My first experiment in the shop with creating an easy-to-make stabilizer for the Flip wasn't very successful, but gave me ideas about how to improve and simplify. Again, I'm so close to leaving for a holiday in Baltimore and Atlanta that I won't have an opportunity to get back in the shop until the New Year.

I have an audio recording session happening with my son, Ben, and I'm having to re-learn what I've forgotten about ProTools (audio recording software from Avid Technology, a company I used to work for) and my Mackie mixer.  But it's a great time, and a great experience with Ben.

The Western Digital My Book World Edition arrived on my doorstep yesterday. I set it up last night, and I'm in the middle of configuring it.  At a minimum, this will provide automated backup for about six computers in the house.  That's huge, and will get a major worry off my chest. Having a terabyte of space for all our collective media files, and providing a sense of security about their safety, has been a concern of mine for several years.  I have tried out and written about a number of different products for affordable, reliable, automated backup for consumers.  The idea of this device is wonderful.  I just have to see how well it delivers.

I'm also interested in how well this device might substitute for FlipShare TV.  I'm a fan of FlipShare TV, but it doesn't give me backup.  I'm a TiVo user, and the TiVo I have is likely to be able to see and play media from My Book, and it's also supposed to be accessible from X-Box 360, PS3, and other digital media adapters. Finally, My Book gives me remote access to my data, without any computers being left on in the house (except My Book, which is actually a very small computer.)  Assuming I have it configured in time, I may be able to stream video from home in Massachusetts to relatives' homes in Maryland and Georgia. (Another pain that goes away is having to take my password database with me.)

The holidays should give me a needed break about the directions our website(s) take from here.  My commitment is to learning, creating, and sharing ideas and information about budget video, to enjoy it, and to try to make a little money by providing a high-value experience for others.