r e . a l i t y

June 4, 2011
by Ray
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Apple TV

Added an Apple TV to the home entertainment system, and it’s awesome!

It’s a simple means of making music and video content on my computers available through the stereo and TV system. And the best part of all is the interface to Netflix! With local video rental shops shutting down, the Apple TV movie rentals will certainly get some use. The ability to stream content from my computer or my iPhone is pretty slick – as is the app that allows me to control the Apple TV with my phone! – will report back how well it all works!

Popularity: 1% [?]

May 27, 2011
by Ray
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More Jeep Maintenance

Had a productive day today – and finally the EPS, ABS and Stability Control warning lights are no longer lit up on my dash!

Problem arose about a month or so ago after washing the Jeep. Dealership said that I had a crushed/damaged wheel speed sensor (I already knew it was a speed sensor issue after googling the issue about all the warning lights). However, due to some mud under the Jeep, they weren’t going to cover it under warranty. They also quoted me over $600 to fix it.

I ended up ordering the part from the US for $13.99, plus $30 postage.

The part arrived earlier this week, and it took me a couple hours to install it (a fully equipped shop would probably have it done in 30 minutes!).

Also changed out the transfer case fluid, and last weekend serviced the diffs – two simple jobs, and saved myself over $450 based on what the dealership wanted to charge me for the service. What is it with dealerships feeling the need to charge so much for these straightforward jobs? The fluid changes took all of 30 minutes to complete!

Popularity: 2% [?]

May 10, 2011
by Ray
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Brake maintenance

Had never done brake maintenance before – and after an inspection, it was time to replace the rear brake pads on the Jeep (about 41,000km). The front are still good.

Google and YouTube are a fantastic resource, and was able to find videos, as well as step by step walk through.

It’s embarrassing that I never did this maintenance myself on other vehicles that I’ve owned after seeing how simple it really is!

I thought the rotors looked okay, and read a number of posts that suggested just replacing the rotors every other brake pad change – rather than bothering with having them turned, so I just replaced the pads.

Tools required:

Large c-clamp
11mm & 15mm combination wrenches
2 jack stands
1 jack

With the above tools, and following an excellent guide on project-jk, and a YouTube video, I had the rear brake pads replaced in about 45 minutes!

I had to buy a set of metric wrenches, and as I discovered, not all sets include all the sizes. Fortunately, moments after realizing that the set I returned home with was missing a 15mm wrench, a friend from work unexpectedly stopped by after seeing me working in the driveway – and he just happened to have one in the back of his van! Was so bizarre!

Popularity: 2% [?]

March 29, 2011
by Ray
1 Comment

WebDT 366 tablet

Recently purchased one of these tablets for a good price, and after a few hours of tinkering over the weekend, I have it up and running pretty nicely for the most part.

I had the latest version of Puppy Linux installed and running nicely, however, I was unable to get the touch screen working. I ended up installing version 4.3.1, and used some Ubuntu 7.10 drivers for the touch screen. Last night I discovered that the headphone jack on the device is smaller than the standard 3.5mm – might have to do something about that.

Going to try getting some GPS application(s) working with it – or might just end up using it as a kitchen pc – definitely easier reading a recipe from this screen than off of my iPhone ;^)

Continue Reading →

Popularity: 5% [?]

February 25, 2011
by Ray
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Laphroaig

Visited the Chateau Louis Liquor Store yesterday to pick up a bottle of single malt. Had heard from a few people about Laphroaig – so had a look to see what they had – which, from what I could see was only the one type – Quarter Cask. It seemed very reasonably priced at $48, so I picked it up.

With a couple friends, I poured a bit into my scotch glass, and had a smell first – wow – there’s some smoke in there! :^)

Then a little taste, and it was surprisingly smooth – I thought with the 48% alcohol, it would taste stronger. There was a definite funkiness to the flavor - I think this was also the first Islay malt that we’ve tried, and I think that the Islay’s are noted for their more ‘peaty’ flavor. Initially I was unsure about it.

A while back, we tried a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label. I really didn’t like it at all – and actually threw it out after drinking half a glass.

This Quarter Cask however is quite different – the whole smelling/tasting experience was very unique from any of the other whiskies that we’ve tried. I think I’m still on the fence – It’s not a favorite, but I think that could very likely be due to an inexperience. Maybe its an acquired taste. I’ll give it a chance at least.

My favorites at this point are :

Tullabardine Port Wood
Balvenie Doublewood
Glenrothes 1991

Popularity: 2% [?]

December 16, 2010
by Ray
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Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Chive Pan Sauce

Saw this on America’s Test Kitchen, and gave it try – 5 stars, and easy!

A little different approach – baking the chicken most of the way in the oven, then finishing it off in the frying pan for a tasty crust on the outside. A simple pan sauce to top mixed with the tasty bits left over in the pan after cooking the chicken makes this a delicious meal.

Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Chive Pan Sauce

Recipe Type: Main

Author: America’s Test Kitchen

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 45 mins

Total time: 1 hour 5 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
1 tsp. salt
1 T. veggie oil
2 T. butter, melted
1 T. flour
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 recipe for pan sauce (see below)
Lemon-Chive Pan Sauce
1 medium shallot, minced (about 3 T.)
1 tsp. flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. minced fresh chives (opt.)
1 T. butter, chilled
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 275*.
Using fork, poke thickest half of each chicken breast 5-6 times.
Evenly sprinkle 1/4 tsp. salt over each breast.
Place in baking dish and cover with tin foil.
Bake 30-40 minutes, until thickest part of chicken reads 145-150* on an instant-read thermometer.
While chicken is cooking, whisk together butter, flour, cornstarch and black pepper.
Remove chicken from oven and pat dry (careful, it’s hot!).
Heat oil in skillet over med. high heat until smoking.
Coat one side of chicken with half the butter/flour mixture.
Place chicken coated side down in skillet and cook until well-browned, 3-4 min.
While chicken browns, coat the remaining side with the rest of butter/flour mixture.
Flip and cook on newly-coated side until browned and chicken reads 160-165*.
Transfer to large plate, tent with foil and make pan sauce.
Lemon-Chive Sauce
Add shallot to now empty skillet (don’t clean out pan, the fond will contribute to the flavor of the pan sauce) and saute (2 min.) Add flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth, increase heat to med. high and bring to simmer. Simmer rapidly for 3-5 minutes. Off heat, whisk in lemon juice, chives, and butter; season with salt and pepper. Spoon over chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

I used freeze-dried chives which worked fine, but I’m sure fresh ones would be better!

This recipe feeds 4 people, but may be halved to feed two.

This recipe is well-accompanied by rice, as the pan sauce spooned over the rice flavors the rice nicely.

This recipe is from America’s Test Kitchen.

Popularity: 2% [?]

November 29, 2010
by Ray
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tiny homes

Do we really need all the space in our homes today? How much is it costing to heat or cool all the unused spaces?

I’ve been wondering about that lately – and have been intrigued with the design possibilities, and energy options that might be available.

Here are some of the sites that I’ve been checking out:

http://inhabitat.com

http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

http://www.trendir.com

http://lifeedited.treehugger.com/

Popularity: 2% [?]

October 23, 2010
by Ray
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Whisky

Well, my night out with a few friends has evolved a bit – we used to get together and play some badminton, and then afterwards, enjoy a couple beers and play crib. Now, due to some injuries, and I suppose age, we’ve dropped the badminton, and instead of beer, we’ve been sampling some different whisky’s. In the process, I’ve really been enjoying a limited release from Wiser’s – an 18 year old rye which is unbelievably smooth, and very palatable. I enjoy it on the rocks, with just a splash of soda water.

Have also enjoyed some excellent single malt’s from distilleries including Balvenie, Craggenmore, and Maclellan. The Balvenie Doublewood tops my list of favorite single malts at the moment.

Evolution is great!

Popularity: 3% [?]