound compares to 2 or 3 times that price.
Amazon.com: Sennheiser PX 100 Collapsible Headphones: Electronics
For in canal the Sony, yup Sony Ex51LP rival and actually sounded better than the Shures I had for awhile. $2o for $120 sound. (sometimes higher number isnt better, you can go ahead and by the 71s but they are the same parts).
If you want closed circumaural ‘sealed’ the Sennheiser HD280Pros you can get on Amazon at times for $69.99, they came out at $150 and compare with $250 cans.
The other amazing deal I found was Logitech Noise Canceling. Originally $150 now at TigerDirect.com (or through Amazon), $39.99. The reviews say they are about 90% of the $250-300 Bose noise canceling headphones.
Supra-aurals, I guess the Senn PX100s are supra-aurals, but really supra aurals equal Grado. Just get the SR80s, a little more expensive than the SR60s, but twice the headphones. I want to find someone to give a pair of these to. Apparently, they rival $400 Sennheisers.
The last and most common category… ear buds. I have a pair of $35 Sony’s I got at Fry’s in LA. They have great sound but are uncomfortable. I most have read a good review somewhere, but reviews and opinions of good ear buds are few and far between, so I wont recommend any.
Now, if nothing else, go and buy the Senn PX100s. If your read this far, I will buy them for you.
If you want to get more sophisticated figure out how you will use them. I have circumaural open for amazing sound that I can hear my kids through so the house doesnt burn down. Ear bud for travel, they pop in and sound good. In canal for in flight. And Logitech noise canceling bec they come with hard shell case (good for sea bag) and I can always find a quiet spot in Iraq by turning them on.
Good listening!
Brian
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