TiVo Intro

Turning on the Tivo after many years

For many people who grew up in the early 2000s, the TiVo startup sound and intro video are nostalgic reminders of a time when DVRs were just starting to become mainstream. These distinctive features were an integral part of the TiVo experience, which was known for revolutionizing the way people watched television. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the TiVo startup sound and intro video and explore why they were so memorable.

The TiVo Startup Sound

The TiVo startup sound is a short, distinctive melody that plays when the device is turned on. It was composed by musician and composer Jonathan Sacks, who was tasked with creating a sound that would be instantly recognizable and memorable. Sacks drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including classic video game soundtracks and the work of minimalist composers like Philip Glass.

The resulting sound is a simple, yet catchy melody that features a combination of electronic and orchestral elements. The TiVo startup sound became so iconic that it was even parodied in popular culture, appearing in TV shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy.

The TiVo Intro Video

In addition to the startup sound, TiVo also had an intro video that played when the device was turned on. The video featured colorful, abstract imagery that was meant to evoke the feeling of being transported to a new world of entertainment.

The TiVo intro video was often praised for its creative use of imagery and sound, which helped to set the device apart from other DVRs on the market. Some people even looked forward to watching the intro video each time they turned on their TiVo, as it was a fun and engaging way to start their TV viewing experience.

Introduction Video

This is a short clip of turning on my TiVo Series 1 for the first time in 10+ years. This was edited for time as the "Almost There" was a very long pause.

Night Time time-lapse using GoPro

Using default GoPro Settings

The GoPro is a popular camera choice for capturing action-packed moments, but it is also capable of taking stunning time-lapse photos. While time-lapse photography is commonly associated with daytime scenes, the GoPro is also capable of capturing beautiful night-time time-lapses. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use the GoPro to take nighttime time-lapse photos, and some tips for getting the best results.

Sample Night-Time Video

Setting up your GoPro

Before we dive into the specifics of taking nighttime time-lapse photos, it's important to ensure that your GoPro is set up correctly. First, make sure that your camera is set to the time-lapse mode. Next, adjust the interval settings to determine how often you want the camera to take a photo. For nighttime time-lapse photography, a longer interval between shots is recommended to allow for the capture of more light. Finally, set up your camera in a secure location with a clear view of the night sky.

Adjusting camera settings

One of the most important aspects of taking nighttime time-lapse photos with a GoPro is getting the camera settings right. For starters, you'll want to set the ISO to a higher value to allow for more light to be captured. However, be careful not to set it too high, as this can result in a grainy or noisy image. Additionally, adjusting the exposure settings can help to capture more or less light depending on your preference. It's important to experiment with different settings to determine what works best for your specific scene.

Final tips for success

To ensure the best results when taking nighttime time-lapse photos with a GoPro, there are a few final tips to keep in mind. First, be patient. Nighttime time-lapse photography requires a long exposure time, so it's important to be prepared to wait for the camera to capture enough images. Second, consider using a tripod or other stabilizing device to keep the camera steady and prevent any unwanted movement. Finally, be creative with your composition. Experiment with different angles, zoom levels, and framing to capture a truly unique and stunning time-lapse photo.

Conclusion

While the GoPro is known for capturing action-packed moments, it's also a powerful tool for capturing beautiful time-lapse photos, even at night. With the right camera settings and a little patience, you can capture stunning time-lapse photos of the night sky and other nighttime scenes. So, grab your GoPro and start experimenting with nighttime time-lapse photography today!

Harbor Sunrise

Hour Long Loop of the Sun Rise on a Harbor

The beauty of nature is something that can never be completely captured in a photograph or video. However, a new hour-long video has recently been released showcasing the stunning sunrise at Meeting House Pond in Orleans, Massachusetts. This video captures the essence of the Cape Cod summer in all its glory.

The Setting of Meeting House Pond

Meeting House Pond is a beautiful location in Orleans, Massachusetts, that is not known for its stunning sunrise. The pond is surrounded by trees, which provide a natural frame for the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun sets. The video takes you on a journey around the pond, showing off the different angles and perspectives of the sunrise.

This video is perfect to have as a background video for Zoom meetings or on a TV screen.

Sun Rise Video

Bill Clinton in 1992

Portions of a Speech in Boston

Presidential debate in Boston, October 11, 1992.

The debate featured the three major candidates in the 1992 presidential election: Bill Clinton, President George H.W. Bush, and independent candidate Ross Perot. It was the second of three debates between the candidates and the first one held in a town hall format, where questions were posed by audience members.

The candidates discussed a range of issues, including the economy, taxes, foreign policy, and social issues such as abortion and crime. The town hall format allowed for more direct interaction between the candidates and the audience, and there were several heated exchanges throughout the debate.

Ultimately, Bill Clinton went on to win the presidency in the 1992 election, with Ross Perot garnering a significant portion of the popular vote as a third-party candidate. The Faneuil Hall debate was one of the key moments in that election cycle, helping to shape public opinion and sway voters in the weeks leading up to the election.

Audio of the Speech

This is just the last bit of audio from that speech - his closing remarks.

Proline

Classic Broadcast

Proline is an iconic sports handicapping show that has been providing sports fans with expert betting insights and picks for over 35 years. Hosted by two of Las Vegas' most esteemed sports analysts, Jim Feist and Dave Cokin, Proline has become a staple for sports bettors across America.

What sets Proline apart from other sports handicapping shows is its unwavering commitment to providing accurate and unbiased analysis. Both Jim Feist and Dave Cokin have decades of experience in the sports betting industry, and their expertise is evident in every episode of Proline. They cover a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and horse racing, and their picks are based on a thorough analysis of all relevant factors, from injuries to team history to weather conditions.

Proline's success over the years can be attributed to the credibility and trust that Jim and Dave have earned from their listeners. They are known for their honesty and transparency, and they never shy away from admitting when they've made a mistake. Their goal is not just to help listeners win bets but to educate them on the intricacies of sports betting and to provide them with the tools to make informed decisions.

ProLine 2005 Show

This is part of the ProLine from 2005. This show features Jim Feist, David Cokin, Scott Spreitzer, and Glen McGrew.

Hope Floats

Two Different Movie Previews

Movie studios often release different previews of a movie to appeal to different audiences. The goal of this strategy is to maximize the movie's appeal to as many people as possible and increase its chances of success at the box office. In this blog post, we'll explore how movie studios create different previews to attract different audiences, and why this approach is so effective.

Firstly, it's important to understand that different audiences have different preferences when it comes to movies. For example, a horror movie fan might be attracted to a preview that emphasizes the scares and gore, while a romantic comedy fan might prefer a preview that highlights the film's romantic moments and witty humor. By creating different previews, movie studios can tap into these different preferences and attract a wider range of viewers.

So how do movie studios go about creating different previews? One approach is to focus on different aspects of the movie in each preview. For example, a preview for an action movie might emphasize the movie's adrenaline-pumping fight scenes and explosions, while a preview for a drama might focus on the emotional performances of the actors and the movie's deep themes. By highlighting different aspects of the movie, studios can create previews that appeal to different audiences.

Example Movie Preview

Hope Floats follows Birdee Pruitt, a former beauty queen who is forced to move back to her hometown in Texas with her daughter after her husband cheats on her. Birdee struggles to put her life back together and deal with the judgment of her small-town community. However, with the help of her childhood friend Justin Matisse, she begins to find hope and love again.

Checkout the differences the movie is between these two previews which aired in 1998:

1998 Commercials

Featuring AT&T and IBM

The year 1998 was a time when television commercials were a major part of the advertising landscape, and AT&T was at the forefront of creating memorable ads. Here are three classic commercials from 1998 that left a lasting impression on viewers:

AT&T One Rate Plan - This commercial features actor and comedian Paul Reiser, who introduces AT&T's new One Rate Plan. The ad humorously depicts Reiser calling various family members to tell them about the new plan, only to be met with disinterest or confusion. The One Rate Plan was a game-changer in the telecommunications industry, allowing customers to make long-distance calls without worrying about varying rates based on location.

ThinkPad Employee Leaves - This commercial, created by IBM for their ThinkPad line of laptops, shows an employee leaving the company and causing a stir in the office as people wonder who will be getting his coveted ThinkPad laptop. The ad highlights the importance of quality technology in the workplace and the power that it holds over employees.

Pitney Bowes Mail Marketer - Actor John Ratzenberger, best known for his role as Cliff Clavin on the TV show Cheers, introduces the mail marketer from Pitney Bowes. The ad showcases the company's innovative mailing technology and how it can help businesses improve their marketing efforts.

Overall, these classic commercials from 1998 demonstrate the importance of effective advertising and how it can leave a lasting impression on viewers.

1998 Commercials

0:00 Introduction
0:12 A&E Promotion - Featuring some people on the streets saying famous movie lines
0:50 AT&T with the daughter asking, "When Can I be a Client" and the whole family goes to the beach
1:50 AT&T Paul Reiser introducing AT&T One Rate Plan
2:25 IBM - ThinkPad - Employee Leaves and people are wondering who getting their laptop
2:55 IBM - ThinkPad - Writing a Letter to Todd and needing to unsend
3:25 IBM - IBM Netfinity Web servers - How a small business can launch everywhere
3:49 Pitney Bowes - John Ratzenberger introduces the mail marketer

2000s Tech Commercial

Some Memorable Commercials in my Collection

The 2000s were a decade of significant technological advancements and changes in the way people consumed media. As a result, companies needed to adapt to these changes by creating memorable commercials to capture the attention of consumers. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most iconic commercials from the 2000s, including those from Circuit City, Best Buy, ZDNet, Mercata and more.

Circuit City

Circuit City was a popular electronics retailer that went bankrupt in 2009. However, during the 2000s, they were known for their catchy commercials that often featured animated characters. One of the most memorable Circuit City commercials from the 2000s was their "We know how you feel" campaign. This campaign aimed to highlight the fact that Circuit City was a fun place to go. Customers would even get up really early in the morning just to get the latest circular.

Best Buy

Best Buy is another popular electronics retailer that is still in business today. During the 2000s, they created some of the most iconic commercials of the decade. One of their most memorable campaigns was the "turn on the fun" campaign, which featured a group of movie fans recreating their favorite movies.

ZDNet

ZDNet was a technology news and reviews website that was popular during the 2000s. They created a series of humorous commercials that poked fun at the world of technology. One of their most memorable commercials featured a man who got a new camera and needed help downloading photos. However, his wife wasn't too happy with how he was using the new camera.

Radio Shack

MSN ran a promotion where you could get an instant $200 rebate on anything you buy at Radio Shack. Only catch is that you had to sign up for MSN Internet access at $21.95 a month for 2 years. That means you would be spending $1,053.6 for the $200 savings.

Mercata

Mercata was an online shopping website that allowed customers to band together and purchase products in bulk, resulting in lower prices for everyone involved. Although Mercata was short-lived (it went bankrupt in 2001), it created some memorable commercials during its brief existence."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2000s were a decade of memorable commercials that captured the attention of consumers and helped shape the way people consumed media. From the superhero "trained professional" of Circuit City to the robot arm of ZDNet, these commercials continue to be remembered and celebrated today.

The Videos

0:00 Introduction
0:11 Apple - iDVD "Tom and Julie Honeymoon" a continuation of the the "Think Different" campaign
1:12 Circuit City - "Daily Gazette" waiting for the latest Circuit City flyer
1:43 Circuit City - "New TV, New Home." Installing a new TV with the help of Circuit City
2:13 Circuit City - "New Computer" - Intel Celeron 466MHz Computer for only $299.99 - after mail-in rebates
2:43 Best Buy - "Movie Geeks." Get your latest DVDs at Best Buy
3:13 Good Guys - "No Interest Financing" on anything over $399
3:43 Radio Shack - "$200 MSN Rebate" - Is it really that good of a deal Howie?
4:14 ZDNet - "Digital Cameras" - How to use a new camera.
4:44 ZDNet - "Software Fixes" - Even the Mars landing team could use ZDNet help.
5:15 homestore.com - "Caveman" - People searching for homes since the beginning of time.
6:15 Next Card - "Junk Mail" - The first true internet card.
6:45 Mercata - "Prices Going Down" - Prices fall as more people buy items

GiveMeTalk!

Early adopter to future Podcasting

Have you ever dreamed of having your own talk show, where you can discuss topics that matter to you and engage with your audience? Thanks to GiveMeTalk, that dream was made possible. GiveMeTalk was a legacy service that provided a platform for anyone to create their own talk show and broadcast it on the internet. In this blog post, we'll explore how GiveMeTalk worked, the impact it had, and what its legacy means for the world of online broadcasting.

The Power of GiveMeTalk

GiveMeTalk was a revolutionary service that allowed anyone to become a broadcaster. With GiveMeTalk, you could set up your own talk show, choose the topics you wanted to discuss, and invite guests to join you on air. The service was easy to use, and it provided all the tools you needed to create a professional-quality broadcast. You could even stream your show live to an audience of viewers from around the world, creating a global community of talk show hosts and enthusiasts.

The Impact of GiveMeTalk

GiveMeTalk had a profound impact on the world of online broadcasting. It democratized the medium, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a message to share. With GiveMeTalk, you didn't need to be a media mogul or a celebrity to have your voice heard. You could be an ordinary person with an extraordinary idea, and GiveMeTalk gave you the platform to share it with the world.

The Legacy of GiveMeTalk

Although GiveMeTalk is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on. The service paved the way for a new generation of online broadcasters, who are using platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live to create their own content and build their own communities. GiveMeTalk also demonstrated the power of user-generated content, and how it can transform the way we consume media. Today, we take for granted the idea that anyone can create their own content and share it with the world. But it was services like GiveMeTalk that made that idea a reality.

KRON News Segment

Video segment found on my personal VHS tape collection.

Road Trip Timelapse to Falmouth, Maine

Quick ride to Falmouth, Maine

Today I took a trip to Falmouth, Maine from Framingham, Massachusetts. This road trip took 2 hr 12 min (134.8??mi) via I-95 N. I-95 is the main interstate highway that runs along the East Coast, connecting many major cities and towns. The trip from Framingham to Falmouth was a relatively quick drive since I-95 N is a direct route.

In order to record the journey, I used my GoPro Hero 9 camera. In order to power the GoPro for this leg of the trip, I connected it to a USB power brick, but I could have easily used the GoPro battery. The power brick allowed me to continuously record without having to worry about the battery dying.

The final timelapse was doubled in speed with the help of Final Cut Pro. By speeding up the footage, it helps compress the duration of the video, allowing for a longer video to be shown in a shorter amount of time. It also helps to give the video a more cinematic feel.

During the journey, I stopped at the first rest stop in Maine. I edited out that stop. The rest stop didn't add to the overall narrative of the journey and I wanted the video to be more concise. I felt that having the stop in the video would make it too long and detract from the story I wanted to tell.

Timelapse Video