Good deal-HDMI switch (HD TV)

We've needed an HDMI switch at a low level (just to hook up the HD camcorder) for a while. I'd intended to get the Apogee 3-way auto-switch from SuperMediaStore for a while. They've got it priced at $26 or so. It's self-powered and either autoswitches or you can select an input with a button or with the remote.

Good thing I waited, they now have a deal running where they throw in a three-pack of 6-foot HDMI cables, which normally costs $16. I don't think you can do better. Reviews are pretty good on the switch, though marginal if you want to use the remote (I don't).

Here's the link

Snow tires and patches

We got some wet snow last night, just enough to cover, and then it dropped from ~35*F to ~25*F. So I put a studded tire back on the front. Turns out to have been unnecessary, as I thought it would be, but it's not a big deal to swap tires and I don't need a spill.

Also, I patched the tube that went flat last week. This was my first time using the Harbor Freight patch kit. It's a heck of a deal and works fine. $2.49 (I actually paid $1.99) and contains twenty 1" patches (good for bike tires) and several smaller patches, TWO tubes of glue (good since they dry out after being opened for a year or so).

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97204

I actually used office supply rubber cement so I can save the unopened tubes for use on the road.

I put the patched tube back on the rear so I have the brand new tube as a spare. It now has 4 patches on it.