Trio of Sunrise and Sunset Photos

Vacations always inspire me to take more photos to share with family and friends. So I’ve decided to show you some of my favorite shots. Here is a trio of sunrises and sunsets. Let me know which is your favorite by voting below.

Test Driving a Crossover Has Evoqued Excitement

I’m currently in the market for a new car. In my quest to become greener, I have decided to test drive crossovers to replace my current mid-size SUV. During my  research I discovered a vehicle that wasn’t on my radar. That’s because it’s new for 2012, and I found it quite intriguing. It’s the new Range Rover Evoque, and it has a starting price a smidgen above the Land Rover LR2. While the other luxury crossovers try to refine their offerings every year, Range Rover has pushed the envelope for 2012, and has become an innovator in the niche thanks to the introduction of the Evoque. The RDX comes closest in regards to styling.

At first I thought the exterior design was too modern for the conservative Range Rover brand, but I understand their forward thinking. Victoria Beckham, a.k.a. Posh Spice, had a hand in the interior’s design, giving it a chic touch. The coupe is intended to appeal to a younger, urban market than the high-end Range Rover, but my question is does the 5-door model entice families in the ‘burbs? Apparently so, since I see videos about it in suburban locations.

Make no mistakes, the streamlined Evoque does live up to the Range Rover name. It comes well equipped with the latest tech, luxury, TRUE off-road capabilities, and for the first time, a progressive profile. The push button start (standard), was nice to see, but what excited me was the rotary gearshift that starts flush (photo right), then rises for use instead of the usual selection lever (inherited from Jaguar). You can choose a Sports mode for a more responsive ride, and if you use the paddle shifters, it simulates using a manual transmission. Getting the Prestige theme with options gets you closer to the high-end Range Rover.

Some standard goodies in the Pure theme are: an electronic park brake, Bluetooth phone & audio, 380 watt – 11 speaker Meridian audio system, and front and rear parking aid with a rear camera. The Evoque has four standard terrain response settings that are for the following driving conditions: normal, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, and sand. I actually drive on the beach and over dunes in search of wild mustang. Score! PLUS, you can drive through 19.7″ of water, and in an area known for mild flooding, that comes in handy. Check near the bottom of the Evoque Explore page for more details.

The Range Rover Evogue is not for everyone. It took a day for me to adjust to the exterior design, but I can tell you that I’ve never been so excited to test drive a vehicle before. Maybe it’s all of those gadgets that come standard and that amazing panoramic roof that have gotten me all revved up. Or perhaps it’s the Range Rover brand at a more reasonable price that has piqued my interest. None the less, the Evoque has truly captured my attention. I will continue to test drive crossovers to make a fair comparison, but in my opinion the Range Rover Evoque has set the bar really high!

As if the tech alone isn’t enough to make me geek out, the white model resembles a Star Wars storm trooper. Just sayin’.

All photos courtesy of Land Rover.

Fourth of July Photos

I love the fourth of July for many reasons. The cherry on top is all of the area fireworks. The displays are great to watch, but are also a golden opportunity to take photos. Last year I shot some New York City fireworks, but this year I stuck close to home.

Here’s the EXIF: ISO 100, f/5.6, Bulb setting, manual focus to infinity, exposure and focal length varied, no flash was fired.

Please post a link to any fireworks photos you’ve taken this year. I’d love to see them!

A Fun Photo Competition Between Friends

I have just been challenged by a friend to bring my “A” game to a friendly photo competition. It’s a beach theme, and all gloves are off for this one on one comparison of skills. My competitor is Scott A. Miller, owner of Beach Bum Photography, a.k.a @JerseyShoreTog on Twitter. That’s right, I’m calling him out after he posted the competition on his blog before I knew what was happening. So, I’m asking for your help. Please take a look at my photos below, go to his blog post and look at his, then comment below telling me whose photos you like best. I won’t be offended if you prefer his.

If we get a great response, I’ll challenge him to another competition with a different theme. Either way you win, because you get to see more photos. Thanks in advance!

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

A local surfer

Sunrise near a pier

Skim boarders

A skate washed upon the shore

A surfer performing tricks

Just before sunrise under a pier

A skim boarder wipes out

Dolphins at sunrise

A humpback whale just before sunrise

Wild Spanish Mustangs in the dunes

A seagull flying along the shoreline

A surfer riding the waves

Just before sunrise near a pier

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean

My Top 20 iPhone Travel Apps

I love to travel, and certain devices can enhance the experience. iPhone apps are just as vital as a suitcase to me when I’m away from home. There is a constant flow of new applications in the App Store, and I must admit, I need to browse through them to stay current, but for now, here are my top 20 iPhone apps, and why.

1. Skype – This is a great app to use while out of the country. I’ve used it in Europe and the Caribbean to make calls stateside for free as long as there was wi-fi nearby.
2. The Weather Channel – Whether here or abroad, I need to know what the day holds for me weather-wise
3. FourSquare – I’m not addicted to this app, but it’s cool to check in outside of my stomping grounds to get new badges. Just sayin’.
4. New York Times – I need to stay informed, and this is THE digital paper to read.
5. Netflix – Sometimes I need to unwind with a movie. They don’t have the biggest selection, but it’s on-demand.
6. Sun Moon – As a photographer and lover of sunrises & sunsets, this helps me know what time I need to be on location for the golden hour.
7. TripDeck – This keeps my entire travel itinerary on hand.
8. Currency – I’m too lazy on vacation to calculate Euros into Dollars. There, I said it!
9. Converter – I’m also too lazy to convert cm into inches, kph into mph and lbs into kilos on vacation.
10. Translator – No habla español. Je ne parle pas français. You get the picture.
11. Yelp – This app helps me find restaurants, gas stations, banks and more.
12. Text+ – When I need to text while oversees, this and wi-fi come to my rescue.
13. Evernote – I can store PDF files, web pages and more here to have great info at my fingertips.
14. iBooks – This is great when I need to unwind and would rather read the book than watch the movie.
15. Pandora – Music soothes the savage beast. At times I just get tired of my playlists.
16. Facebook – Sometimes I take a peak to see what my friends are doing when I have down time. Sometimes I share a photo or two.
17. Photo Shop Express – I usually edit photos on the laptop while away, but this is a back-up. And I can upload photos to Facebook.
18. flickr – Just in case I want to post a photo or two on flickr.
19. TweetDeck – I only use this if I’m away for a business event, so I can tweet live with #hashtags to promote the event.
20. Worldmate – I just discovered this app which I used on my old Palm. This actually eliminates the need for a few of the above.

What are your favorite iPhone travel apps?

Princeton Tour Company’s Haunting Ghost Tours

Princeton Tour Company is renowned in the Princeton, NJ area. They offer a nice variety of services, i.e. bike rentals and tours, walking tours, pub crawls, and more. You can check the schedule here. But the tours that’ll have you screaming for more, are the ghost tours, especially round Halloween. The professional tour guides really get into character. They dress in period clothing and lead you around with a lantern.

Since lanterns are used as you go walking through the Princeton Cemetery, it’s obviously not taking place during the day. You pass homes and other sites, hearing ghost stories from the days of yore from your guide that will make your spine tingle. The places visited have all had ghost sightings, and you’re encouraged to bring your camera to capture orbs. The tours last over 60 minutes, and you don’t walk more than a flat mile, but there are many stops. The following video shows Mimi on the Travel Show Live speaking about things to do in Princeton.

The next time you’re in Princeton, you should definitely look up the Princeton Tour Company, and take one of their tours. If the ghost tour isn’t for you, there are many more tours to choose from.

Mimi Omiecinski is the owner. Her southern charm will surely win you over. She wasn’t born in Princeton, but her enthusiasm more than makes up for it. Her love of the town matches are exceeds natives! She makes sure that whoever leads the tour has all of the knowledge to share the facts, and has a personality to keep the crowd engaged. Below is a video that gives you a taste of Mimi’s charisma.

Phrog Fitness – A Unique Gym That Offers Kinesis Training in Princeton, NJ

Phrog Personal Training Studio is a unique gym in Princeton, NJ that offers an extraordinary experience, and it’s not just the Kinesis system that makes it exceptional. As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed by a stone fountain of flowing water. It’s very zen. The staff warmly greets you, and since it’s a small gym, you’ll know everyone, and they’ll all know you. The interior architecture has an organic feel to it. There are stone walls leading to a lounge area, wood floors, wood molding, wainscoting, and a curved wall in the hall. This recently renovated 9,000 sq. ft. facility has an intimate spa atmosphere, which I find much more appealing than gyms that appear clinical or industrial.  In the Princeton area, this ambience is exclusively found at Phrog Fitness.

They use Cybex, Kinesis, LifeFitness, and Nautilus equipment which is all fairly new. This is the furthest thing from a large chain or cookie cutter gym. It’s unique, intimate, and holistic in its approach. Once you’ve joined, you’re given an assessment, and then you meet with the nutritionist.  Your goals and limitations are discussed, and then you’re ready to start. A trainer is individually matched to you, but you can work with any of them. You can also have standing sessions, or book them on a weekly basis if you’re not sure about your schedule. Your session is recorded in a log, reminding your trainer what you did last. It also helps if you use a different trainer for the following session. A personalized experience is always guaranteed, and using the Kinesis equipment further customizes your workout. More about Kinesis in a bit.

One room is filled with cardio machines, i.e. treadmills, stationary and recumbent bikes, elliptical machines, a rowing machine, and arc trainers on one side, and a weight machine, and various Nautilus equipment specifically for the legs are on the other side. There is no sea of equipment in an artificially lit room, but you’ll find equipment with some breathing space and lots of sunlight. You also won’t find distracting televisions in this gym, which I feel diverts you from the workout. Instead, you have music in the air to get you pumped, and a professional beside you for inspiration.

On the opposite side of the half wall is a room for classes, which includes about four variations of yoga, Zumba, and more. These classes are small, and the instructor can personalize it just for you, whether, you’re a beginner or advanced, need low impact, etc., but regardless of your level, you will be challenged. The classes cover strength training, core conditioning, cardio, shaping and toning, flexibility, and stress reduction. The trainers will also work with you in this room at times. The entire right side of the gym is extremely bright and airy. Large windows let in lots of natural light during the day.

In the back, there’s a small child care room. The men’s locker room is in the front, and the ladies’ locker room is in the back. Both are equipped with toilets, a changing room, lockers, showers with foam soap, and a sauna. Towels, toiletries, and a blow dryer are also provided. These areas are very clean and pleasant, and the ladies’ locker room has a handicap shower. Also for clientele with special needs, there is elevator access, since the gym is on the second floor.

The opposite side of the cardio/weight area is also spacious, and has a couple of windows to let in some natural light. There is also sunlight coming in from across the hall. This room has a weight assisted chin/dip, a dual adjustable pulley system, dumbbells, fitness balls, and a wall dedicated to Kinesis circuit training. I love high-tech, so I was very excited to use Phrog Fitness Studio’s revolutionary Kinesis circuit trainer which is very cutting edge.

Phrog Fitness is one of the few gyms in New Jersey to have the Kinesis Circuit and have licensed trainers to guide you through the workout. Kinesis is fantastic because its smooth pulley system is a joy to use, and what’s even better is the flexibility of the equipment. With Kinesis, the possibilities are incredible, since the equipment is designed to fit your needs. Due to the unrestricted movement, you can train for specific activities, i.e. golf, baseball, soccer, rowing, rock climbing, tennis and more. You even burn 30% more calories than on traditional machines. It helps with strength, flexibility, and balance, and I look forward to using Kinesis during every session. Watch the below video to see Kinesis in action.

Phrog Fitness offers a unique, personal experience. You pay for the expertise of a personal trainer who will guide you through a safe and customized workout. They don’t push you to do something that causes distress to avoid damage. They know several different ways to work out a particular area if something is causing discomfort. There is no monthly membership fee, so this is a great deal. You pay for a multi-pack of sessions with a trainer and get unlimited use of the cardio equipment, classes, and the sauna at no additional cost. And did I mention the classes are semi-private? Sometimes there might only be you and one other person in the class. The largest class I’ve been in so far had a total of six participants. This allows a more modified workout during the class to fit your needs and ability. Even if you wanted to stay with your gym because they have an indoor pool, spinning classes, massages, or a juice bar, but wanted to use a trainer, for about the same price of one in your gym, you could use Phrog Fitness for their very experienced and certified trainers in a tranquil setting, and take advantage of the very small classes, because you ONLY pay for the sessions with your trainer. After each session, the trainers stretch your limbs, and give your neck and shoulders a quick sports massage. You really get the star treatment.

If you want to feel like a VIP, this is the place to be. There are no crowds, it’s a peaceful environment, and you get lots of personalized attention. In addition, you get to use the Kinesis circuit trainer, which puts you in an exclusive circle. The highly skilled trainers will motivate you to do your best, and they make you feel extremely special here. There is an abundance of free parking, so finding a nearby spot is never a problem. If you’re in the Princeton, NJ area, you have to stop by to see the facilities, because the photos don’t do it justice. This is a great combination of a personal training and nutritional program with state-of-the art equipment, which is exclusive for the Princeton area. I was able to work out a deal for my readers. Tell them you read this blog post, and you’ll get a free trial session, so you can work out using the Kinesis system and see how amazing this fitness studio and the trainers are!

The WNBA vs. the NBA – Who’s Got More Game?

The WNBA gave birth to professional women’s basketball in the mid 90′s. I watched a few televised games, and thought they were pretty good. Fast forwarding to today, I haven’t watched or gone to any basketball games for a while besides my son’s. Recently,  I had the opportunity to go to a WNBA New York Liberty game, and I rediscovered pro ball. It was my first WNBA game ever, but it was in a very a familiar place, Madison Square Garden which is host to the NBA’s New York Knicks, and I’ve been to a number of their games.

The WNBA offers plenty of fast breaks thanks to speedy point guards, which provides exhilaration. The women also take tumbles and get injured, which causes gasps and gets attention.

The NBA has a collection of slam dunking mighty giants. They offer more exciting layups, and impressive stats, but is that enough? It is for many, and not just for the men.

The WNBA has players who can shoot more consistently. You don’t have to hold your breath as much during free throws. Based on the game I saw, I think more 3-pointer attempts ended with a swoosh, and there seemed to be MORE teamwork and NO showboating. I feel like they played because they love the sport a little more than the paycheck. This is how the coaches train the kids to play, with passion. So should younger players find the WNBA more realistic and inspiring?

One good comparison is the crowd. The WNBA attracts more families and females. There was constant kid-friendly entertainment throughout the game. Actually, there were only talented kids and families filling the void during the breaks in the action. The NBA attracts more males, so sexy, hip shaking, boyshorts cladded cheerleaders and professional performances bridge the gaps. They do have some family oriented fun, but not as much as the WNBA. The NBA also has more celebrity sightings. Another point to consider is NBA tickets will leave your wallet A LOT lighter than WNBA seats. Ticket prices can be up to five times more, which is NOT so family friendly.

Here’s something for photographers to think about. My bag was checked at security. I had a 50/1.8 lens mounted on a Canon EOS 7D, AND an EF 70-200/2.8 lens in my bag. For those not familiar with Canon lenses, the latter is a nine-inch long, WHITE lens, so it’s hard to miss. No one questioned me, and I didn’t even have a press pass. I also saw a number of other DSLR cameras in the stands. I heard you can’t get in The Garden with this gear, but they are probably referring to the NBA games. I have a feeling they were either laxer at the WNBA game or I just got lucky. I have NO objections to that.

We were blessed to have seats on the floor, so I was able to capture the action closer than others. I meant to walk up a bit higher to see the difference that distance and point of view make, but I got caught up in the game and unfortunately forgot. These shots were all taken with the 70-200/2.8 lens. The pros under the net mostly had this focal length as well, and some had a second camera with a 24-70/2.8 lens mounted on it. If you’re fortunate enough to be on or close to the floor with a 200 mm focal length, you can get some amazing shots, even across the court!

Even if you don’t have a DSLR I think you can take some good pictures. The lighting is so much better than at a school’s court (if you have kids who play), which is what I’m used to. I had my aperture wide open at f/2.8, and bumped up the ISO to 3200 (I might’ve only needed 2500) to freeze the action, which you can’t do on a point and shoot. If you’re using a compact camera, set the ISO to the highest setting, i.e. 800 or 1600, and if you can manually adjust your aperture, set it to the lowest number (3.5, 4.0, etc.) to try to get blur-free action photos. By the way, the higher the ISO, the more grain/noise you’ll notice.

There were a number of men amongst the crowds, many with families, some as part of a group or couple, and a few were alone. I found that FANtastic! The WNBA season is May – September, so it doesn’t clash with the NBA season (October – April), and it keeps die-hard basketball fans entertained year-round. In my opinion, they compliment rather than compete with each other. There is a different atmosphere between the WNBA and NBA games, but variety is the spice of life, so they say. Both bring something different to the table, yet provide the energy sports fans and photographers seek.

So, what’s your opinion? Overall, between the WNBA and the NBA, who’s got more game?

Baseball, Hot Dogs and Beer

Summer means different things to different people. When I hear the word I think sun, beach, pool, frozen drinks, eating outdoors, boating, amusement parks, joy rides in convertibles and… baseball. This is one of the top summer pastimes in the U.S. (and I believe also in Canada). There’s something about watching a game with thousands of cheering fans that gets you pumped. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting between the bases, in the bleachers or in a V.I.P. seat in an air-conditioned luxury suite, you get caught up in baseball fever! You don’t even have to be in a suite to get special service. Vendors will come to you with beer, hot dogs, cotton candy, and souvenirs, so you don’t miss a thing.

So, what’s the pitch to someone who’s not a fan? If you live close enough to a major league team and able to see a pro game, it’s your chance to see what someone does to earn millions per year, or be in the presence of a man who has his face on a box of Wheaties. The bonus is you witness the best in a field in action. It’s like watching the Beatles in the studio back in the day, or being a fly on the wall in the Oval Office. If you’re near one of the minor’s ballparks you can have the excitement of the big league for the price of a movie ticket. They have smaller stadiums, so you get better seats. This gets you closer to the action, which will engage you more. If you’re still not having fun, you can leave without guilt, but that probably won’t happen, right? An  better idea might be to start at a minor league park with several family members and/or friends in a suite. It’s a party at the park at a reasonable price, so you’re off to a great start! Everyone chats during the quieter times, and watches the action when it happens.

Whether you’re a long time fan, or new to the game, let baseball steal your heart this summer! I just feel in love with the Trenton Thunder team (minor league). My kids can’t wait to go to the next game. By the way, I’m sorry to say I don’t eat hot dogs, nor do I drink beer, but lucky for me they offer grilled chicken, Caesar Salad and bottled water. Am I a party pooper? No, because lately more people are eating healthier at the games.

So when’s the last time you’ve been to a game? Baseball surely hits a home run with me! Have you caught the fever yet? I’d love to hear your opinion, especially if you’re from the Caribbean or Japan.

Fireworks – July 2010

I’m off to an early start this holiday. I will go to Independence Day fireworks whenever I can. There are a number of towns which have displays before the actual day, which is to my advantage. Unfortunately, due to the current economy, many towns have cut back on the length of their displays, or canceled them all together. I am sincerely thankful for every burst that illuminates the night sky! Below is a sneak peek.

For the original video click here.

From Farm to Table: The Terra Momo Cooking Class, Part 4

Master baker Denis Granarolo was back on board this week leading the demonstrations for the “Cooking with Local Ingredients” series at the Princeton Public Library, along with Eno Terra’s Chef Christopher Albrecht. I have failed to mention in previous posts that not only is Albrecht the Executive chef of Eno Terra, but he oversees all of the Terra Momo restaurants! With that said, blueberries and strawberries were today’s highlighted ingredients.

Granarolo walked us through making croissants. Before he started the dough, he flattened 3 sticks (12 oz/339 gms) of butter into a six-inch square and placed it in the refrigerator for two to three hours. The butter needs to be chilled and at least 80% fat. 83% or 85% are more desirable for the best results. In the U.S. the brand Plugra (82%) is great to use for this purpose. Next he started the croissant dough. He added flour, salt, sugar, yeast dissolved in warm water, warmed milk and half & half in a stand mixer, and blended it with a dough hook until a ball was formed. He added a little more flour to form a soft, but not sticky dough. He tested it by stretching it to make sure it didn’t break. The dough must be covered with a damp cloth and chilled for four to six hours.

The dough was then placed on a floured table, and pressed into a 10 inch square. The butter was placed on top, and the dough was folded over it, and it was rolled out with pin. If the dough or butter gets too soft, it should be placed back in the fridge. It was turned then folded into thirds and turned & rolled again three more times. It must be chilled for one to two hours, then rolled and chilled again a couple of more times.

The master baker called this a laminated dough. This is achieved by rolling the butter into layers of the dough, which in turn makes it flaky. Albrecht commented that this is a “short” bread because the fat of the butter wraps itself around the long gluten strands and makes a more tender baked product, as in shortbread, shortcake, etc. This is a time and labor intense dough, but it’s so worth it!

Granarolo rolled the dough out one last time into an 8″x18″ sheet and cut it into different shapes. The tradition elongated triangle with a slit on the short side for rolling croissants, a cross shape for making pinwheels, and a long rectangle for filling with pastry cream and fruit.

He also prepared a strawberry bread using strawberry puree, eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, and sprinkled the top with sliced almonds.  A slice of it is shown below, along with a slice of blueberry & pastry cream filled croissant, and a strawberry pinwheel.

If you can get to the Witherspoon Bakery in Princeton, it’s worth the trip to indulge yourself in these tasty treats. They’re heavenly! Otherwise, please get to your local bakery and look for golden croissants with or without fresh fruit baked in. You won’t regret it! Yum!

From Farm to Table: The Terra Momo Cooking Class, Part 3

Eno Terra’s Chef Christopher Albrecht was in command again this week for the third installment of the “Cooking with Local Ingredients” series at the Princeton Public Library. After walking through the farmer’s market, he chose yellow and green zucchini, beets, fennel, and garlic scapes to showcase.

He started with beets, showing us many varieties. Albrecht cut a candy cane variety in paper thin slices with a Japanese mandolin to show us the beauty of this vegetable.

Carpaccio is an Italian dish of thinly sliced meat or fish. Beef is the most popular meat used for this preparation, often topped with extra virgin olive oil or a vinaigrette, freshly ground pepper, and shaved parmesan cheese. Albrecht  finely sliced veggies using the mandolin and prepared a yellow and green zucchini carpaccio with all the accoutrements.

The chef demonstrated a French cooking method called en papillote, which allows the food to steam in its own juices in a parchment or foil pouch. He placed whole red beets on a sheet of foil, seasoned them, and folded the foil in thirds over the vegetables, then folded the ends. Due to time constraints, he couldn’t fully cook the beets within our schedule, so his sous chef returned with diced pre-cooked beets for us to taste.

Confit is another French method Albrecht used, which is the oldest way to preserve food. It is most often associated with duck or goose cooked in its own rendered fat. He did a small dice of zucchini, placed it in a stainless steel pot, covered it with olive oil, and slowly cooked it so the vegetable softened, but still had texture. We were given a taste of this dish, and though it was good, it needed the brightness of some acidity to balance it.

Gratin rounds out the trio of French cooking techniques used today. Food is placed in a casserole type dish for presentation or a baking pan, often sprinkled with grated cheese or bread crumbs on top, and baked under a broiler until the crust is browned. A recipe was given for a summer squash gratin containing sweet onions, fennel heads, zucchini, yellow squash, plum tomatoes, thyme & rosemary leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, goat cheese, extra virgin olive oil and salt & pepper. Above are the veggies before baking in all their bright colors. Below is after seasoning and cooking.

Everything was placed in a cup for us to sample. The colors were beautiful and each preparation was delicious! So far, I have not been disappointed with this series. Sometimes I cycle through the same meals monthly. These cooking classes remind me of all the great food out there waiting for me to cook, like fennel which I love to eat, but never cook myself. No matter where you live, sign up for a cooking class, or go to demonstrations to freshen up your repertoire. You won’t regret it!

From Farm to Table: The Terra Momo Cooking Class, Part 2

The Witherspoon Bread Company is part of the Terra MoMo Restaurant Group located in Princeton, NJ. This artisan bakery is known for its handmade breads and baked goods, and Master Baker Denis Granarolo, who hails from France, continues with the old world tradition of the slow process. Continuing the series “Cooking with Local Ingredients” at the Princeton Public Library, he was assisted by Eno Terra’s Chef Christopher Albrecht in making sweet and savory crepes. Recipes were available as print-outs for everyone to follow.

All of the produce used was locally grown, and most came from organic farms. The farm to table movement is growing stronger with an increase in farmer’s markets. When you buy local, the fruits and vegetables are picked when they’re ripe and delivered quickly to area markets and restaurants who demand the best.  There’s nothing better than knowing where your produce comes from. At the farmer’s market, you can actually ask the grower about the crop. When you find a favorite, you can continue to purchase from that farm to insure fairly consistent quality.

Granarolo demonstrated how to make a crêpe batter with the simple ingredients of milk, eggs, water, oil, flour and salt. He emphasized that it should be allowed to rest refrigerated for 30 minutes to overnight. Albrecht explained how to season a stainless steel or cast iron pan to make it a non-stick surface while Granarolo prepared some crepes. A ladle of batter was poured into the middle of the pan and then swirled around to completely cover the bottom. A few minutes later it was flipped over, and after a total cooking time of about 4 – 6 minutes it was done. Albrecht shared his strawberry jam recipe, and made an herbed ricotta cheese filling for the crepes. He stressed the importance of not cutting herbs when adding them at the end of a recipe to keep all of the oils in tact, allowing for concentrated bursts of flavor in your mouth.

The master baker showed us how to make a quiche dough, and talked about the importance of using chilled butter. The custard was prepared with half and half and eggs. Due to time constraints, he couldn’t actually bake the quiche, so he had plenty of mini ones available for tasting. He pre-baked three varieties: onion, mushroom and ham. I asked him about the prep of the mushrooms, and he said they must be cooked and drained before adding to the custard, otherwise all the liquid will be released into the egg mixture and make it a runny mess. We were all given half each of a mini quiche, a savory herbed ricotta and a sweet strawberry jam filled crêpe, as well as some cherries grown on a small farm just over the Delaware River to sample. Talk about good eats!

Attendees asked the chefs questions, conversed amongst themselves, and sampled great food made with attention to detail. The portion was just enough for a small meal, so I left the event with a more informed brain, and a fuller tummy thanks to Terra Momo and the Princeton Public Library. I am absolutely loving this series! It has truly been an inspiration to me. A special thanks goes to Janie Hermann, The Princeton Public Library Program Coordinator. I don’t know she pulled this off, but she rocks!

From Farm to Table: The Terra Momo Cooking Class, Part 1

Eno Terra is part of the Terra MoMo Restaurant Group based in Princeton, NJ. This restaurant is founded on the premise of using local, seasonal, and artisanal food. It’s located just outside the home base, in Kingston. This is an ideal location, just between New York and Philadelphia, and gets to benefit from the abundance of local farms just outside these two major cities. At the helm is Chef Christopher Albrecht. They have teamed up with the Princeton Public Library to offer one of the hottest tickets in town, and it’s FREE!

Starting the series of “Cooking with Local Ingredients”, Albrecht discussed supporting local farmers; the difference in freshness between produce locally and globally grown, and buying organic food.

Most of the produce used was grown locally. Many came from organic farms. With an increase in farmer’s markets, the farm to table movement is growing stronger. Many chain supermarkets sell produce owned by large corporations, which package items to be shipped; therefore, they are not ripe yet when picked. When you buy local, the fruits and vegetables are picked when they’re ripe and are sold quickly because they don’t have to be transported far. The results are fresh, tasty food, mostly cared for by family-owned businesses who rely on the reputation of their produce. Also, when you buy local, you eat seasonal foods which are more flavorful and reasonably priced than globally grown, greenhouse produce. New Jersey is called the “Garden State”, so it would be a pity to live here and not get the freshest, most delicious food grown.

The first cooking class started with a bang. There were three recipes given, and the Eno Terra chef covered them all explaining the ingredients and techniques used in preparation. This was strictly a demonstration with the bonus of everyone sampling his creations. Need I mention it was a full house?

To start with, he made a white and a red pickling liquid. Radishes were looking good at the market this week, so he pickled them in a red liquid, which also enhanced their color. He passed out raw radish slices, and pickled ones. I don’t particularly like radishes, but I found his pickled version quite tasty. Have I become a convert?

Next up was sweet shrimp, sugar peas, garlic scapes and sorrels. The sugar peas had a great snap, and a nice aroma. The garlic scapes, which sort of look like really long scallions/green onions had a nice mild scent, and the sorrel, which resembles spinach, had a nice body to it, so you could tell they were super fresh. The sorrel paired nicely with the shrimp since they have a citrus flavor. Olive oil was used to sauté the ingredients, and it was seasoned to taste. This was absolutely delicious!

Last, but not least, he made a ribollita, which is Italian for reboiled (leftover minestrone soup was re-heated with chunks of bread). The seasonal vegetables used were Swiss chard, garlic scapes, Tuscan kale, mustard greens, zucchini, and a leek. Other ingredients used were a red onion, a celery stalk, potatoes, carrots, cannellini beans, tomato paste, 2 days old Tuscan bread, thyme, a bay leaf & basil puree. This rustic soup would satisfy anyone’s hunger, and I couldn’t stop eating it. Although I must admit, I personally don’t like the texture of “soggy” bread in soup, though I understand it’s role. I think I’ll just puree 1/4 of the beans to use as a thickening agent, and perhaps put a slice of toasted Tuscan bread on top as my version of this delish dish!

I was very pleased with this event. It’s not a hands on cooking class, but it does inspire you to go to farmer’s markets, buy the freshest fruits and vegetables, and create  healthy and tasty meals for your family and friends. I give the series two thumbs up so far, and I can’t wait for what the following weeks will bring!

How to Shoot Fireworks

Photographing fireworks can be a challenge. It’s often frustrating to witness a spectacular display, take pictures, and come home to be disappointed with the results. A few people have recently asked me how to capture fireworks due to the upcoming U.S. Independence Day. Last year I briefly wrote about capturing them, but I thought I’d go into more detail this year. There is a way to capture these awesome bursts of color to look like how you remembered them live. My method requires two things that I will share.

First, there’s a “formula” I use, and have never deviated from. I use a DSLR, but you can use a compact camera if you have manual settings. I always bring a tripod and a cable or wireless remote (you can carefully press the shutter button, preferably with mirror lock if you don’t have a remote). I set my camera to manual focus at infinity ∞. If you have a focus ring, this is easy. Just dial it to the line, not symbol for infinity ∞. Also, I use manual exposure at f/8 and bulb, or if you have a bulb setting you just have to adjust your aperture. You can use aperture settings from f/8 – f/16. Bulb is crucial to get good firework photos by slowly capturing the intense colors. For those unfamiliar with “bulb”, it allows you to hold the shutter open for as long as you’d like. The longer the shutter is open, the more light from the image is obtained onto your camera’s sensor or film. I use a wide angle lens at 17 mm, which can always be cropped, and camera settings are at auto WB, ISO 100, and no flash is used. I use an APS-C camera, and might even consider using my 11-16 MM lens next time. One thing to consider if you have a camera with more than 8 MP, you might want to consider shooting in JPEG only and/or reducing your image quality to M to reduce the file size. Since this is a long exposure, it’ll take more time to process larger files onto your sensor if your using a digital camera; therefore, you get fewer opportunities to shoot, and will miss some fireworks.

Second, you need to develop a feel for where to shoot and for how long to expose the burst. To find a good location, simply mount your camera to a tripod allowing it to pan, and while holding it, wait for the first firing. Track it with your camera and once it “explodes”, make sure you have it centered with plenty of empty space around the fireworks, since each firing while be in a slightly different location. Now tighten your tripod in place. From this point on, you should be able to use the remote to shoot the fireworks without looking through the viewfinder or at the LCD display. You may have to occasionally adjust your camera to capture a burst. When you take the shot, continue holding the shutter button or remote until the trails (lines of light) come to an end, and then release.

Here’s where you can become creative. You can capture multiple bursts on one photo (a multiple exposure). This technique requires a black card/sheet of paper large enough to cover the entire front of the lens, good timing and some practice. After you’ve captured the first burst, quickly cover the lens with the black card while still holding the shutter open. When the next burst begins, remove the black card, and once the trails end, release the shutter/remote to complete the shot. If you’re adventurous, you can repeat the procedure and go for a third or fourth exposure.

This year I’m considering going to a location across from NYC to get fireworks over the skyline instead of individual shots. This will be MY challenge this year, and if all goes well, I’ll have a link to the photos to share and/or a post about it. If you’re near a city (large or small), consider doing the same.

Good luck with your challenge. After you’ve capture your fireworks, please share your link here. Post it even if you weren’t successful and I will give you tips on how to improve your skills, so you’ll be ready the next time!

The Trenton Thunder Hits it Out of the Park

The Trenton Thunder recently invited Mrs Gs VIB bloggers to be their guest in the press box, thanks to a collaboration with Debbie Schaeffer, owner of  Mrs Gs TV & Appliances, and sponsor Electrolux. I was one of the fortunate to score a one-day press pass! The Thunder is a AA New York Yankee affiliate team with a stadium not far from the Big Apple in Mercer County, NJ. I’ve grown up going to see the Yankees play and have never gone to a minor league game, so I didn’t know what to expect. None the less, I was excited to finally go to one after meeting two of the pitchers just over a month ago. After entering the stadium, you receive a free program, so you can easily keep track of all the stats! One of the many reasons why this is America’s favorite past-time is because of the statistics! There’s so much excitement in recording triple plays, stolen bases, no hitters, and grand slams! The press box was at the top of the main entrance, was air-conditioned, provided free wi-fi, and a boasted a large buffet for the press, including BBQ ribs, burgers, Crab Fries, bratwurst, grilled chicken, Caesar salad and more. They offer a wide variety of food with healthy choices just like in the big league parks, and we were given a good sample of what’s available in the food courts. It was a real treat to be invited, and since it was my first time ever receiving a press pass, I can check one more item off my bucket list! Thanks!

Waterfront Park is the home of the Trenton Thunder. It’s easily accessable from Central and South Jersey, as well as from the Philly area. Public transportation, including Amtrak, also brings you within walking distance. Parking is a short walk from the ballpark, and will only set you back $3.00. Ticket prices also amazed me. You can entertain a family of four for as little as $39. The stadium is smaller than those of the majors, but I actually LOVE the intimacy of the venue. I walked around to different locations during the game, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. There’s a picnic area near left field which looked great for group gatherings, especially birthday parties; there’s a playground, “The Kid Zone” next to right field for bored or active younger children, and there are activities throughout the concourse for those of all ages, just in case you’re not the type to sit still for long periods of time. There are also luxury, air conditioned suites available for groups up to 25 for as little as $30 per person, perfect for corporate or special events. I found this family-oriented park ingenious!. You get to attend a live sporting event for the price of a movie ticket!

Mrs. Gs TV & Appliance store had a table set up in the concourse, and was giving away a Weber grill as part of a Wednesday Night Home Games Giveaway running until September 1, 2010. Too bad I wasn’t eligible! You have to purchase a ticket. Future giveaways include a washer/dryer set and a 60″ HDTV. Click here for details.

There are also some fun things taking place on the field between innings. Mascots Boomer and Strike (shown in very top photo) race a selected kid around the bases; they parade a homeless dog on the field in hopes of it being adopted (below); there’s a dizzy bat contest, and there are special event nights which bring celebrities to greet the crowd at the ballpark. Directly above, wrestling legend Mick Foley escorted a lucky fan onto the field. He later signed autographs. At the bottom of the first couple of innings, father and son “bat dogs” Chase and Derby take turns retrieving the bats (Derby in photo above). Several nights, they even have free fireworks! The Thunder keeps things interactive, and gets the crowd pumped.

I’ve seen this from a family’s prospective, now let’s look at it from a phographer’s point of view. Whether you use a compact camera or a DSLR, you will be pleased with the results of your shots. I brought a backpack full of lenses, but used only two. Occasionally, I broke out the Canon XT/350D with a wide angle lens (17-40/4 mm) mounted on it , but I mostly used my telephoto lens (70-200/2.8 mm) on my 7D completely handheld, which all of these photos were taken with. The press box has a great view from behind the plate, but the netting can be annoying to photograph through, so I walked around the stadium looking for interesting veiwpoints to shoot from. Normally, 200 mm would be a little short in a major league ball park, but this stadium is cozier. With the help of my feet (the best zoom available), I was able to get even closer to my subjects. That along with an aperture of 2.8, allowed me to isolate the players more from the crowd by blurring the background.

I sat in right field, next to the home dugout, to the right side of home plate and near third base. Seating, by the way, was comfortable. I concentrated on the infield where most of the action was. I do think a 300 or 400 mm lens would be better for the outfield. There were a number of pro and serious amateur photographers in the stands as well as fans with compact cameras and camera phones. I also saw a man with a consumer video camera on a tripod bouncing from spot to spot like myself. Overall, if you’re looking for great photo or video ops in a stadium, this is a great place to start. For more photos click here.

I love this stadium, and feel the need to visit many, many times not only to see awesome games, but to also practice getting cool action shots like a runner stealing second, diving into third, a pick off at first or sliding home! Did I mention this is a AA New York Yankee affiliate? Yes? Good, because I want to make it clear that this is a great team! Why they’re not AAA amazes me. Perhaps it’s the consistency in performance, or the arm of the pitchers, I don’t know. Whatever it is, in my opinion they performed well that night, and are more than worthy of season tickets! If you’re not in the area, find your way to another minor league ballpark, because it’s the best ticket in town! If you’re in the east, you might get lucky enough to see the Thunder in action. Now…  if I could only score an annual press pass!

Grillaxin’ at Mrs G’s With the Trenton Thunder

Grill season is approaching. Before you know it, the backyard will become the seasonal kitchen. Since man created fire, there has been a desire to cook on an open flame, and with the invention of the barbecue grill, the task became easier.

Recently, I went to Mrs G’s in Lawrenceville, NJ, where there was a kick off celebration. Two pitchers, starter Lance Pendleton, and relief Grant Duff of the Trenton Thunder were on hand with their mascot Boomer for photos and autographs. Owner Debbie Schaeffer has teamed up with the Thunder for the Mrs G’s Wednesday Night Giveaways. Every Wednesday night Trenton Thunder home game, Mrs G’s will give away a washer/dryer combo, grill, TV or vacuum cleaner. You just have to buy a ticket to the game and while you’re there sign up at the Mrs G’s booth to be eligible.

Weber’s executive chef was on hand to give grilling tips and demos using a Summit model. He grilled pineapple, kielbasa, and pork loin while I was there, and passed out samples. Hot dogs were made on another grill, and ice cold beverages were offered. There was an old-fashioned kettle corn popcorn machine, and of course kids were gathered around it for a complimentary bag. The music added just the right touch to the atmosphere, making this a fun BBQ. The weather was gorgeous, and it was the perfect day to grillax!

If you live in the Central Jersey area, attend the Trenton Thunder home games on Wednesday nights for the chances to win amazing prizes!

What’s Cooking With Chef Sara Moulton?

Sara Moulton released her cookbook Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners earlier this year, and is on a book signing tour. This former Food Network celebrity chef is even giving cooking demos and classes in select locations on her tour. I was fortunate enough to be at one of her demos, and let me tell you, she’s as witty as she is talented in the kitchen. This wasn’t a dull demo of just reciting the recipes, she had stories, told jokes, gave tips, and answered questions without missing a step.

Sara Moulton’s show Cooking Live was one of the first shows I watched on the Food Network. It’s a shame they took it off the air to make room for more food-related shows. I think it’s important to also have real chefs showing technique and giving tips, but maybe that’s just me. She can now be seen on Sara’s Weekend Meals which airs on PBS in most areas on Saturday mornings, so check your local listings. As you’ve probably guessed, the book was inspired by the new show.

During the demo, she put together a non-traditional lasagna which used sliced polenta instead of lasagna noodles. For dessert, she prepared a chocolate cheesecake which she microwaved. Both recipes are included in the new cook book, and tasted great.

She asked us if we knew the two irreversible kitchen disasters. Some thought adding too much salt. She explained that could be fixed by adding liquid. After we seemed stumped, she gave us the answers. 1. You can never recover from burning food. 2. You should never purée potatoes in a food processor, because once they’re over whipped they because a gluey mess, and the texture cannot be restored.

She also shared the three conductors of flavor. 1. Water 2. Oil and 3. Alcohol. She has even conducted a taste test of Penne à la Vodka with and with the alcohol. Sara emphasized that vodka itself  doesn’t have flavor, but it imparts so much in the sauce, that makes a big impact on taste!

Before she started cutting onions for the lasagna, she put on a pair of special glasses. Sara, who is also the Good Morning America Food Editor, told us these goggles prevent your eyes from tearing up. In the clip below, it’s shown as one of the featured gadgets.

Chef Moulton also shared her thoughts on two ingredients. First, she is NOT a fan of canola oil due to the fact that the non-organic varieties are modified. She prefers using grapeseed oil. The second bit of information she shared was about salt. She prefers using Kosher salt because of the feel of it. It’s easy to take a pinch and know how much to use without measuring. I totally agree. She even compared brands, mentioning that Morton’s uses additives and Diamond Crystal does not. Wow, I didn’t know that, but good thing I’ve ALWAYS used the latter!

If Sara Moulton comes to your town, do yourself a favor, and watch her in action. Not only do you get to watch a Culinary Institute trained chef do what she does best in your presence, you also get to see a side of her the camera doesn’t always capture, and it’s priceless!

OBX – The Outer Banks, NC Where Summer is a Verb!

The Outer Banks was first introduced to me by a friend. It’s a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, with a collection of beach communities.  The word summer as a verb, simply means you spend weeks away from your primary residence during the summer. For some, this means staying in their beach/lake house along the northeastern coastline or lakes in the north. For others it means renting a property in one of these locations. Ideally, you’re there for all of July and/or August. Being from the northeast all I knew was southern New Englanders summered on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod and Block Island; New Yorkers summered on the Hamptons and Fire & Shelter Islands, and New Jerseyans summered on the Jersey Shore. These summer colonies are often in seasonal regions. The south is usually considered more of a winter resort area. Even though North Carolina is in the south, it’s not deep enough to be too hot in the summer on the coast, so North Carolinians actually “summer” on the Outer Banks. After my friend’s descriptive recap of her days and nights in NC during these months, I decided to check out OBX!

Each location on the Outer Banks is different, and offers a unique vacation, often catering to a particular lifestyle. Some places are quiet, and offer lots of privacy, which can be a nice backdrop for exclusive soirees, while others are in the middle of all the action where you can make a quick escape to go out for a beer and hear a live band, or challenge the  kids to some rounds of mini golf. The Outer Banks offer diversified activities, and it’s really worth the trip to experience this chain of barrier islands. From Carova Beach in the very north to Ocracoke in the south, there’s something for everyone. I’m going to focus more on the northern beaches, since I know them better.

Milepost 1 starts right after the Wright Memorial Bridge bringing you onto the barrier islands. The gateway to the Outer Banks is Kitty Hawk. It’s a mix of residential and commercial real estate. There are strip malls along the four-lane Hwy 158 offering chain stores and eateries, as well as individually owned shops and restaurants. The Monument to a Century in Flight can be found here. The Hilton Garden Inn is one of the few hotels are located on the islands. If you’re fortunate, you can witness a wedding held on the beach behind it. I love watching the skim boarders and surfers around the pier in Kitty Hawk. There are also many fishing on pier.

If you turn left onto NC 12 North and drive to the very end, you’ll discover a sign that reads only 4 wheel vehicles are allowed past that point. It definitely made me feel like a rebel to drive a 4 x 4 vehicle on the shore. As a matter of fact, that’s the only way to get to the cottages on Carova and Swan Beaches, because there are no paved roads on this northern most section of the Outer Banks. You will also not find supermarkets, gas stations, or shops of any kind in this area either. It’s just the beach, dunes, and houses here, so if renting, you’d better bring ALL necessities, and fill up the tank. The good thing is, you don’t have to completely rough it on these beaches. There are enough large rentals here to host family reunions in a manner to which you are accustomed, or at least to which you would like to be. You might be isolated, but you could have all the conveniences of a modern mansion. There are also smaller, and moderately-sized cottages here as well.

Driving along the shore can be like being on an obstacle course at times, due to the driftwood and gnarly uprooted dead trees lying about. Have no fear, because the beach is fairly wide here, and there is PLENTY of room to navigate. What I found most exciting though, was seeing wild Spanish mustangs roaming free on the beach! Score! If you don’t have a 4×4, you can take a tour that leads you over the dunes, and will search for the wild horses, which aren’t often on the beach. If you prefer, you can rent a Jeep, and have the pleasure of driving on the shore yourself.

Corolla is the next stop heading south. This location is known for its lighthouse. There are a few shopping centers offering tours, casual and fine dining, supermarkets, gift shops, etc. The historic Whalehead Club residence of Heritage Park is right next to the lighthouse. The Currituck Club provides the best golf course on OBX, which was created by Rees Jones. As a matter of fact, Golf Digest recognized it as one of the top 25 courses in the entire state of North Carolina in 1999!

As you continue to drive south, you’ll find the prestigious Pine Island community of Corolla. Here the homes are large and beautiful, offering many ammenties for discriminating tastes. These homes can even host several families or large groups for special gatherings, boasting 5 – 11 bedrooms, home theaters, arcade rooms, gourmet kitchens, swimming pools, and more to accommodate all guests, sometimes up to 28. However, this enclave is not exclusive to luxury properties. There is also The Sanderling resort hotel here, which offers suites, casual & fine dining, a spa & salon, and access to the Pine Island Racquet and Fitness Club. Weddings are also popular here.

Next up is Duck. I know, it’s an odd name for a town, but it’s actually my favorite based on its layout. Biking is very popular here due to the bike lanes on either side of the road. The largest two shopping centers (Scarborough Lane and Scarborough Faire) are designed like bi-level boardwalk, and the town offers a wide variety of shops, as well as, a large selection of restaurants including fine dining. Duck has a wonderful Americana beach town atmosphere.

Southern Shores is suburban until you get to Hwy 158. There’s a small shopping center on the two lane NC 12, and two more on Hwy 158. Otherwise, most of the town is very quiet. You can spot dolphins and surfers just after sunrise here, especially near the pier in Kitty Hawk.

Past Southern Shores, you’re back in Kitty Hawk, and then on to Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. They are similar to Kitty Hawk, with Hwy 158 running through them. Sites at Kill Devil Hills include the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the Nature Conservatory at Nags Head Preserve.

Nags Head is home to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the largest natural sand dune on the east coast. This is an ideal place to fly a kite, or go hang gliding. Just south of Nags Head, you’ll find the Bodie Island Lighthouse, named after the northern island it calls home.

Roanoke Island is just west of the lighthouse over the Virginia-Dare Memorial Bridge. I’ve only been to Manteo, which is the northern end of this island. Here I visited the Lost Colony Waterside Theater, and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. There is also the Elizabethan Gardens and the North Carolina Aquarium in the area. Also, lots of water activities are offered here, including a jet boat tour, and dolphin watching.

Once you cross the bridge over the Oregon Inlet, you’re on Hatteras Island. You’ll pass the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge, then on to Rodanthe. For anyone who has seen the movie “Nights in Rodanthe”, you’ll recognize the house on the left as you pass through. It had been in disrepair for a while. The house is on stilts, and was literally over water at high tide. It was purchased by a couple who has set it further back due to beach erosion, and is restoring it back to its beauty of when it was in the movie. Further south on the island, is Cape Hatteras, which can boast of having the tallest lighthouse in the US.

Pamlico Sound is where you’ll find the best kiteboarding on OBX. Further down is the southern most island, Ocracoke. You have to take the Cape Hattereas-Ocracoke Ferry to get there. This is where the fourth lighthouse is located.

The ocean side properties get to wake up to beautiful sunrises, but the sound side cottages get the amazing sunsets. Most of the towns are narrow, and allow a short walk to witness both. Ocean front cottages get the most amazing views. There’s nothing in front of you except a small dune, and some towns don’t have that. There is also no boardwalk, so those hoping to stroll along the beach looking for ice cream and salt water taffy will be disappointed. Some sound front properties have their on dock, so if you own a boat, this is ideal! They too have a nice waterfront view, just without the waves.

If you ever have a chance to summer on the Outer Banks, you can choose to relax on the beach and just soak up the sun, take part in water sports, go fishing or sailing, tour various parts of the barrier islands, host fabulous parties, or all of the above. I’ve had the opportunity to see all of OBX from the northern most to southern most tips. There is more shopping, fine dining, spas, activites and water sports available on the northern beaches. So if you like to be pampered or crave excitement, Bodie Island is the place for you. The southern beaches are great for fishing, crabbing, and relaxing. This is where there is a more casual, laid back atmosphere, and also some remote homes like on Carova and Swan beaches. If this is your thing, consider Hatteras or Ocracoke Islands.

So, where will you summer this summer?

For more photos, visit my Flickr set http://bit.ly/cgKuef  For more OBX information, visit http://www.outerbanks.org

Are You Ready for 3D TV?

Ready or not, 3D TV is coming your way. Last month I predicted it would be a tech trend of 2010, and after recently attending an Electrolux sponsored blogger event hosted by MrsG’s @DebbieSchaeffer, and coordinated by Mrs Mo NJ’s @MrsMoNJ, it’s clear that this is going to be in demand by summer! The keynote speaker, Techlicious Founder and Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Kantra, Twitter handle @Techlicious, presented 3D technology in a way easy to digest, even for non-techies. This style is the essence of the website. She was the tech editor for Martha Stewart Living, and Popular Science before starting up Techlicious.com. Did I mention this event was broadcasted live on UStream TV?

Debbie Schaeffer welcoming guests

More and more movies released in theaters are using polarized 3D technology to enhance our viewing experience. Gone are the days of the paper 3D glasses with red and green/blue plastic lenses. These days, we’re given polarized glasses by Real D 3D which look more like a pair of Rayban Wayfarer sunglasses. The effects vary, based on the technology used to shoot or edit the films. I loved Techlicious Founder and CEO Josh Kirschner’s take on some differences. Movies like “Coraline” have graphics popping out of the screen, and make a bold impact. Then you have a movie like “Avatar” which is subtle, and the effects draw you into the scenes, allowing you to connect more with it because of the more natural 3D effect.

Some movies are filmed with special two lens cameras to give us a rich 3D experience, while others are shot with regular cameras, but with 3D in mind, so they make sure the scenes are bright enough, and can be enhanced by adding depth. Unfortunately, other movies are only trying to jump on the band wagon, and aren’t even worth the increased ticket price to watch in 3D. If you take the glasses off, you don’t notice much of a difference, so read the reviews before deciding to pay extra for watching that movie in 3D, or eventually buying it as a 3D Blu-Ray disc.

3D content is being filmed/edited everyday, and it seems like films are being released monthly. The next step is to get them on the “small” screen. Manufacturers are now producing Blu-Ray players capable of playing the content to be shown on 3D TVs. The discs should be available soon. All that’s needed are the 3D glasses, which unfortunately will not be as inexpensive as the polarized theater models due to a different technology needed to reproduce the effect on DLP, LCD, and plasma screens. This is the only drawback. The price range for these shutter glasses is $50 – $250 per unit. Many glasses are proprietary to the manufacturer, but this pair of 3D glasses allow you to use them on any HDTV.

The great news is, 3D content doesn’t end with Blu-Ray discs. Broadcast TV, consumer video cameras, still cameras and video games will also be sources of 3D material. Mitsubishi DLP TVs will be 3D ready, and will require an emitter to send the signal wirelessly to battery operated shutter glasses. Manufacturers of plasma and LCD TVs will have built-in emitters. Both Suzanne Kantra, and Monster Cable’s Scott Pecchia emphasized the importance of using high speed HDMI cables (v1.3) to connect your equipment to each other to properly view 3D material. Monster Cable even has a “Cable for Life” program, which allows you to upgrade your high speed HDMI cable if your current cable isn’t keeping up with current technology.

My Twitter friend @KhurtWilliams asked about the long term effects of wearing 3D glasses, in addition to eye strain. The response was, at this time there isn’t enough data to answer the question about long term effects. Personally, I say everything in moderation. I plan to provide this as a weekly treat for my family, not a daily habit. We also sit at least six feet away from the screen, which reduces the chances of eye strain. What a coincidence that I saw a link he tweeted yesterday, which was “Is 3D Bad for You?”, and it discusses eye strain. It is something everyone should read and consider. I love 3D technology, and I think if used with care, it can enhance your viewing experience. You could have similar concerns about looking at a computer screen all day. It too could cause eye strain or make you nearsighted, so it’s suggested to periodically look at distant objects for about a minute. Basically, exercise good judgment and limit 3D viewing. Stop watching the 3D content if you experience discomfort like headaches or eyestrain.

Suzanne Kantra on right

By the way, I just have to add that a delicious lunch was served. Mrs. G’s always provides a tasty, healthy meal for us, and this event was not any different. McCaffrey’s Supermaket provided the food, and prepared it on site in the Electrolux working kitchen. Steak and shrimp fajitas, with sour cream and freshly made guacamole & salsa were on the menu with salad and fresh fruit. Yum!

I’m really excited about 3D TVs, and I’m getting ready for the explosion. I wasn’t an early adopter, watching movies via a home server as this post describes, but I do want to be one of the first in the neighborhood to invite my kids’ friends over to watch a Disney or Dreamworks CG 3D movie, so they can go tell their parents to buy all the goodies, and spread the tech joy!