Author: gander

  • Classic Movie – The In-Laws

    Classic Movie – The In-Laws

    As a Comcast subscriber, I just got an email that we have access to Peacock streaming service. Something about some sports no longer on their broadcast packages, but we can get some of those back on Peacock.

    But Peacock has a lot of cool content, including some classic TV shows. And one of them is Columbo… I had binged it about 5 years ago, but I still have a fond memory of Peter Falk, and his quirks… And that fired up my memories of a comedy staring him and Alan Arkin. The In-Laws.

    (more…)
  • Bread School: Sourdough

    Bread School: Sourdough

    While I began my baking prior to the start of the Pandemic, the pandemic has brought a lot of new bakers into the fold, all hoping to learn to make better bread, relieve stress, and have the wonderful aroma of fresh baking in their homes.

    Many will have started with some variant of a “No Knead Artisan Bread” which is particularly easy, and if you have a good large-ish Dutch Oven, can make some amazing bread.

    But you quickly go beyond that and want something … more.

    (more…)
  • A project – 2WD Slash

    A project – 2WD Slash

    I got a surprise spot bonus from work, a $250 that I can spend anyway that I want. I have been advocating that a good entry point for remote control cars for novices is the Traxxas Slash. So I am putting my money where my mouth is, and pulled the trigger on a two wheel drive Slash, with a brushed motor. This will become a project.

    (more…)
  • Facebook – A trial ends

    Facebook – A trial ends

    About 8 months ago, I re-registered for Facebook. In the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica fiasco, and the follow on hits of their handing excessive autonomy to phone and hardware manufacturers to sift through their treasure-trove of user data, I shut down and deleted my account(s).

    For almost 2 years I remained blissfully off the platform, but picking up the hobby of RC Cars drew me back. Why?

    (more…)
  • RC – Essentials

    RC – Essentials

    Say you got an RC car for Christmas. Cool. Hopefully it was accompanied by appropriate batteries, and you are ready to run.

    Soon, you will figure out that you need additional accessories. This post is intended to help you plan your descent into the hobby, and to hopefully short circuit some of the frustrations.

    (more…)
  • It’s a Wonderful Life

    It’s a Wonderful Life

    I know that a lot of people watch Christmas movies during this season. I have my favorites, including “A Christmas Story”, “Life of Brian”, and “Die Hard”.

    This year, we watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” the classic with James Stewart. I last watched it as a child, probably 45+ years ago, so I really had no fond reminiscences of of this movie.

    (more…)
  • Bread Baking

    Bread Baking

    Long time readers are aware of my recent fascination with baking bread. Originally I began as a way to de-stress, and like my quest for the perfect pizza, it has become somewhat of a crusade.

    (more…)
  • HBO Max Streaming Service

    HBO Max Streaming Service

    I had heard a low level, yet steady buzz about HBO Max streaming from a variety of sources, and was intrigued. I am not, and have never been an HBO subscriber, but I recognize that they have produced epic content for decades. The Sopranos being but one of their efforts.

    Then Hulu lost South Park to HBO Max, and I began looking hard at adding HBO Max to the stable.

    (more…)
  • The NYTimes Crossword

    The NYTimes Crossword

    … and deficiencies in my education.

    A few years ago, I got addicted to the NYTimes Crossword. And I even paid for the subscription to access their past library, and to the app on my phone and iPad.

    (more…)
  • Show review: The Alienist

    Show review: The Alienist

    On the advice of a colleague and a few others, I signed up for HBO Max streaming. A bit pricey, but dang, do they have an amazing catalog.

    One of the shows that caught my eye is an adaptation of Caleb Carr’s outstanding novel, “The Alienist”. Produced by TNT, it is a period piece, set in New York city circa 1896, and has a cast of characters that reads like a who’s who of the times.

    (more…)