I have been a cable television subscriber for over forty years. However, I recently began to resent the monthly bill, which was over $300. I started looking for ways to cut costs. The first crack in our cable addiction was a smart TV that allowed us to watch Netflix. We found ourselves watching Netflix programming more than our cable channels. At the time, Netflix streaming was supplemented with DVDs delivered through the mail. When Netflix began streaming its programming, we found that we could get rid of the DVDs and still have access to all of our favorite shows. That was the final nail in the coffin of our cable TV subscription.
Options
We cose T-mobile as an internet provider and used our Amazon Prime as our programming service. We already had a few “Smart TVs” but owned a few basic HD TVs also. WE wer able to upgrade our HD TVs with “Firesticks” which not only providd content but also replace our old remote controls. Firesticks also added voice control to our old TVs. In addition to streaming movies and TV shows, there were “live” TV channels for news, sports an entertainment.
A pepper grinder is a must for any kitchen and makes a great gift! This stainless steel and glass pepper mill is an economical and smart choice. It is easy to use and clean. Spice up your gourmet meal or microwave dinner with freshly ground pepper or sea salt. The pepper mill is a great addition to any kitchen and will quickly become a favorite tool.
This popcorn maker is perfect for family movie nights. It’s made of borosilicate glass, which is dishwasher safe, so you can clean it easily. It makes enough popcorn for everyone, and the best part is that you can add butter to the top to flavor your snack.
I have several Alexa devices around my house, and I find them very useful. I use them for listening to the radio in the kitchen, getting weather reports, news “flash briefings,” and searching the internet for recipes and trivia. I also combined my units with my Ring doorbell, Roomba and smart bulbs. If you’re looking for a useful gadget that won’t break the bank, you can get in the game for under $20! These devices have so many capabilities that I’m sure you’ll find them useful, too.
There is a large price range in portable bluetooth speakers. I have had a few and found that even low priced units. Currently I am using an IPX7 Waterproof Wireless Speaker with Colorful Flashing Lights and I really like it. The sound reproduction is accurate with a full sonic range, which is important to me because I listen to a lot of music. The speaker is also very portable, so I can take it with me wherever I go. Also, maybe the most important feature is that it is WATERPROOF! IPX7 is a water resistance rating that indicates a device can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage (I had a different speaker that was “weather resistant” and it was ruined by a rainy day!) This speaker has lights, which seem to be just a cosmetic feature. However, on a dark night, the lights are very helpful in locating the speaker. This is especially true if you are in a crowded room or at an outdoor event where it is difficult to see, plus the lights look cool 🙂
Rechargeable Headlamp– I’ve been using these headlamps for years, and I really like them. They are great for working in dark places. I have used them for taking out the garbage, doing basement repairs, and even hiking. If you need a headlamp, I highly recommend these. They are a must-have item for any household.
Rechargeable Lamp/Spotlight – These rechargeable lamps are a must-have item for any household. They provide light during emergencies and power outages, and they’re great for campers.
Rechargeable Flashlight – These rechargeable flashlights are great emergency lights because they are always ready to go. Just plug them directly into a wall outlet and forget about them. They will light up instantly during a power outage, and they stay lit for up to six hours.
Every kitchen needs a few must-have items to make life easier for the cook. These items can include cookware, gadgets, and cleaning supplies. Here are ten must-have kitchen items that will help you cook delicious meals and keep your kitchen organized.
This stainless steel whisk set is a must-have kitchen item. It’s great for mixing batters and beating eggs. This set is well made and will last for years. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, which makes clean-up a breeze.
A pepper grinder is a must for any kitchen. This stainless steel and glass pepper mill is an economical and smart choice. It is easy to use and clean. Spice up your gourmet meal or microwave dinner with freshly ground pepper or sea salt. The pepper mill is a great addition to any kitchen and will quickly become a favorite tool.
If you love cooking, you know that fresh ingredients are essential to great-tasting food. But if you don’t have the right tools, it can be a challenge to get the most out of your fruits and vegetables. That’s where the Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer comes in. This versatile kitchen tool can quickly and safely thin-slice a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. With its adjustable blade, you can choose the thickness of your slices, from paper-thin to extra-thick.
This is our favorite pan. We use it for omelets, hamburgers, and sautéing. A light coating of cooking spray keeps food from sticking, and cleanup is a breeze with a soft sponge.
This ceramic knife set is a great addition to any kitchen! The knives are super sharp, which makes them ideal for slicing tomatoes thinly. The ceramic blade is also easy to clean, which is a big plus. The included sheath protects the blade, which makes for safe storage. Ceramic knives are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a pleasure to use.
We use a lot of garlic in our kitchen, whether it’s for proteins like shrimp and chicken or for seasoning vegetables like squash. This garlic crusher and peeler set is indispensable for preparing garlic. The rubber tube easily peels the garlic, and the stainless steel crusher is sturdy and easy to clean.
The ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer is a waterproof digital thermometer that allows you to safely cook meats, poultry, and more. It has a magnetic back that allows you to place it on any metal surface, and it also comes with a hook so you can hang it if you prefer. It has a wide temperature range from -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit, and it reads in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It’s backlit for easy reading, and it has a 10-minute alarm so you can keep track of your cooking time. It also comes with a calibration function to ensure accurate readings.
This little manual chopper is a real time saver in the kitchen. It’s great for chopping onions, ginger, or garlic. I especially like using it for quick meals, because it’s more convenient than using a food processor. The chopper is small enough to store in a drawer, and it has a comfortable grip and a blade that is sharp enough to cut through vegetables.
This OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set includes a straight peeler and a julienne peeler made of high-quality Japanese stainless steel. Potato peelers are a kitchen necessity for making potato pancakes or just a good mash. But potato peelers are not just for potatoes! They can be used to peel many types of fruits and vegetables, and they can even be used to create decorative garnishes. Potato peelers can make or break a culinary experience, so it’s important to have a good one. This set from OXO Good Grips is a great choice.
This oil atomizer is a great way to cook healthier. It’s great for the chef in your family because it has multiple functions. It can spray, stream, and pour oil. You can use it for air frying, barbecuing, or making salads. It’s also great for roasting vegetables or grilling fish and meat. With this oil atomizer, you can cook healthier by using less oil. And because it’s reusable, you can save money over time.
This magnifying glass with built-in light is a useful gift for hobbyists and seniors with poor vision. I use it almost daily on my desk and workbench. It is great for working on small parts or reading medicine bottles, anything with small print. The glass is scratch-resistant, and the light is bright enough to see even the smallest details.
I use this keyboard with my Android phone to create a miniature computer. It’s super easy to connect, and has a touchpad and backlight. It can also be used with a smart TV for searching the internet or logging into apps. The programmable IR remote can even be used to replace an old, failing remote control.
I received a breadmaker as a gift. At first, I didn’t think I would use it, as I had never baked bread before. But I was pleasantly surprised when I started using it. I now use it every week and have been for the last five years! I love the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through my house, and the bread tastes delicious, especially when I make sandwiches or toast for breakfast. I use just a basic Hamilton Beach 2 pound capacity Bread Maker I was surprised when I started using the breadmaker I received as a gift. I now use it every week and have been for the last five years! I love the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through my house, and the bread tastes delicious, especially when I make sandwiches or toast for breakfast. The recipe is very easy, I just add the ingredients to the pan and press a button and like magic, I have a loaf of freshly baked bread!
Bread Maker Accessories Bread Box/Slicer – A bread box is a necessity for anyone who bakes bread. It keeps bread fresh and free from contamination. A bread slicer is also a convenience, making it easy to slice bread evenly. Bread Knife – A good quality bread knife is a great addition to any kitchen. It makes slicing bread a breeze!
“Mr. Robot” follows Elliot (Rami Malek), a young programmer who works as a cyber-security engineer by day and a vigilante hacker by night. Elliot finds himself at a crossroads when the mysterious leader (Christian Slater) of an underground hacker group recruits him to destroy the corporation he is paid to protect.
This series has twists and turns that hold interest with great performances with Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin, BD Wong, Bobby Cannavale among the stellar cast. A cerebral drama that explores various psychopathies, modern business and government
He’s ingenious, he’s phobic, he’s obsessive-compulsive. Two-time Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Tony Shalhoub is former police detective Adrian Monk. The brilliant Monk is now back fighting crime and his abnormal fears of germs, cars, heights, crowds and virtually everything else known to man.
Dr. Gregory House is devoid of bedside manner and wouldn’t even talk to his patients if he could get away with it. Dealing with his own constant physical pain, he uses a cane that seems to punctuate his acerbic, brutally honest demeanor while his unconventional thinking and flawless instincts have afforded him a great deal of respect.
A bona fide television classic, “The Andy Griffith Show” follows the gentle give and take of small-town Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), his son, Opie (Ron Howard), and all the other colorful characters who inhabit bucolic Mayberry, N.C.
When I first saw a Roomba, I didn’t think it would be very good at cleaning. I also thought it was expensive. But after owning one for almost ten years, I’ve changed my mind. It’s a great little machine, and I’m impressed with its engineering. The Roomba does a great job of cleaning my floors, and it’s easy to use. I especially like the scheduling feature, which allows me to set the Roomba to clean on a regular basis.
Roomba 960
In 2016, after my spouse had heart surgery, I bought a Roomba® 960. It was a great investment that freed us from vacuuming. We also have pets, and the Roomba does a great job of picking up their hair. The Roomba moves around our house easily, navigating furniture and vacuuming under sofas and beds in multiple rooms on a single charge.
The Roomba is compatible with smart devices such as phones, Alexa®, and Google Home®. This makes it incredibly easy to operate. The newer models are less expensive than previous models and offer even more functionality.
Roombas® are great practical gifts for working families and elderly relatives. There are many models to choose from, each with different features that make it suitable for a particular need. For example, some models have a camera that allows you to see the cleaning path, while others have a remote control so you can start and stop the cleaning cycle from anywhere in the house.
Care and Feeding of Your Roomba®
Roomba 900 series vacuum 1. Room Confinement Sensor 2. Handle 3. User Interface 4. Localization Camera 5. Bin Release
I’ve owned a Roomba for several years now, and have learned a few things about it that I’d like to share. I’ve used these methods myself, and they worked for me. One thing I’ve learned is that the Roomba is easier to fix than you might think. If you have a Roomba that isn’t working properly, don’t despair. There are several things you can try to fix it yourself. First, make sure that the brushes and rollers are clean and in good working order. Also, make sure that the sensors are clean and free of dust and dirt. If the brushes and sensors are clean, but the Roomba still isn’t working properly, you may need to replace the battery.
My Roomba® Is Not Charging Correctly…
Roomba 960 series 1. Front Caster Wheel 2. Side Brush 3. Right Wheel 4.Floor Tracking Sensor 5. Charging Contacts 6.Left Wheel
Roomba® not Charging…
The most common problem with a Roomba is that it doesn’t charge. This is usually caused by dirty charging contacts on the base or the vacuum. To fix this, use a pencil eraser to rub or polish the contacts. Another method is to use a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts. If these methods don’t work, you may need to replace the battery.
Roomba 960 series
1, Bin 2.Debris Extractors 3. Battery Door 4. Cliff sensors
Next steps
If the roomba® still isn’t charging or performing well after cleaning the charging contacts, it may be the battery needs to be replaced. My roomba was seven years old and I decided to replace it. Its very easy to replace the battery with just a screwdriver. On the 960, there are four screws in a rectangular pattern on the bottom of the unit. Removing these screws reveals the battery compartment. The battery isn’t connected to the roomba and is easily removed and replaced.
After seven years, I replaced my roomba battery with a TATTU 4500mAh XLife Extended Life Replacement Battery. It works quite well with almost 2 hours of cleaning time per charge. It didn’t catch on fire so far though my roomba is docked most of the time. All good. But there is an alternative to aftermarket batteries, but at twice the price.
If you’re using a Roomba, you know that it can be frustrating when the full bin light comes on, and the Roomba complains that the bin is full. This can be especially annoying if you’ve just emptied the bin. However, there may be an easy fix. First, remove the bin and check it for debris. I usually give the bin a light shake to dislodge any debris. Next, check the red plastic sensors inside the bin compartment and on the bin itself. Make sure they are clean and free of dust and debris. If they’re dirty, you can clean them with a soft cloth or brush. If that doesn’t work, you might need to use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air duster to clean the motor.
Maintenance and Care
Besides emptying the lint bin, there are a few other simple things I have done to keep my roomba® healthy.
Check the extractors (multi-surface brushes: tubular rollers on the bottom of the unit). The roller ends can get clogged with hair and debris. Easily cleaned!
The first step in maintaining your Roomba is to check the HEPA filter in the dust bin or filter unit. If the filter is in bad condition, it should be replaced. If the filter is dirty, it can be cleaned by tapping it on a hard surface outside your house and brushing it lightly with a small fine brush.
Check the dirt disposal port after removing the dust bin.
Check ball wheel at front, easily detached, check for lint build-up
If your Roomba needs repair, you can do it yourself with just a Phillips screwdriver. There are repair kits and replacement parts available for most models.
900 Series Service Diagram
This is a diagram of a 900 series roomba® layout generally similar to most iRobot vacuums.
Radios seem an antiquated technology in an era of iPads and smart watches. But there are still local radio stations broadcasting local news, sports and traffic. A few years back i found a local AM station that played classic rock selections. I bought a small AM/FM pocket radio to tune in. It was just a basic radio powered by a rectangular 9 volt battery like the trnaradios i remembered from my youth.
But, time marches on and I found rechargeable pocket radios as a good replacement for standard battery models. This Leting Radios Portable FM radio is a convenient size and has good reception ( I live in a valley with poor radio reception). I also like buying red as opposed to black, easier to see and find :). The audio quality is pretty good also.
I have a few of these PRUNUS J-189 Bluetooth AM FM Radios which include AM as well as FM bands. The sound quality is also good. THe small form factor is an advantage. The antenna is a wire attached to the wrist strap which is somewhat fragile, but otherwise a good radio.
This is a nice table radio with AM/FM/SW and also functions as a bluetooth speaker. The larger case gives it better sound quality. The telescoping antenna provides good reception. The bluetooth pairing is easily achieved.
Both of these works on life’s fleeting pleasures are by Buddhist monks from medieval Japan, but each represents a different worldview. In Essays in Idleness, his lively and sometimes ribald collection of anecdotes, advice, and observations, Kenko displays his fascination with earthly matters. In the short memoir Hojoki, or The Ten Foot Square Hut, however, Chomei recounts his decision to withdraw from worldly affairs and live as a hermit.
