Project Bundle-Up

Last night was WTAE Channel 4’s Project Bundle-Up shopping trip and my first experience with Project Bundle-Up. I had a blast! A crew from WTAE met at the Kmart in Monroeville and took a bunch of great local kids shopping. Each of them got to pick out a winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf and a pair of boats.

We were paired with one or two kids and then set free to get them bundled up!
I was paired up with Aria. Isn’t she so cute and tall!

We had a blast shopping. She loves the color pink, and I do too! We got her a pink coat, pink gloves and a pink hat.

When it came to the hats, we did have to make a tough choice, but decided not on style, obviously, but on warmth!

It was such a great event. It really makes you feel good inside to see these kids’ faces light up! I am so glad I was able to be a part of it! Project Bundle-Up ROCKS!!!

Panoramas

Wouldn’t it be great to be a world traveler; being able to travel the world without the worries of work or bills? Well, the reality is that we can’t all be fulltime travelers. We CAN see a lot of the world during our lifetime though and I have a site where you can see the places and sites you may never get to go to.

The site is called Panoramas.dk and you can see some of the absolute best 360 degree panoramas of places from around the globe. These pictures are incredible! I think this site is flat-out AWESOME! You could seriously spend all day looking at all the panoramic views. It makes you feel like you are actually there seeing cities like Rio de Janeiro, Berlin, Athens; the list goes on and on.

The virtual photographs are presented in fullscreen and you need Quicktime to view them. It takes a couple seconds to load and then be prepared to be seriously awestruck.
One thing you want to make sure to check out on the page is the Panorama News section. There you’ll find panorama documentaries. Right now the feature documentary is Walking With AIDS. It follows AIDS and its trail of devastation through parts of Africa.

This is definitely a site worth visiting. It will bring you pretty close to the beauty and culture you’ll find throughout the world. And as a bonus-new panoramas are added weekly.

Happy Birthday iPod!

Happy birthday to the iPod! Its five years old. Can you believe it? On Oct 23, 2001 Apple unveiled the iPod, dramatically changing the way we view the music industry. When Apple first unveiled the iPod it could only store 1,000 songs. Today you can store up to 20,000 songs, or 25,000 photos, or 100 hours of video!

Over the past five years has brought 17 different types of iPods. In 2001 the first iPod didn’t even offer you a colored screen. 2004 brought the ever popular and my personal favorite the iPod mini in a variety of colors. You may have seen my iPod mini used in a variety of different stand-ups. It’s my personal favorite because, lets be honest, it’s the only one I own! I’m actually embarrassed I haven’t upgraded yet. I mean the Plugged In reporter still uses a mini! I decided I haven’t upgraded yet because I ‘m partly cheap and have some sentimental attachments to my little blue mini.

Anyway, moving on… In early 2005 the iPod shuffle was introduced and then came the introduction of the iPod nano. With a colored screen, it was the thinnest iPod yet! Next in a long list was the fifth generation iPod, the first to play videos. Just last month Apple launched the latest editions of the iPod, iPod nano and iPod shuffle, all of which have pretty sweet price tags, meaning they keep dropping in price.

Many have tried, but as of yet, no other company has been able to give Apple’s iPod/iTunes a run for its money. But Microsoft may create some competition when they introduce the Zune player and music service before Christmas.

Sucker for Being Scared

Early this week I went on a sneak peek tour of the Temple of Terror in Harmar Township and realized I’m a big sucker when it comes to being scared. Of course, I knew this going into it. I mean, I still get scared during the movie “Scream.” That flick came out when I was in High School.

Needless to say, I screamed like a little girl around every corner. I knew the ghouls were going to be there, but I was still scared. I hadn’t been to a haunted house in ages and what better excuse than to visit one and make it a part of my story, right? So obviously, the camera’s light had to be on so we could see all the horrifying rooms we had to go though. You think it would make it less scary, but actually they had so much smoke the camera’s light didn’t let us see anything until we were right in front of it and I, of course, had already been spooked.

Here are some screaming outtakes from my trip through the Temple of Terror.

These kids were outside before I went in and here’s what they had to say…

Now of course, I wanted to visit all the haunted houses in the area, but I only got to one. The Temple of Terror is new this year and worth checking out. On our Halloween page you’ll find a link to all the other Haunted Houses and Hayrides in the area. Check out my Plugged In story.

YouTube for Senate

We are three weeks away from the Nov 7election and candidates are using video sharing sites like YouTube to reach young voters like never before and bypassing traditional media outlets, not to mention it’s free publicity.

If you haven’t caught any of the senate debates between Rick Santorum and Bob Casey, well you’re missing out. It has become, well vicious at times between the two. I am a complete dork and love this kind of stuff. I refused to answer my cell phone Monday night when the last debate aired (I know…I know).

Anyway, if you haven’t seen the two exchange words go to YouTube.
Videos from both campaigns are all over the video sharing site including all the TV ads you’re seeing!

I was actually surprised to see that some of these videos are getting thousands of hits. I just read in a recent AP poll, voter interest in politics is the highest it’s been in a decade.

Whatever the reasons may be for the increased interest, I think it’s something good for all of us. So keep talking politics around the dinner table and check out some of the videos on YouTube.

What’s that song playing in that ad?

You’re watching a TV show or commercial and for the life of you can’t figure out what song is playing in the background. It can drive you crazy, right?
You may know it, but just can’t think of the artist, or the chorus gets stuck in your head all day long. Come on, it’s happened to all of us!

Adtunes.com is an ad music blog that will try to answer your questions about music used in television commercials, shows, movie trailers, soundtracks and even a video game or two. There is a forum section where you can post a question or respond if you know the answer.

I’ll give you an example. Under the TV commercial category, someone posted this question about the Fall TV Series Commercial for ABC, “Just heard a bluesy tune that played during the promo for Grey’s and a show airing the same night. It was sung by a male, and the only lyrics I got were: Come on over, Down to the corner.” Someone quickly posted the response with the answer “Streetcorner Symphony” by Rob Thomas.

You can also check out their archive section. It has a complete catalog of all entries that have been posted. You can search by category or by month. To use the Forum section (that’s where you’ll get all your answers) you must register, but it’s free.

I think this is a helpful site for those tunes you get in your brain THAT SLOWLY DRIVE YOU CRAZY. It is also a great site to learn about certain artists you may never have heard of before.

On another note….

In the market for an iPod? Here’s something I think is pretty awesome. Apple is offering the iPod nano in a special edition RED. If you purchase this Red nano Apple will give $10 of its purchase price to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. When I finally decide to invest in a new iPod, RED may just be my color.

SciTech Spectacular

The SciTech Spectacular is happening at the Carnegie Science Center.
I went there to take a look at the Rinspeed Senso Car. The high tech vehicle actually reacts to your mood and body behavior.

There’s a mobile camera that keeps an eye on how often you’re braking and if you’re staying in your lane. This car also keeps a close watch on your heart rate. Depending on your heart’s speed, the car will react by surrounding the interior with different colors and you’ll start smelling something too! There’s an aromatherapy aspect to the car. Depending on your mood, the right fragrance will come out.

The SciTech Spectacular is filled with all kinds of next generation science and technology stuff. There’s even a Segway obstacle where you can test your skills on these self-balancing devices. Trust me these are a blast to ride.

Oh yeah, you probably know those scientists, or at least have seen the experiment with the Diet Coke and Mentos exploding. Well, those scientists will demo the experiment at the Spectacular. Here’s a link to the SciTech Spectacular’s website with the events and the times they are happening. The Spectacular is running through Oct 22.

This is a great opportunity to get out with the kids this weekend or next, but they are closed this Sunday because of the Steeler game.

HD Radio Stations in Pittsburgh

HD radio has arrived in the ‘Burgh! It’s not satellite radio. It’s your favorite Pittsburgh stations broadcasting in digital format, something they have never been able to do before. Stations can now pack new substations onto their signals. So this digital signal will broaden your choices.

Think of it like upgrading from basic cable to digital cable. You get MTV and MTV2, but HD Radio is free! You just need an HD radio or car receiver. Now the down side: the receivers are still on the expensive side. They’ll cost you anywhere from $100-$500. But if you are going to invest your money in a surround sound system or a Bose radio, you might as well get an HD radio. I bet within the next year or HD radio receivers will come in all new vehicles.
As of now and the foreseeable future, HD radio stations are commercial free! I don’t believe they will stay commercial free forever. I mean, I listen to satellite radio which was supposed to be commercial free…well, I hear ads all the time now.

Let me give you an example of an HD station broadcasting here in Pittsburgh.
104.7 broadcasts its regular talk station on 104.7-1HD. Its 104.7-2 HD station broadcasts all smooth Jazz.

Eight different stations are broadcasting in HD format with substations in the ‘Burgh. I got to test out the I-Sonic Polkaudio HD Radio and let me just tell you it is going on my Christmas list. Not only can I use it as my radio, but it will plug into my TV and I can even plug my portable XM into it!

Cyber Sitter

Are having trouble finding a sitter, a good one? Ever thought of trying Cyberspace?

There are internet baby-sitting and nanny services all over the web. Sittercity.com is just one of them. The baby sitting site is kinda like match.com except it’s for parents. It lets parents the chance to search through 150,000 baby sitters in cities across the country.

When babysitters join, profiles are created with name and contact information, the type of sitting they do whether it be child care, elder care, pet care or just house sitting. You’ll also find the rate they charge, if they have a car and if they are a smoker. You’ll also see when they are available.

The site will even go as far as providing specific skills such as languages the sitter is fluent in and education background. I think the best part about the site is the review section. Parents can read other parents reviews on the sitters.

Unfortunately, the site is not free. To join the site its $7.99 a month annually or $9.99 monthly plus a $40 registration fee. So, it’s expensive, but worth it if you find a gem.

If you want to take a look at the babysitters that are available before you join, just enter your zip code and a list will pop up. I think Sittercity.com is great if you’re going on vacation and need a night out to yourselves, but you’re in a different city and need to find a sitter.

I know you may be apprehensive about the site, but it’s probably better than responding to a flyer or having your creepy old neighbor watch your kids. I would have signed up for this site back when I used to baby-sit.

This site is great if your kid is old enough to baby sit. If you have a kid 17 years or older looking for a few babysitting gigs, they can sign up for free.

YouTube- Worth A Big Fat Billion

If you haven’t heard, Google has made a HUGE purchase buying YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock! There are not a lot of specifics out on the merger yet, but Youtube says it will continue to operate independently. Google will help improve YouTube searching and how it organizes information for you to use. The combined companies will focus on providing a better experience for uploading, watching and sharing videos.

With YouTube you can view more than 100 million videos a day. But, the video sharing site barely makes any profits. That’s where Google and ads will play a role. Lucky for us! I know what you’re thinking. Are YouTube users going to start seeing those annoying ads popping up everywhere? Well, although specific details aren’t out yet; it looks like Google will use advertisement next to YouTube videos. What we don’t know yet for sure is whether “pre-roll” ads will start appearing before certain video clips.

I think the success of the merger will really come down to the YouTube community. That’s you guys! I seriously doubt YouTube will remain as strong if it is taken over by ads or Google puts too many restrictions on things, including copyrighted materia,l to cover their butts. Check out this video posted Monday by YouTube founders Chad and Steve about the Billion dollar merger.

Here’s a link to my first story about YouTube and its competition that aired back in the beginning of July.

Meet the Newest Segway

I had the opportunity to test out the latest Segway, the i2! Let me begin by telling you about it and the high tech technology it offers.

This unit practically knows what you’re thinking. Seriously, it responds to your every move. With the Leanstear technology, the device responses to your body’s natural inclination to lean in the direction you want to travel. The older models only allow you to go front and back using the self- balance technology. You have to use your handlebar grip to turn right or left. The i2 appeals more to your natural body’s movement. You control your speed basically by how far you lean forward just like the other units.

I have to admit, I fell in love with these things. They are just so much fun. At first, I was nervous because the units literally move to keep you balanced, even though you may feel off balanced on them. In no time at all I felt like a pro… so much that I got a little cocky while I was shooting my standups and almost fell off! I absolutely, hands down, recommend taking a tour of downtown Pittsburgh on one of these things. Go to Segwayinparadise.com to check out the downtown tours and prices.

And no I’m not on safari. That hat I’m wearing acts as my helmet. Remember, safety first. Everyone here at the station was making fun of my hat. I know I may look dorky, but I don’t care.

Check out my Plugged In story to learn more about the i2 and see how easy it is to ride.

Meet Little Jack

I’d like to introduce you to the newest little addition to my family.
Meet Jack…

I got him two weeks ago this Saturday from a “no kill shelter.” I didn’t think it was a good idea at first, with just moving into a new apartment and my schedule; but as soon as I pick that little love bug up I fell in love.
I’m a total sucker!!!

I’ve also become slightly obsessed with taking pictures of him, just like any new parent.

He was so skinny when I first got him. I mean a scrawny little thing. He couldn’t even meow. It was just a little gasp of sound. So, not only was he really malnourished, he was sick too! He contracted a little kitty cold. He was just sneezing all over the place and had junk coming out of his eyes and nose. I took him straight to the vet, the concerned parent that I am, and a day later he was like a new kitten.

Now he is running all over and jumping around on me and everything else in the apartment. Last night, I accidentally left the toilet lid up and he, of course, jumped right in thinking the lid was down. Good thing there wasn’t anything in there. Poor guy!

He is just so cute, I hate leaving him every morning to come to work and I can’t wait to get home to him at night! Now he’s eating like a little piglet. When I first got him all his bones were sticking out, now he’s plumping up very nicely.

I just want you to know I have taken, I swear, 100 pictures of him, but because of my stupid flash none of them turn out. He always moves. These are the best pictures so far, but don’t worry, there will be more to come.

Recycle That Cell Phone!

Got an old cell phone lying around the house…Well it’s time you recycle it! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Verizon Wireless is making a difference. HopeLine is a phone recycling program that takes old cell phones and refurbishes or recycles them. One hundred percent of the proceeds are then given to domestic violence organizations to help in the prevention and awareness.

It couldn’t be easier! Just take in your old cell to any Verizon Wireless store and drop it in the HopeLine box. Verizon will take any cell phone from any provider.

Let’s not forget about the other wireless carriers…
Sprint’s Project Connect takes all old cell phones, recycles them and gives the proceeds to a variety of charitable programs. You can donate through Cingular’s Reuse & Recycle program. Just take any cell phone to a Cingular store.

ReCellular.com is the world’s foremost collector, recycler and reseller of used cell phones. They connect people worldwide. This is the site to check out. Almost all recycling charities send the used cell phones they collect to ReCellular. And finally, Wirelessrecycling.com will help you find the closest cell phone donation site near you. All you have to do is enter your zip code.

Pick whatever site appeals to you, just make sure to donate that cell! There’s no reason not to do it!