Another day at the office...

This is a professional office so I get to dress up. It is still kind of fun every morning!

Surf's up this weekend!

Surf's up this weekend!

I love SCUBA!

http://picasaweb.google.com/jet21581

NEWS: Dive Flag Awareness Week June 27 – July 3

Governor, Cabinet proclaim June 27 – July 3 as Dive Flag Awareness Week :
from the FWC
Tuesday, June 9, 2009

TALLAHASSEE — In the past five years, 22 divers in Florida’s waters have been killed or injured after a boat struck them. Many of these incidents could have been avoided had the boaters been on the lookout for divers-down flags, or if the divers had properly displayed the dive flags to alert boaters to their presence.

All vessels must make a reasonable effort to stay at least 100 feet away from a divers-down flag within a river, inlet or channel. In open waters, vessels must make a reasonable effort to stay 300 feet away from a divers-down flag. Within those prescribed distances, a vessel may operate but must be at idle speed.

REVIEW: Pyrex Grip Rite Loaf Pan

REVIEW: Pyrex Grip Rite Loaf Pan
5 out of 5 Stars Pyrex is always good. Easy cleaning!
I use Pyrex in the lab, it is always good.

Sturdy, well weighted, sharp, attractive

REVIEW: Oneida Classic Stainless Steel 8-pc. Steak Knife Set
5 out of 5 Stars Sturdy, well weighted, sharp, attractive

REVIEW: Target Bamboo Drying Rack

REVIEW: Target Bamboo Drying Rack
5 out of 5 Stars Sturdy, Functional and Attractive
Sturdy and well built- not at all flimsy feeling or prone to breakage; Holds plenty of dishes and drains water quickly; Very attractive so it stays out on the counter all the time.

REVIEW: Two-Tone Bamboo Cutting Board

REVIEW: Two-Tone Bamboo Cutting Board - M
4 out of 5 Stars Great sizes, good price; Bamboo marks easily, May 3, 2009
Great size, good price; Bamboo marks easily- I recommend cutting with the grain of the wood so that gouges are less noticeable.

REVIEW: Villagespires SCUBA / SURF CAM Vero Beach

The best source for scuba diving conditions in Vero Fort Pierce, Treatsure Coast is the surf cam on Village Spires in Vero Beach. It is aimed at the reef / shore break at Vero Beach Florida. If the water is clear and has god visibilty for diving then between 10:00am and 4:00pm on sunny days the lines of the reef can clearly be seen. If the clarity is good at Villages Spires it will most likely be good in other parts of the treasure coast like the rest of Vero, Sebastian, Fort Pierce and Stuart. This picture from May 3, 2009 is not a good diving day so the water color is consistent and the reef is not visible. 

http://villagespires.com/surf_cam.html

REVIEW: Hampton Forge Azur 20-pc. Flatware Set

REVIEW: Hampton Forge Azur 20-pc. Flatware Set

4 out of 5 stars
nice modern look -rust spots on handles -inconsistent sizes, May 3, 2009
PROS: -nice, modern look -good weight -does not bend or warp 
CONS: -a few rust spots on handles in grooves after just a few weeks -inconsistent sizes (there are actually 4 different sized spoons and forks instead of just a salad and dinner fork - though this is not very noticeable)

We're married!

Christine and Justin were married today!

REVIEW: North Hutchinson Island of Florida

North Hutchinson Island of Florida is one of the best places around. It is over 50% protected public land. There are a lot of laid-back and friendly people. There is only one restaurant/bar, one gas station/convenient store and one hair/nail salon. The island is cut-off by a draw-bridge and a railroad crossing from the mainland. Fort Pierce is one of the only places in North America that I can afford to live by the beach. You can find a nice 2 bedroom condo or house for under $1000/mo. There are a lot of tourists in the winter, but I get to stay here all year long. This is not the best area to go out and party, but it is a great place to just chill with neighbors or on the beach.

Activities: 

We enjoy surfing, roadbiking and SCUBA diving/snorkeling. The surfing is great with pretty consistent waves during the winter. Road biking is pretty good with long stretches of bike lanes on A1A, though the road is bumpy in places and the wind can be powerful. The Atlantic water is clear for diving about 40 days out of the year with 20ft visibility. There is a nice worm-rock reef line only about 130 feet from shore in 15ft of water. Plenty of loggerhead sea turtles, reef fish, snook, nurse sharks, and lobster live there.

REVIEW: Jewel Case Recycling - greendisk.com

Please don't put your used jewel cases in the landfill!

There is really nowhere nearby to recycle CD jewel cases. 

We are not using jewel case anymore since all our CDs are in binders.

We just sent 20 pounds of our old PVC jewel cases to greendisk.com.

It was only $6.95 +shipping and handling to recycle 20lbs of 'Techno Trash'

A price deal to get them out of my condo, and keep them from the landfill!

REVIEW: Giro Havoc Cycling Helmet

Giro Havoc Cycling Helmet
I used to own this helmet a few years ago. It was pretty nice. Another Giro, Trek or Bell that is similar witht he air vents and visor would work too.

$59.99 at Sports Authority

The Giro® Havoc™ cycling helmet compact, cool and durable to handle the roughest pavement and rock-strewn ribbons of singletrack. The Roc Loc® 3 fit system features tensioning and

REVIEW: OnGuard Bulldog 115mm x 230mm Doubleteam U-Lock

I bought this lock for Chirstine and she likes it pretty well. 
 

$29.99 at Sports Authority

RECOMMENDATION: Sealevelscuba.com The Best SCUBA shop on the Space Coast / Treasure Coast of Florida and the BEST regualtor service

RECOMMENDATION: Leisurepro.com - cheap SCUBA gear

Leisurepro.com

I have comparison shopped a lot of dive gear on the internet and leisure pro is always cheapest, or VERY close to the cheapest. They also have a great used gear section and an ebay storefront. If you need anything to get diving, this is a good place to look.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Justin's guide to Fort Lauderdale SCUBA diving:

Justin's guide to Fort Lauderdale SCUBA diving:

deepbluedivers.net/ Deep Blue Divers is near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea which is a good shore-dive. You can rent tanks and gear there and then walk several blocks to the ocean or drive and wait for a good parking spot. You have to pay for parking. (Bring your Quarters)

coastalmarinediving.com Coastal Marine Diver's Supply is on the way to Hollywood Beach which is a good shore-dive.  You have to pay for parking at Hollywood Beach. (Bring your Quarters). We can give you exact directions if you need it.

The Blue Runner is Coastal Marine Diver's Supply dive charter boat out of Port of Fort Lauderdale. You have to pay for parking.

SCUBATYME.com SCUBATYME Charter from Pompano Inlet- they go to some really shallow 20ft-30ft deep reefs that still have good sea life. The ancient mariner is broken-up wreck with a large anchor on a shallow reef. Asks if they are doing 2 shallow or a deep and a shallow on the boat ride. This boat is a bit higher-class with a large selection of free 'brand-name' sodas, free-cut pineapple between dives and a very steady ride. As a consequence the charter is a bit more expensive. You have to drop-off your gear by the boat in a tight parking lot, then pay for parking.

sunny.org is the webcam in Fort Lauderdale Beach. If you can see the reef outlined clearly on the webcam when it is sunny out it will probably be good diving in south Florida.

REPLACE (most of) YOUR INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS NOW!

My mother said she would update to compact fluorescent(CFL) bulbs only after she had exhausted your supply of
incandescents (IL)... What I realize is that you will most likely always need IL. Dimmer light, some globes and touch lights do not work well with CFLs so you will always need ILs (or more expensive CFLs) for those. So you should get CFLs for the lamps that will take them and keep your stockpile of ILs for the many lights that won't work with CFLs

REVIEW: Deuter Race Air Lite

4.5/5 STARS- This is the best hydration pack ever. It like a camelbak, but far better

Strengths:	The smallest, lightest pack with a "trampoline" style aircomfort system keeps the pack off your back and allows for air circulation
Weaknesses:	You really don't need the waist belt, bungee cords or extra pockets; but to remove them requires cutting.
Similar Products Used:	Vaude Splash 15 is another small trampoline-style hydration pack. It is a little bigger so it is not as streamlined. It comes with some extras like a rain cover that you really don't need in a pack so small that you really don't carry anything.
Bike Setup:	Magnesium frame!?
Bottom Line:	cool minimal hydration pack  The "trampoline" style aircomfort system keeps the pack off your back and allows for air circulation far surpassing any mesh foam. The size is just right for a day of riding. If you are riding anytime the temperature is above 70 degrees F this is really appreciated. This is the smallest trampoline-style hydration pack I have been able to find. I actually removed the helmet holder since I did not like the bungees bouncing around and it has plenty of other pockets. This pack is still pretty expensive since it is a relatively new model and produced in Germany

Price Paid:	$71.00
Purchased At:	direct from manufact

TAG: Deuter, Vaude, Camelbak, Camelbac, Camelback

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/water-carrier/deuter/race-air-lite/PRD_426627_156crx.aspx

REVIEW: Comfort Products Executive Office Chair with 5-Motor Massage

4/5  STARS - Office model works well, though the massage settings are weird.

I have the slightly smaller "Office" model instead of the "Executive" model (the only difference is the hight of the head rest). It works well, is very comfortable and does not look out of place in the office. (I have not told my coworkers that it is a massage chair so that they won't get jealous.) I was disappointed that it only has pulsed massage and cascade massage settings instead of simply being 'always on' as I would prefer. I had to get a new power cord from the company after a couple of weeks, but they were quick to send a replacement at no cost after I reported it on their website. That power cord broke also so I am using a generic one now. Overall a good product.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Fort Lauderdale things to see and do.

On the beach by Beachplace in Fort Lauderdale be sure to check out "The
Quarterdeck" restaurant with swinging picnic tables and "The Elbow Room"
bar for historical and unusual significance. Downstairs from the
Marriott in Beachplace are a few nice bars.
Howl-at-the-Moon is a dueling piano bar (but don't go there every
night!)

Downtown is the Museum of Art Ft Lauderdale moafl.org

Get info from southflorida.metromix.com.on where to go out and what to do. Check out the annual best-of list.

In Fort Lauderdale there are definitely someplaces NOT to go, since it can get a little shady. Everything on the beach is pretty good so check it out.

Bring quarters and cash when you drive since there is a lot of paid
parking. For many places it may just be easier to catch a cab. There
are always cabs downtown and on the beach. There are
usually bike rickshaws in case you get tired of walking.

REVIEW: UF POISON Research, Scientific American interview

4/5 STARS - Scientific American "What is mercury poisoning?" interview

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=jeremy-piven-mercury-poisoning

Jordan Lite interview with Jay Schauben, (schauben@poison.ufl.edu)

Scientific American "What is mercury poisoning?"
interview was incredibly thorough information from a
conversation. I''m glad Jay Schauben is looking out for the residents of
Florida/U.S. Virgin Islands (including myself) as the director of the
Florida/U.S. Virgin Islands Poison Information Center-Jacksonville.
Thanks for your great work and impressive knowledge.

REVIEW: Gmail is awesome!

I've been using Gmail and thought you might like to try it out. Here's
an invitation to create an account.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To accept this invitation and register for your account, visit
http://mail.google.com/mail/a-5c09146708-fa6190681a-611b7fc7d1
Once you create your account, jet21581 will be notified with
your new email address so you can stay in touch with Gmail!
If you haven't already heard about Gmail, it's a new search-based webmail
service that offers:
- Over 2,700 megabytes (two gigabytes) of free storage
- Built-in Google search that instantly finds any message you want
- Automatic arrangement of messages and related replies into
 "conversations"
- Powerful spam protection using innovative Google technology
- No large, annoying ads--just small text ads and related pages that are
 relevant to the content of your messages
To learn more about Gmail before registering, visit:
http://mail.google.com/mail/help/benefits.html
And, to see how easy it can be to switch to a new email service, check
out our new switch guide: http://mail.google.com/mail/help/switch/
We're still working every day to improve Gmail, so we might ask for your
comments and suggestions periodically.  We hope you'll like Gmail.  We
do.  And, it's only going to get better.
Thanks,
The Gmail Team

REVIEW: Target small desk caddie charging station

4/5 STARS Keeps my electronics, keys and wallet in one place. Nice, small design. This was the best deal on Black Friday for low cost with the power strip. There ...

REVIEW: HoMedics Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat - Black/ Gray

4/5 STARS - This massager works good for me, though I am on my second one

I like the heat and gentle vibrating massage. I use it almost everyday and can feel my muscles tighten up if I skip a couple of days. I would recommend it though the power cord and the unit had to replaced after 11 months. Thankfully the company has a 1 year warranty and quickly replaced it. I am so happy to have another one!

REVIEW: Aqua Regulator black Mouthpiece by Aqua

4/5 STARS - Soft, comfortable and lightweight

Pros:

Functional, Improves Diving Experience, Lightweight, Easy To Use, Solid Construction

Best Uses:

Warm Water, Recreation

Describe Yourself:

Advanced Diver

The material is very soft and comfortable. It is quite lightweight. When used with a lightweight regulator it works quite well. However, on heavier regulators it would cause discomfort and feel flimsy.

I got a few of these for cheap at LeisurePro.com

REVIEW: Tusa Duo-Air Alternate Combo Inflater IR-3

4/5 STARS: Easy install and use. No disappointment.

Pros:

Easy installation, Easy Breathing

Best Uses:

Warm Water, Beach Diving, Recreation

Describe Yourself:

Beach Diver, Advanced Diver

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This regulator was easy to install on the BC and first stage. It is also very easy to breathe off of and use for regulating buoyancy. The Tusa Duo-Air Alternate Combo Inflater IR-3 is not lacking in performance.
It seems all integrated combo regulator/inflaters would have many of the following characteristics: It is somewhat confusing to use both the breathing and buoyancy controls at the same time since you must manipulate the buttons in front of your face. The short hose length means that in a buddy breathing emergency your buddy will use your primary while the diver uses the combo inflater. The short hose also means the device is always in place and never difficult to reach or dragging on the bottom.

LeisurePro.comhas some great prices on SCUBA gear. We bought this online at Leisurepro.com for $119.95

REVIEW: Blue Reef Mini 3 Gauge Console BAR/PSI

4/5 STARS -Nice and small!

Pros:

Improves Diving Experience, Functional, Easy To Use, Lightweight, Solid Construction

Best Uses:

Recreation, Warm Water

Describe Yourself:

Advanced Diver

Very small, yet still easy to read. Nice attachment points. I even strapped a bottom timer to this thing.

RECOMMENDATION: ACURA RSX 2005 - A 2-door Japanese-made ACURA with 34MPG

Response to  Wired.com AUTOTOPIA Blog "Impress for Less With This Ride"

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/08/cars-that-impre.html

ACURA RSX 2005. A 2-door Japanese-made ACURA with 34MPG Hwy.http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/acura_rsx.jpg

REVIEW: Scubapro "Twin Jet" Open Heel Split Fins by Scubapro Uwatec

5/5 STARS Great fins

Sizing:

Feels true to size

Width:

Feels true to width

Pros:

Comfortable, Efficient, Accommodates Boots, Lightweight

Best Uses:

SCUBA

Great fins let me swim more efficiently. My calfs are not sore the day after diving as would sometimes happen with my other fins. I am more efficient with my air swimming with these fins so I have longer dive times!

REVIEW: Princeton Tec Save-A-Dive Kit by Princeton Tec

5/5 STARS - Good package

Pros:

Easy To Use, Functional, Lightweight

Great kit!

REVIEW: Target Stackable Jar with Metal Lid - 1 qt. and 2 qt.

5/5 STARS - The best canister I've ever seen, very modern, modular.

The best canister I've ever found: Solid glass construction, nice aluminum top, air-tight plastic seal. The design is very modern. The sizes are very modular: 2 1 qts are the same height as the 2 quart.

REVIEW: Deep See Aqua Glide Snorkeling Fins

2/5 STARS: I kick funny in these

Width:

Feels too wide

Pros:

Accommodates Boots

Cons:

Not Efficient, Uncomfortable

Describe Yourself:

Recreational Diver

Bottom Line:

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I kicked really funny in these fins. It hurt my ankles sin

If you want to tyr them for your self many other people have rated them highly. Actually, my firend who I gave them to really likes them. Buy it at LeisurePro.com- the best SCUBA gear prices!

REVIEW: Oceanic SWIV Compass Module

4/4 STARS: Pretty Compass

Pros:

Easy To Operate, Easy To Read

Best Uses:

Shore diving

Describe Yourself:

Recreational Diver

Diving Type:

Open Water Diving

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Buy it at LeisurePro.com- the best SCUBA gear prices!

RECOMMENDATION: "ASTRONAUT DEATHS" information

 "ASTRONAUT DEATHS" information on http://www.vibrationdata.com/space/deaths.htm was helpful and the #1 search result on google for"ASTRONAUT DEATHS"

REVIEW: Underwater Kinetics Sunlight SL4 Dive Light by UK

4/5 STARS - Great lights, The lense did crack

by The Beach Diver from SE Florida on 9/23/2007

Pros:

High Intensity, Compact, Reliable, Well-Focused

Best Uses:

Looking 4Bugs, Recreational, Safety Backup

This is a great light. My first one did have the lens crack, but that was probably from use and abuse.

REVIEW: Target Cherokee® Ultimate Comfort Waist Flat-Front Khakis

5/5 STARS - AWESOME KHAKI PANTS AVAILABLE IN MY SPECIAL SIZE (33X34)

http://www.target.com/Cherokee-Flat-Front-Khaki-Pants-Vintage/dp/B000B7QZE2/

These pants are simple classic style without those 1990's pleats! The material is great because it does not tear, stain, wear, fade or stretch. It stays nice for years and keeps me cool in the summer. I have 7 pairs total in 4 different colors- Khaki, Black, Brown and Green. I love them! Even better, I get a great fit with 33x34 which is a hard to find size. They are cheap and easy to order from Target.com

P.S. I heard from other reviewers that the style has cut of the pants has recently changed and it is not so comfortable or stylish. I actually bought one pair of the old cut off ebay for cheap!

REVIEW: Aeris Maxdepth Console

4/5 STARS - The Aeris Maxdepth Console looks like a car dashboard!

Pros:

Good attachment points, Easy To Read, Easy to install, Space to add a compass

Cons:

Only fits AERIS compasses

Best Uses:

Low Visibility, Warm Water, Recreation

Describe Yourself:

Beach Diver, Advanced Diver

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

The gauge looks like my car dashboard: the numbers are big and easy to read in black on a white background, and not crowded together.
The Aeris Maxdepth Console can easy be read in the soupy conditions we find off our nearest beaches without holding it up to your mask. Even your dive partner can read how much air you have left. It is easy to keep in place with generous attachment points. I was a little disappointed that the Genesis compass I already own did not fit in th housing and I will have to purchase an AERIS-brand compass. 

Buy it at Leisurepro.com - we got it on slae for $119

REVIEW: Aqua Octopus Holder with Split Ring by Aqua

4/5 STARS - Keeps the sand out and octo nearby

Pros:

Works w most mouthpieces

Best Uses:

Beach Diving, Warm Water, Recreation

The Aqua Octopus Holder with Split Ring keeps the sand out and octo nearby. It works well with medium firmness mouthpieces: too firm and it is difficult to fit in the holder, too soft and it easily slips from the holder. I keep the holder on the octo even when in not in use, and then just clip it to the BC for a dive.

We bought extra ones to use on our primary regulators to keep the sand out of them at the beach, but have since modified our diving technique so we no longer need them. Contact me if you would like one!

I broke my paddle surfing JAWS on the Nolichucky!

Pigeon River Kayaking with Chota

Tablesaw on the Ocoee

Big South Foork of the Cumberland

Running double drop
sneaking double drop

Clear Creek Canoe Trip

Sewing Modifications

The PFD now has a water bladder pocket
The zipper failed on this vaude pack so I made a draw-string closure and lid


This old bag got a new handle and blue front panel
The zipper blew-out on this little pack I bought in Nepal for $15 so I put a roll-top closure on it