One of the first upgrades I made to my home audio recording setup was to upgrade to a large diaphragm condenser microphone. These are the sorts of microphones used by radio personalities and create nice rich recordings that make you sound like a pro. Back then, I invested in a Samson C01U Podcasting kit. This came with a USB microphone, a tabletop mic stand, and a shock mount to hook the microphone to the stand. It was great, until the mic mysteriously stopped working.

When it came time to replace the mic, I decided to move away from a USB system. Initially it seemed convenient to have the digital conversion of the audio signal happening in the microphone. No extra hardware needed – just plug into the USB port. But, when the computer stopped recognizing the microphone, it quickly became an expensive doorstop. Also, I couldn’t use the microphone with any other sound equipment – it had to run through a computer first. Read the rest of this entry »

Scooter registration part 2 does not have a happy ending. But, some good did come of the effort.

As I mentioned in part 1 of the scooter registration story, the woman at the DMV told me the last time that I would need to get my scooter inspected before I could get tags since the paperwork said the engine was 149cc’s and the state of Alabama requires 150cc’s. Read the rest of this entry »

First, let me say that I am loving my new TaoTao Roman 150 gas scooter. I didn’t have any significant problems getting it setup and running. Now I’m trying to get it registered and get a license plate so I can drive it on the road. That is turning out to be more challenging than the prep work. Read the rest of this entry »

Before placing my order for a TaoTao Roman 150cc gasoline scooter from China, I did a lot of research. From what I found, the basic design of these inexpensive Chinese scooters is sound and the engines are reliable Read the rest of this entry »

I have a dream. That dream is to purchase a 1960-1973 Volkswagen Beetle and convert it into an electric vehicle to drive around town and back and forth to work. My dilemma is that I don’t have the cash to purchase everything I need without selling the vehicle I drive to work right now (a 2002 Ford Taurus.)

So, I went and had an idea Read the rest of this entry »

Megacopta cribraria, better know as Kudzu bugs, have made their way to Birmingham. In 2012, I don’t recall having seen one. In fall 2013 they are everywhere in my yard. Read the rest of this entry »

A critical component of maintaining our little backyard (and front yard) farm is cutting and mowing the bits between the planting beds. I don’t like messing with gasoline engines, so I decided to get an electric string trimmer and mower. Read the rest of this entry »

Last night was cornbread and chicken soup night at the Seltz house. I get lots of compliments on my cornbread, so I took a few notes and decided to share the recipe I use.

I married a Southern girl and use her momma’s family recipe – with a few tweaks to make it my own. So, here are the basics. Read the rest of this entry »

Spring 2013 has finally sprung here in Alabama and we have been hard at work building out our planting spaces in the yard and putting in the spring crops. Our little ‘Suburban Farm’ is growing in every sense of the word. Read the rest of this entry »

Dave’s attic playroom project is coming along well. We’ve recorded a video update of the progress so far.

New work shown in this update includes chimney brick repair, the ladder for the secret entrance, radiant barriers, new electrical wiring, and more. Read the rest of this entry »