Blog Archives
Baby Registries
Jessie decided it’s time to start the baby registries. Similar to Jessie deciding it’s time to start nesting (that was about 2.5 weeks in). So now the registries are up, the garage sale shopping has begun and new, baby-related items magically appear every other week.
During the baby registration process I was given sole responsibility for choosing a baby monitor. A task I took on with an appropriate level of gusto.
My first thought: throw a Cisco 8945 in the baby room with auto-answer on and get a Cius to carry around the house as the ‘monitor’. I pre-wired the bedrooms shortly after we moved in and have an NME etherswitch module in my 2821 providing 24 ports of PoE to the house so all the infrastructure is in place. But Jessie quickly shot that down. I think mostly due to the pricetag slightly north of $1k.
Back to the traditional methods…
- Video or no video. I decided no video. If my baby can’t get Cisco video it’s not getting any video.
- Next requirement was DECT.
- There’s no way I was going to let my baby’s babbling duke it out in the 2.4 or 5 GHz range along with the 20-some home wireless networks I can see from my living room.
- Plus, the extra range lets me hang out in my neighbor’s driveway with a cold beer in hand while still carefully monitoring the baby room.
- Third DECT benefit.. 120 encrypted channels. The neighbors down the street don’t need to listen to me read the little one Chicka Chicka Boom Boom at 3am.
- Read reviews on Amazon and at least two other consumer/baby websites, check.
- Download manuals… read manuals…
- Price check Amazon, the big box stores & Google
Finally decided on the Philips Avent monitor. I think this is why Jessie only gave me a couple items to pick out. It’d be middle of next year before the baby gets a crib at this rate.
VW Commercial
I know it’s old. Still one of my favorite commercials.
Currently looking to get a new car, most likely sometime this fall. Since it looks like the expected major Audi A3 refresh isn’t coming this year the Jetta just might be at the top of the list. Also a little more manageable financially with a little one on the way.
Building for the Future – Minnesota Orchestra
The Minnesota Orchestra recently selected an architectural firm to work on a major renovation of Orchestra Hall. They have a website just for this project, http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buildingforthefuture. Plans include changes to the exterior & lobby areas, some enhancements to the already incredible acoustics in the auditorium and upgrades to Peavey Plaza next to Orchestra Hall. Exciting!
And now a slight tangent on the hows and whys of becoming an orchestra fan…
When I was going to college at the Milwaukee School of Engineering I took advantage of the student promo at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to go to concerts for $10 a ticket. I thoroughly enjoyed the concerts there and got to hear some amazing music in a wonderful concert hall. Performances by the symphony and their conductor Andreas Delfs were always entertaining. I even got to attend a pops concert with Doc Severinson who is quite the entertainer on his own. Fond memories to be sure, but my first experience with a professional symphony/orchestra was at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis listening to Mahler’s 8th. Incredible. I couldn’t believe what my ears were hearing. It felt like I was sitting right next to every instrument on stage.
One of my most recent experiences at the Minnesota Orchestra was back in October. Quite easily the best & most entertaining musical performance I have ever heard. Ben Folds with the MN Orchestra. There were four separate encores… ridiculous.
benpolzin 
