Lifestyle
Kinivo’s HDMI Kit Cuts Your Cable Cost and Cord
I think it is safe to say that we are all looking to try and save a few bucks here and there. We are looking to cut costs, but not strip ourselves of certain things. One thing that I was looking to do in 2014 was to see if I could cut my cable TV subscription. I hear more and more that a lot of people are doing it. Not that I am conforming into peer pressure, but when it comes to saving money I will take a look at all the options.
There are some devices out there that just work for their programs that are just for their operating system. Then there are those trying to be a knockoff version and the quality is very poor. What I wanted was quality TV, but not paying an arm and a leg for it.
I found out about the Kinivo HDMI kit and wanted to see what they could offer. Kinivo is a producer of quality mobile device accessories. Recently they introduced the new WHD110 wireless HDMI extender kit, created for home audio and video to wirelessly stream content to your television in high definition. Kinivo’s WHD110 extends the wireless HDMI signal with a simple and convenient set-up process, eliminating cable clutter and streamlining your home’s entertainment system with this all-in-one solution.
The HDMI extender kit streams video and audio content up to 65 feet in open space or up to 40 feet indoors, depending on wall density, for a wireless connection between televisions, audio systems, laptops, gaming consoles, cable boxes, monitors and more. Kinivo’s WHD110 brings content from the small screen to the big screen and provides a simple way to wirelessly connect the Internet to your television.
Requiring no complicated set-up, users simply connect Kinivo’s compact transmitter to the output device and attach the receiver to the TV’s HDMI input to wirelessly stream audio and video over your home’s entertainment system. Kinivo’s WHD110 also brings the power of the internet to your living room with the ability to stream online content to your television screen.
It is perfect for cutting the monthly cable bill. You can wirelessly connect their television screen to a laptop or desktop and directly stream video instantly.
“The WHD110 updates your home’s entertainment system by providing advanced features with hardly any set-up required,” says Kinivo VP of Operations Neeraj Srivastava. “Completely customize your home’s entertainment system with wireless streaming and connect with your favorite devices in an entirely new way.”
And that I did. I was very happy with Kinivo’s kit. It has a wireless frequency of 5 GhZ. It streams media in 1080p resolution and supports 3D. It has a 40 feet indoor range as well as 65 feet in open spaces. It comes with removable stands for transmitter and a receiver. It supports the following video formats for TV: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 480p; PC: up to 1920×1080. For audio you can use either PCM, DTS and DOLBY DIGITAL.
There are a ton of devices that it is compatiable with such as HDTVs, HD projectors, monitors, Blu-ray, DVD players, HD satellite and cable set top box, DVR systems, AV Receivers, Computers (Windows/Mac), HD output capable tablets and smartphones, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360.
So if you are looking to ditch the high cost of cable and stream TV and much more from your devices make you check out the Kinivo HDMI kit. For more info check Kinivo’s website.
Jan 29th
V-Moda Crossfade M-100
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 delivers a bass-heavy sound with a design that is pleasing to the eye. Just like the M-100’s predecessors it has the diamond shaped metal ear cup plates that can be customized to your liking. The M-100’s are tough too! The Kevlar cable is tangle-free and when you travel you can put your headphones in its exoskeleton carrying case.
Going with the traveling theme the M-100s can transform into an almost ball like state. The ear cups collapse and don’t take up too much space. There is also a 1 button microphone cable, a shareplay cable, and V-Corks. What is a V-Cork you might ask? Well the V-Corks can plug up one of the inputs when you are not trying to share music or if you were linking up two sources at the same time.
V-Moda headphones have a crystal clear sound to them. These babies produce a very powerful bass output. The design of the M-100s with the 50mm dual diaphragm driver and with a frequency response of 5 – 30 kHz, place the emphasis on the bass sound.
Besides the M-100’s having a powerful bass system the sound is very detailed and crisp. There are some headphones the require batteries for enhanced sound. V-Moda says no to batteries or artificial processing. The M-100 is powerful and has a clear sound without the two extra digital-to-analog conversions that are needed to be battery-powered. Those other headphones can sometimes pollute the purity of your music. Also the Crossfade have minimal sound leakage so you can immerse yourself in your music without others being able to hear your playlist.
Another thing I look at for headphones is how comfortable are they. Well the M-100 has plush memory foam cups which makes for an enjoyable wear around the ears. No matter if I am at the gym, editing a podcast, or working around the house I could wear these for hours.
The Boom Pro microphone instantly transforms the M-100 into the ideal headset for gamers, podcasters and broadcast professionals. You can even get laser engraving customization service with logos, artwork, text, numbers and multiple plate colors.
For more info on the V-Moda M-100 check out their website!
Jan 29th
Adam Perry Lang: Cooking with Whisky
Combining his incredible barbecue skills with delicious George Dickel Tennessee whisky, Chef Adam Perry Lang demonstrates how to make a great sauce with George Dickel No. 12.
Jan 27th
Drink Whiskey and Rum for the Big Game
There are a lot of firsts surrounding the big game this year – the first time it’s being played in NJ, the first potential game in the snow and the largest age gap between quarterbacks in history. While you’re probably used to watching the game with a beer in your hand, why don’t you ditch the beer and drink whiskey or rum in honor of the most watched football matchup of the year?
Below are some delicious food and drink recipes that incorporate three epic whiskeys – Crown Royal, Bulleit, and George Dickel. Also below are the new Captain Morgan Rum-inspired recipes developed by celebrity chef Hugh Acheson.
Whether you’re watching the actual game, halftime show or commercials, these recipes are the ticket to a good party.
Crown Royal Wings
Ingredients:
⅓ cup Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
⅓ cup honey, SueBee
¼ cup soy sauce, Kikkoman
2 tablespoons Thai chili sauce
1 packet (0.75-ounce) stir-fry seasoning, Sun Bird
2 teaspoons crushed garlic, Gourmet Garden
4 pounds chicken wing drumettes
3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped (optional)
¼ cup chopped peanuts, Planters® (optional)
Preparation: In a large bowl, combine whisky, honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, stir-fry seasoning, and garlic. Add drumettes, tossing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Set up grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking. Let drumettes stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place on hot, oiled grill. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and peanuts (optional).
Why it’s great for the big game: Looking to kick your appetizers up a notch? These Crown Royal-wings are a guaranteed hit at the party with a mouthwatering whisky-infused sauce.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum Glazed Wings, Garlic Buttermilk Dressing, & Scallions
Ingredients:
3 pounds chicken wings
1 cup Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum
½ cup sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon peanut oil
½ teaspoon chili flake
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 tablespoon warm water
3 tablespoons butter, cold
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup buttermilk
1 lemon
½ shallot, peeled and minced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons carrot fronds, finely chopped
3 tablespoon scallions, sliced very thin on a strong angle
1 bunch of baby carrots
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Heat a large cast-iron skillet in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse and pat the wings dry with paper towels, then separate the wings from the drumsticks and discard the tips. In a large mixing bowl, dress the wings with the sea salt and peanut oil. Add them to the cast-iron pan in 1 layer to assure even cooking and roast the wings for 20 minutes. Turn each wing and continue roasting for an additional 15 – 20 minutes.
For the glaze, add the Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum to a small saucepot and reduce over medium heat, about 10 minutes or until the liquid is reduce by half. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the warm water and set it aside. Add the sherry vinegar and the chili flake to the rum and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir the glaze until it becomes thick. Remove the glaze from the heat and add the cold butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until it is completely incorporated. Set the glaze aside for later use.
For the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, combine the mayo, buttermilk, and the zest and juice from 1 lemon. Mix together with a whisk until smooth and incorporated. Next add the shallot, garlic, carrot fronds and 1 tablespoon of the sliced scallions. Mix until combined and reserve.
To finish the wings, turn the oven to broil and crisp each side of the wing for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Take them out of the oven and place them onto a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off any rendered fat. Place the wings in a mixing bowl and add the reserved glaze. Toss the wings in the glaze to thoroughly coat each one.
To plate, sprinkle the wings with the remaining scallions and serve them with a bowl of the dressing and the carrots.
Why it’s great for the big game: Everyone loves variety, so add a little Captain Morgan to this wing recipe and spice up your football viewing party.
Crown Royal XO (on the rocks)
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Crown Royal XO
Preparation: Pour Crown Royal XO over an ice-filled rocks glass.
Why it’s great for the big game: The newest addition to the Crown Royal family, this extraordinary whiskey is finished in cognac casks and handcrafted for smoothness. Raise a glass to an extraordinary play with XO on the rocks.
BLT (Bulleit, Lemon Tonic)
Ingredients:
1.3 oz Bulleit® Bourbon
2 lemon wedges
3 oz. tonic
Preparation: Build in a highball glass, serve over ice
Why it’s great for the big game: Bite the Bulleit with the BLT – with just three ingredients anyone can make this cocktail with no chance of botching.
Dickel Ward No. 8
Ingredients:
1.3 oz. George Dickel No. 8
.5 oz. orange juice
.5 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
.25 oz. grenadine
Preparation: Build in glass and serve in a rocks glass.
Why it’s great for the big game: A perfect balance of flavors, the Dickel Ward can make the halftime show even more enjoyable.
Gridiron Grog 
Ingredients:
1 oz. Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum
1 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon
1 oz. Olorosso Sherry
1 oz. Clove and Vanilla Syrup (recipe follows)
7 oz. hot ounce water
2 strips of orange zest
2 Meyer lemon rounds, 1/8 inch thick, seeds removed
Preparation: Rinse a small thermos with warm water and then dump out the water. Into the thermos pour the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Bulleit Bourbon, Sherry, and Clove and Vanilla Syrup. Stir to combine. Top with hot water. Gently stir. Cap until ready to serve.
Pour the Grog into two small 6 to 8 ounce mugs and garnish each with a strip of orange zest and a round of meyer lemon that is gently squeezed over the top to release a little acid. Drink.
Clove and Vanilla Syrup
2 tablespoons whole cloves
1 ¼ cup water
½ Vanilla bean, scrapped of its seeds
1 cup sugar
Preparation: In a small saucepot, bring the water, cloves, vanilla bean and seeds to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes and then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Remove from the heat and allow the vanilla and cloves to steep in the syrup for about five minutes before straining.
Jan 27th
Mountain Dew Kickstart Has New Flavors
Mountain Dew Kickstart took mornings by storm in 2013. Now, DEW Nation can get ready for the night with a pair of new refreshing and bold Mtn Dew Kickstart flavors developed for nighttime consumption.
Mtn Dew Kickstart Black Cherry and Mtn Dew Kickstart Limeade fuse the great taste of Mountain Dew with five percent real fruit juice, plus electrolytes for taste. With only 80 calories per 16 oz. can and just the right amount of kick, Mtn Dew Kickstart is the ideal beverage to get you ready for whatever the night will bring.
“Mtn Dew Kickstart Black Cherry and Mtn Dew Kickstart Limeade give you just the right amount of kick to get you ready for anything the night brings your way,” said Greg Lyons, Vice President of Marketing at Mountain Dew. “Whether it’s an epic road trip, a winner-take-all gaming tourney or a standing-room-only concert, Mtn Dew Kickstart packs 16 ounces of energizing refreshment so you and your buddies can start the night right.”
Mtn Dew Kickstart Black Cherry and Mtn Dew Kickstart Limeade drop in retail stores nationwide today. Meanwhile, five Mtn Dew Kickstart “Night Machines” are hitting the street across the U.S. to give fans an opportunity to taste the new flavors.
Visit mtndewkickstart.com or Facebook.com/MountainDew for more information and join the conversation at @mtn_dew #KickstartYourNight.
Jan 13th
George Dickel Whisky Introduces George Dickel No. 1
As we enter 2014 George Dickel Whisky introduces a new spirit to their great beverage line. It is called George Dickel No. 1. It uses their “Foundation Recipe” that has been a staple in some of their whiskies including No. 8, No. 12, and their Barrel Select. This unaged whisky is handcrafted from grains and water from the Cascade Spring. Then it goes through their signature Chill Charcoal Mellowing process that gives the whisky a soft, smooth finish. Some whisky fans think that using the Chill Charcoal Method in the mellowing process makes it perfect for the wintertime.
No. 1 is 91-proof, which is 45.5 % ABV and has a clear appearance. When I took a sniff I found that it had a soft smell and wasn’t overbearing. I also took in hints of raw grain. As for the taste, well it is very smooth with a sweet corn flavor.
Whether you like to enjoy your whisky neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail, the No.1 could become one of your all-time favorites. When I tried the No. 1 I was extremely pleased with the taste and finish. It just came out on the market and has a suggested retail price of $21.99 for a 750 ml bottle. Below I added some cocktail recipes that work really well with George Dickel No. 1.
Dale DeGroff’s Holiday Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1.25 oz George Dickel No. 1
1 dash DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters
0.25 oz Dale’s Cherry Liqueur
0.5 oz Simple syrup
2 orange slices
2 cherries
Directions: Muddle a cherry and orange slice with the syrup and liqueur and the dash of bitters in a bar mixing glass. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass. Add the whisky and ice and stir Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Mr. Loveless
Ingredients:
1 oz. George Dickel No. 1
1 oz. sweet vermouth
0.2 oz. maraschino liqueur
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Directions: Stir all ingredients and strain into old fashioned glass over ice. Finish with lemon wheel.
Southern Spritz
Ingredients:
1 oz. George Dickel No. 1
0.25 oz. Italian aperitif bitter
0.5 oz. lemon juice
0.5 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey & hot water)
2 dashes orange bitters
Directions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into cocktail glass. Top with 3 oz. dry sparkling wine. Garnish with orange twist.
Tennessee Roots
Ingredients:
1.33 oz. George Dickel No. 1
0.33 oz. lemon juice
0.33 oz. simple syrup
0.33 oz. pineapple juice
Directions: Shake all ingredients and strain over ice into old fashioned glass. Top with 1 oz. ginger beer. Garnish with lemon wheel.
Jan 13th
Crown Royal Invites Me to Reign On with the Chicago Bulls
With the third pick in this year’s NBA draft Crown Royal selects…..me! Well kind of. This year I will be bringing you the biggest and brightest moments of the Chicago Bulls NBA season. I am teaming up with Crown Royal for their #ReignOn NBA campaign.
From now through the rest of the NBA season I am going to be following my team DA’ Bulls. I will be sharing with you the sickest dunks, ridiculous buzzer beaters, and come from behind wins that Chicago pulls off. Granted the team got a huge setback when their star Derrick Rose injured his knee which forced him to miss the rest of this season, but my hopes are still high for the team.
Former Bulls player and now executive Vice President of the Bulls, John Paxson said recently, “We do believe that Derrick’s going to be a great player again. We can’t promise anybody that, but that’s a belief of ours because we know Derrick well enough and we think he’s going to work hard enough.” So you have to feel the Bulls will still try to make a run this year to keep up pace with the rest of the league.
Heck, they are still 5th overall in the Eastern Conference. I can see them making the playoffs. Coach Tom Thibodeau always finds a way to get the most out of his players. He is a strong defensive minded coach, which is key in the NBA to win games.
I will also be in New Orleans next month for the NBA All-Star Game. I will be checking out all the All-Star Weekend activities and share them with you. I will try and get myself to be a participant in the dunk contest. You think the NBA will allow me to dunk on an 8 foot hoop? A guy can dream can’t he?
Crown Royal recently launched a new whisky called Crown Royal XO and I will checking it out and letting you know my thoughts on the XO.
Make sure you’re following me on Twitter, @DadatworkNJ to know when there could be some special Crown Royal giveaways for those 21+. I will be using #ReignOn in my tweets. I suggest you do the same!
Jan 11th
adidas Releases Next Generation Springblade Razor
adidas launches Springblade Razor, the next generation of explosive energy under your feet. The new running shoe is available for pre-order on adidas.com this weekend starting Sunday, January 12.
Springblade, introduced last year, is the first running shoe with blade technology designed to help propel you forward. The Razor features a unique web design over sock-like Techfit technology that helps lock your feet in place and enhances breathability. The shoe’s 16 individually tuned blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy. 
Springblade Razor goes on sale on adidas.com, at adidas Sport Performance stores and retailers nationwide including Finish Line on January 16.
The Razor launches in four colorways for men, including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Tech Grey Metallic/ Light Scarlet, Metallic Silver/Black/Light Scarlet and Light Scarlett/Black/Metallic Silver, and three colorways for women including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Black/Vivid Berry and Bahia Pink/Metallic Silver/Black.
Join the conversation on Twitter at #Springblade and @adidasUS and check out facebook.com/adidasrunning
Jan 10th
RX Action Mobile App
RX Action Mobile App is an app for everyone. Whether you are someone that recently signed up and “joined a gym” or you are a part of the movement that is shaping and redefining fitness. This app will allow you to be in tuned and up to date with the sport that is crossing boundaries and bringing people together. Rx Action Mobile App brings the most current news, videos, and information about competition at your fingertips.
Download it for your Apple or Android device.
Jan 8th
2014 Toyota Highlander Review
CARMEL- Sometimes being first just isn’t good enough. When Toyota pioneered the Mid Sized Crossover SUV segment in 2001 they were so far ahead of the curve the term “Crossover” had yet to exist. It was easier in those days; the masses clamored for an alternative to their gas guzzling SUV’s and minivan chariots of suburbia. The people were pleased with the Highlander and all was good in Toyota’s kingdom. Today the gates bulge with game rivals from Seoul to Detroit and memories of total dominance in the category are but a memory. Merely existing is no longer enough to stand out in the now crowded marketplace. The throngs have a taste for sport and design and not even the family SUV’s are safe. Toyota’s message is clear. The tall wagon is dead! The tall wagon is dead! Long live the manly crossover SUV!
2014 Toyota Highlander Look
Toyota embraces the styling accents of the day with a very pronounced grill and wide chiseled front. Viewed from the corners the Highlander stretches gracefully towards a pronounced back edge. The belt line is accented by concave panels at the bottom of the doors and depending on the viewing angle I see elements of the Lexus RX, Dodge Durango, and the BMW X5. The new look goes further and further away from the look of a tall wagon and more towards the styling of a truck based SUV.
2014 Toyota Highlander Interior
Inside the cabin is where you leave the truck behind. The Highlander may look like a tough guy on the outside but on the inside it remains a family car. This is where Toyota’s design team really connects with their customers. A simple shelf under the dashboard is covered in a soft material that keeps your phone from sliding around while you drive. The intuitive pass through for your USB and AUX cables prevents the irritating and sometimes unsafe tangling of wires around your gearshift. The center console is large enough to fit a small bag or large purse. Turning around to yell at back seat passengers will soon be extinct thanks to the brilliant Driver Easy Speak. The new feature amplifies the driver’s voice through the speaker system to the back of the vehicle. A sneaky convex mirror in the sunglasses caddy allows drivers to check on their rear seat passengers with a glance. It might be years before the kids figure out how you know exactly who started it and who’s seat belt isn’t buckled. These are hardly game changing innovations but they are the kind of features that simplify and improve a drivers daily life. The Entune App Suite incorporates apps like Yelp, OpenTable and Pandora into it’s native LCD infotainment display. The software needs some work and can be clunky at times but it’s effective enough once you get comfortable with it.
2014 Toyota Highlander Driving Impressions
The driving experience is surprisingly good for such a large family vehicle. The steering and suspension is relatively tight. The V6 engine feels powerful at times and the 6 speed transmission holds up well during rapid acceleration and braking. Acoustic glass and noise dampening insulation make for a quiet cabin even at highway speeds. I pushed the car pretty hard on the hairpin turns and winding roads overlooking Monterey Valley and came away, well… impressed. The suspension is firm enough to minimize body roll yet it maintains a soft ride. Although it will never be confused with a Porsche Cayenne or Infiniti FX, the 2014 Toyota Highlander does have some shreds of sport and fun in it’s DNA. Just make sure you drop the wife and kids off first.
2014 Toyota Highlander Safety
Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and rear view camera all join 8 airbags as standard features. The Star Safety System is a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle while cornering and braking. Available features like Lane Departure Alert and Safety Connect fill out an impressive list.
Overall
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is bold where it’s older brothers were dull. Driving mechanics are more interesting and the car is loaded with personal touches and intuitive design. If you’re in the market for a family SUV the gestures made towards performance and aggressive style may be just enough to swing you their way. However, the Highlander does seem expensive at it’s higher end and it remains to be seen how many buyers will ante up close to $50,000 for a Crossover SUV without a luxury badge. The $29,000 base LE trim level comes reasonably well equipped but some of the more exciting features are only available in premium packages. Underneath the cosmetic changes and adjustments to the driving experience, the 2014 Toyota Highlander remains true to it’s roots as a safe and dependable family car. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
2014 Toyota Highlander Specs
$29,215 – $41,100
Hybrid $47,300
2.7L 16 Valve 4 cylinder engine on the LE with 185hp
Available 3.5L 24 Valve V6 with 270hp
V6 3.5L Hybrid Engine with combined 280hp
6 speed Automatic Transmission
2.7L MPG 20 / 25
3.5L MPG FWD 19 / 25
3.5L MPG AWD 18 / 24
Hybrid V6 3.5L 27/28
Available Tow Package
Dec 31st
