The Real MaxQuad

QSY

2009-09-05T17:47:00.003-05:00

Been meaning to post on this for a while, but I've been lazy:

To follow my thoughts, heckles, jeckles, jeers, fears, etc. etc. etc., visit my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/mattthepm

I will not make any future posts to this blog unless there is a specific need to blather on about and so forth.

Thanks Moe. .

Read the stinkin' manual!

2009-02-19T13:01:00.005-06:00

Disclaimer: Yes, I am a geek and have better skills than most folks figuring out electronics, computers and 'techy' stuff. So, I should be a bit more gracious in my thoughts, I know. But, I digress.

Poking around the FCC Daily Digest for today (2/19/2009) turned up an interesting entry. The FCC DTV Call Center has fielded over 28,000 calls regarding the digital transition date, which has been moved to later this summer (stupid is as stupid does). However, some stations chose to turn off their analog signals on the original 2/17/2009 date, thus causing apparent confusion among some consumers.

The biggest complaint received by the FCC was:

'Many of the calls were from consumers who were unaware that they should run the
“scan” function on their digital televisions or converter boxes in order to get reception from a station that changed its digital channel after the transition.'

People, please: READ THE STINKIN' MANUAL!

IF you buy a piece of electronic kit that's the latest and greatest, please take the time to learn it's functions. Yeesh!

The public has been made aware of this transition for MONTHS. Broadcasters have done their share of public awareness and what to do in preparation for the transition.

Again, read the manual.

Arm Crank Dat Soulja Boi

2009-02-04T20:36:00.003-06:00

I started an exercise program at MTMC's Wellness Center a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the facility and it's staff. My physical trainer, Andrea, has started me out on a basic cardio/strength training regimen. I'll start on the treadmill with a brisk 10 minute walk, followed up with 10 minutes on the 'recumbent elliptical' machine. After that, I move over to the 'arm crank' machine, which is basically an upside down stationary cycle (you crank it with your arms).

Once I complete my cardio, I move over to some basic weight training. Shoulder press, compound row and chest press machines are part of the routine. My weight limits are small, but it's going to take time to build my strength up to where it needs to be.

In other news, Kel and I bought an Oreck vaccum cleaner with canister vaccum. Additionally, we purchased the Oreck Orbiter, which is an orbital sander style cleaning machine. Good quality products, although I think we'll need to do another cleaning session to rid Maggie's and Tank's pee spots once and for all. The Orbiter did good, but it's going to take some work.

I think we may have to replace the carpet with some nice laminate wood flooring.

(call 800-588-2300, Emmmpire (today))

Current Mood - Tired
Current Music - Beginnings - Chicago

Post-Op

2008-12-22T10:31:00.002-06:00

It's been nearly a week since I went under the 'scopes for my surgery. Today is the first day I've felt like sitting up to write a blog entry on the experience. I will say at first that the hospital stay at Middle Tennessee Medical Center was outstanding. The anesthesiologists, nurses and technicians were amazing. They attended to my every need and request. I was pleased to find out one my surgery preparation nurses used to go to church with my family several years ago. She was even kind enough to find a bigger bed for me during my wait, as I was having some extreme hip pain (add a bit of morphine to that and it made for a comfortable queue).

Last thing I remember thinking as I went into Operation Room 7 was that the test pattern on the camera monitor was rather good and sharp. I don't remember if it was a NTSC test pattern or BBC Test Card F.

As I awoke, I heard the typical 'reverse reverb' of daily life start to increase in volume and then looking over and weakly saying 'Hi' to one of the nurses. The surgery prep room seemed rather busy at that point with other patients; it seemed warmer and brighter, almost warm-fuzzy.

Recovery at home has been rough, suffering from lack of desire to drink or eat and 'abdominal distress'. I've had quite a few trying moments with my emotions, up to the point of crying, "Why in the hell did I do this?!".

I just have to remember that the long term results will outweigh a thousandfold the short term pain I am experiencing.

More to come later. . .need to rest...Rest...yes, REST. . .

Current Music - None
Current Mood - Tired

The Bandster

2008-12-15T08:27:00.002-06:00

At least that's what some forums call Lap-Band patients, as I have been reading up on the procedure this morning. 48 hours to go and it's getting down to crunch time. I've been somewhat naughty in eating a few 'regular' foods over the past week, but I will say my caloric intake still has been reduced considerably.

My wife has been a trooper through all of this; putting up with my irritability and frustrations. She is my rock, my shoulder to lean on, my love. This morning, we went over the pre-op diet procedures again, with an emphasis that I 'better be good' today. Protein shakes are in the fridge, ready for consumption as my hunger warrants it. I know she'll be on my hindend to follow protocol, especially considering she works in the health field as a tech and a nurse-in-training.

We're hosting a class at work today, and traditionally, we have breakfast prepared for the students every morning.

Daggumit, that egg casserole sure smells good (sigh).

Current Music - The Band - The Weight (Take A Load Off Fanny)
Current Mood - Anxiously silly

Nananynanynanynany. . .stick it in your ear!

2008-12-13T18:08:00.003-06:00

Check this crap out. Not only is WKRN 'News 2' being childish, but they should be glad that DISH Network would want to carry them in their local channel lineup for the Nashville market. Young Broadcasting, which is the parent company of 'News 2', is blowing it, potentially losing advertisers and most certainly abandoning their viewers.

Here's WKRN's side of the story.

Current Music - None
Current Mood - Null

Yay!

2008-10-29T11:29:00.002-06:00

Welp, my insurance carrier came through and I am approved for Lap-Band surgery! Surgery date is scheduled for December 17. I'll be able to partake of one more 'normal' Thanksgiving dinner before then (heh heh).

More to come later.

Current Music - Fat Man In The Bathtub - Little Feat
Current Mood - Chipper

Signal 9

2008-10-16T14:31:00.002-05:00

I have decided not to have the gastric bypass procedure, instead electing to go with Lap-Band surgery instead. Two days into my liquid diet, I have decided to call it quits with prepping for the gastric bypass. It's not so much the hunger pains I am facing at present, but it's more the thought of such a drastic change to my digestive system.

At least with the Lap-Band, the flow of food into the stomach can be adjusted as needed by the doctor, plus it's completely able to be reversed.

It may be a couple of months before I can do the Lap-Band surgery, what with the refiling of insurance and so forth.

I may try to target a date AFTER the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

In the meantime, I am going to try my damndest to not eat out so much. That's the biggest part of my problem. I CRAVE that fast food and 'once a day' daily buffets.

Argfhgfaildagnabit!

In case you were wondering, 'Signal 9' is the code for 'cancel/disregard' used by some law enforcement agencies here in Middle Tennessee. A holdover in my lingo from my dispatcher days, I guess.

Current Mood - Disappointed in myself
Current Music - None, I shut the iPod off

Nashville TV Bloopers

2008-10-14T12:37:00.005-05:00

Here's some funny blasts from the past in Nashville TV, courtesy of YouTube. You'll notice a young Chris Clark, formerly of NewsChannel 5 WTVF Nashville, cracking up over an story about organs. Also in Part 1, I believe the clip with the Hester battery commercial is from 'The Carl Tipton Show' which was a fixture on Nashville television for quite sometime. I believe the host is John McCreery, who was known in Murfreesboro radio for many years. Dan Miller of WSMV Channel 4 is also featured in the second video on this post.

Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

This is a nice break from the rigid, over produced television we know and loathe today.

However, I was watching a story on Fox 17 (WZTV) the other night where a reporter was doing a live shot from a local music show. During the report, the sound check was being performed and all of a sudden you hear a loud, 'SH-I-I-I-I-IT!' over the P.A. The reporter cringed slightly as they went to a clip. . .

Good stuff!

Current Mood - Funny
Current Music - Let The Children Play (Reprise) - The Miracles

Date is set

2008-10-14T09:30:00.003-05:00

The date is set (set the preset...tell a friend!):

October 29, 2008.

Just in time to beat the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner rush!

Today marks my last day eating 'normal' food, as I begin the 2 week pre-op liquid diet starting tomorrow. It's not so bad; liquid fruit based smoothie shakes three times a day with a fruit snack in the morning and salad in the afternoon. Throw in 64 ounces of water a day and you've got a basic diet.

Weight as of yesterday: 447 lbs. Slight gain from the 438 lbs I was at three weeks ago.

Current Mood - Anticipating
Current Music - "Surfin Bird" - The Trashmen

Approved

2008-10-07T13:46:00.002-05:00

I found out this afternoon that my insurance carrier has come through and I am now officially approved as a candidate for gastric bypass surgery. The pre-op education class is scheduled for Monday, October 13th, liquid pre-op diet soon to follow.

It was funny when I got the call, because I was naughtyingly (if that's a word) chowing down on a piece of fried chicken over at the Murfreesboro institution known as the City Cafe. I stopped eating the chicken for a moment and decided to slow down and absorb the fact that by month's end, I won't be able to consume food in this manner anymore.

Scary thought, but I have to do this. I have no choice. It's my health or else. . .

Current Mood - Elated
Current Music - Issac Hayes - Joy

Big Boy

2008-07-30T21:35:00.002-05:00

MTMC Bariatric Surgery Center

7/28/2008, 1430 hours - 452 lbs (the highest weight I've ever recorded)

I visited with the bariatric surgeon this week and it kicked me into a more positive outlook on life. The gastric bypass procedure is down to a near science, with fewer complications than in times past. In fact, I should be able to return home after a 1 or 2 night hospital stay.

Late October is what we're looking at for the surgery date. Kel wants to be able to be with me during the process, so we're going to try to get it in there around Fall Break at MTSU (she's so wonderful).

My largest concern is the possibility of suffering from extreme depression as result of not being able to eat the same portions as before the surgery. Yes, I know, it sounds very strange, but as with any addiction, breaking an old habit can be rather taxing on the mind and spirit.

The nutritionist told me to begin consuming a 3000 calorie a day diet. 3000 calories, you say!? Apparently, after tallying up my normal foodstuffs consumed on a daily basis, my average caloric intake was MUCH higher than that. 3000 calories a day will be a rough start for me.

It's just a matter of getting off my ass and getting into gear with this diet change.

I still ate rather badly yesterday and today, partaking of a Chinese buffet for lunch on Tuesday and scarfing a bit of the old Papa John's for supper (no Bryan, I didn't drink any garlic sauce directly).

Buckle down, my mother always (and still to some extent) used to say.

A psychological evaluation and support group meeting are the last two items to complete in order to begin this journey.

My old boss from my first job said he would put me on my old church's prayer list.

That really means alot to me, considering the fact I've been at a crossroads in my faith for many years.

Fat Man Walking

2008-07-06T02:28:00.003-05:00

From this post's title, you can guess that I am going to gabble about being a fat man.

Morbidly obese, in fact, with frequent leg and foot pain, back pain and severe chronic obstructive sleep apnea.

My current weight (as of 7/3/2008) is 445 lbs. Factoring in my height of 6'1", this places my BMI (body mass index) at 58.7.

This is the highest weight that I have ever recorded...

I am amazed I do not suffer from high blood pressure or di-ah-bee-tus (sorry Mr. Brimley).

Fortunately, I am about to take drastic measures to correct this problem, and I pray it will put me on the right track toward proper health.

I am applying to be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery. If my insurance and other factors play correctly, I hope to have the procedure completed by year's end.

For those who are familiar, there are several procedures that can be performed which have varying degrees of success.

The LAP-BAND procedure is the most minimally invasive, being performed sometimes as a 'same day' surgery. However, it doesn't cause rapid weight loss, which is probably going to be essential in my case.

After finding out that it can be reversed, the actual gastric bypass (the bypassing of the stomach completely, with the creation of a small pouch for food) may be the most effective for rapid weight loss in my case. However, I will more than likely not have it reversed once my goal weight is reached. Maintaining a proper diet is going to be a major effort on my part in the years to come.

The Middle Tennessee Medical Center Bariatric Program offers step by step procedures to obtain the surgery and perform the necessary follow ups to ensure life long good health.

My wonderful wife Kelly is supportive of this endeavor. She is my foundation; my cheerleader, encouraging me on every step of the way. I am so blessed to have such
an amazing woman in my life!

I'll post the occasional update on this blog with any major developments.

Current Mood - Tired of being huge
Current Music - 'Tums' commercial theme song (I have heartburn at the moment - - yuk)

EZ 989: The Restful Station - On Hiatus

2008-06-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

Due to the lack of time in producing new programs, EZ 989 is taking a sebbatical from the air for a while. Hopefully, if the gods allows it, Amateur Radio Newsline and Shortwave Radio Report will air in it's place.

I hate doing this, as I have really enjoyed doing the show for almost 3 years on RFN. My hope is to resume doing the show eventually, maybe with more of a central focus on 'strange and weird' music. Hell, I may even get Workeshoppe Radio Phonik back together and record performances to air each week (maybe Pimpdaddysupreme would be up for that?).

In any event, I will continue to do the occasional blog posting on this site, with an audio blurb every so often.

Thanks for the support and we'll see you up and down the dial.

Current Mood - Glum
Current Music - Rehab - Amy Winehouse (more like 'Whinehouse')

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #89

2008-05-30T13:41:00.003-05:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #89

First new show in quite a while!

My wedding was amazing and wonderful. I'll have some links to video and photos posted at a later time.

This is my first show produced on an iMac using Audacity. Audacity's a good little program, but it's rather clunky if you're trying to do multi-tracking, which is how this show is produced.

Enjoy!

Current Music - Theme From "To Kill A Mockingbird" - Elmer Bernstein
Current Mood - Tired

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #68-REAIR

2008-05-05T14:41:00.004-05:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #68-REAIR

Reair from last year; sorry for the delay in posting.

The show is pretty much on exclusive rebroadcasts of old shows at this point. I haven't had much time to produce any new programs. I am getting married May 17th and have been busy preparing for the big day!

You may ask, "Matt, why haven't you said anything about getting married until now?!?".

I do not want to make a bunch of fanfare about my personal life on this blog (in this aspect at least). This blog is for posting links to my radio show, various witticisms and other notions, not personal matters.

That being said, I am extremely excited! If you want to find out more information, swing over to my Myspace or Facebook pages.

Current Music - Five Dollar Foot Long Jingle - Subway
Current Mood - Tired

Random goofyness

2008-04-23T10:49:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, Terry, Bruce and I went up to Short Mountain and installed a power amplifier on the repeater. Coverage in the Middle Tennessee area has improved considerably since the install.

Here's a video showing the results of our labor, namely the amount of power this sucker draws (as shown on the transmitter shack's watthour meter) and the output power (which blew Terry's power meter, rated for only 60 watts, off the scale).

In the lab, the amplifier was tweaked and tuned to put out about 85 watts. Our machine is coordinated for 397 watts, so we've got plenty of room to grow and still be a 'coordinated' repeater.

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #88

2008-03-14T11:36:00.003-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #88-Amateur Radio Newsline for 3/14/2008

We're on the road today, so we are airing this week's 'Amateur Radio Newsline' program. The link on this post is directly to ARN's ftp site for download of the program. On the WRFN side of things, we played several tracks from The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' and a couple of favorites from The Marx Brothers.

Since the music cuts were loaded up in automation, I will probably grab the archive from this hour and repost it so you'll have a nice little package of 'restful station' goodness.

Current Music - Theme from "How Crayons Are Made" - Sesame Street
Current Mood - Cheeky

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #87

2008-02-29T13:51:00.002-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #87

Show for 2/29/2008. Dang, it's taken me a near month to finish this show up. I need to start producing shows ahead of schedule by about a month in order to keep up.

Current Music - None
Current Mood - None

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #86

2008-02-27T08:49:00.002-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #86

Show for 2/22/2008. Live from the Radio Free Nashville studios! Rough program, considering I was coming down with the flu at the time.

Current Music - None
Current Mood - None

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #85

2008-02-08T13:11:00.000-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #85

Show for 2/8/2008. First 'official' show for the New Year. Yes, I know, I've been running several older shows over the past few weeks.

WRFN is now simulcasting it's audio on WBUZ 102.9's FMeXtra stream in the Nashville market. This pretty much quadruples 'RFN's potential coverage area. FMeXtra is somewhat like the iBiquity 'HD Radio' system, but it uses the station's existing subcarrier channel for the digital stream (as opposed to the sidebands like the iBiquity system).

In any event, if per chance you have an FMeXtra receiver, tune in on FMeXtra X1. To get a receiver, go to the WRFN website (link to the left of the page) or visit this link

Current Music - None
Current Mood - None

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #84

2007-12-28T13:06:00.000-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #84

Show for 12/28/2007. Last show for 2007. Enjoy!

Current Music - None
Current Mood - None

Masking. . .

2007-12-16T17:19:00.000-06:00

I've changed from Comcast's webspace to blogspot.com in order for my RSS feeds to work properly. If you have any issues, please bear with us in this transition.

Current Music - Samantha Song - Emotion
Current Mood - Fuzzy

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #83

2007-12-14T15:58:00.000-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #83

Show for 12/14/2007. Heh, it's taken me two months to get this show produced. I ain't got, got, got no time these days. I'll do better, I p-ommmmis. . .

The KA4VFD repeater is still working good! Terry, KE4PJW, will soon be linking his repeater in South Nashville to it right soon. Sweet. Friggin' sweet.

Ever notice the bass is out of tune in The Guess Who's "No Sugar Tonight"? Listen close, it's flat and sharp in many places (listen to the show and you can hear it there even!)

Current Music - None
Current Mood - None

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #55 - REAIR

2007-12-07T12:39:00.000-06:00

EZ 98.9-The Restful Station-Show #55 - REAIR

Show for 12/7/2007. Original broadcast 12/29/06. Second half of the program features music from the movie 'Duel'. Way cool stuff!

Yes, I know, I haven't updated things in a while. The past few weeks have been rebroadcasts of previous shows, so I didn't bother to post 'em up here on the blog. Lazy, I am, yes.

I came across the term 'elastic loaves' when I did a search in Google for 'ahmadinejad is an idiot'. This term surfaced last year as certain western words were banned in Iran. Elastic loaf is the term for 'pizza' in Iran. This is nutty!

Current Music - Ween - Joppa Road
Current Mood - Heelin' and toein'