Cox Cable remote pairing issues--can't get remote to work

Are you trying to set up a Cox Communications cable remote and box, such as the Contour 2 HD BOx, but you just can't get it wor work right? Take a minute to read this over. It might save you hours of frustration. Do you have more than one Cox Contour or other cable box in your house? Think a minute and you will probably see the problem. Suppose you have a 40-inch smart TV in your kitchen and a new, 50-inch in your bedroom. WHen you follow the instructions for pairing your new tv, the remote dowsn't work right. Volume up anddown or Channel up and down don't work. Or when the instructions tell you to enter the three-digit code on the screen, there is no such three-digit code. Now here is the final clue. When you walk into the kitchen to get a drink of water, you notice that there is a three digit code on your old, 40-inch TV. Yes, your new remote is goofing up the setup codes on your old TV and not doing its job on your new TV. (Don't tell me you are stuck in the past when remotes sent out blasts of coded infrared signals to the TV. Oh, come on. THe Cox remotes talk to the boxes with RF (radio frequency) signals that can PENETRATE WALLS and talk to every TV you own. (So, if in an attempt to "clear the remote," you sent code 9-8-1 to clear your new TV from the new remote, what you likely did is to clear all your devices. Okay, you have been in pain and doubt long enough. THe (in hindsight) obvious solution is to unplug all the other TVs and cable boxes and remove the batteries from the other remotes. Plug in one TV, one cable box, and batteries in one remote. Turn on the box and the TV and follow the ordinanry setup instructions. If you neeed to unpair, do so with all the other equipment off. TVs are like people. THey often hear someting different from what you think you are saying. It's a case of "Are you talking to me?" And your answer is, "Oops. Sorry."

One and Only Chili (Also Known As "Loser Chili")

One and Only Chili was painstakingly created to include every ingredient measured in a 1, as you will see by the recipe. The third iteration of the chili was so good that we foolhardily entered it in a Chili Cook Off contest, which resulted in the additional epiithet, "Loser Chili." Any, this chili is really good, is only mildly spicey, has a smooth feel on the palate, and happily is welcomed for leftovers.
Ingredients for Step 1 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 tbsp minced garlic Ingredients for Step 2 1 pound ground beef, crumbled Ingredients for Step 3 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes 1 8 ounce can of tomato sauce 1 6 ounce can tomato paste 1 cup beef broth 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp fish sauce 1 tsp cocoa powder 1 tsp granulated sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground pepper 1 tsp hot pepper sauce 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed Step 1 Put olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic into InstantPot and sauté. Step 2 Add ground beef to InstantPot and sauté, mixing with onions and garlic Step 3 Add all ingredients to InstantPot and stir together thoroughly. Close the lid on the InstantPot, make sure pressure relief valve is closed. Press the Beans/Chili button, setting the cooker to cook on High for 20 minutes. When cooking is completed, allow the steam pressure to go down on its own. SERVE, garnished with green, red, and yellow bell pepper pieces, and a dollop of sour cream. Robert Harris November 11, 2021

Tonor TC30 USB Condenser Microphone

 The Tonor TC30 USB condenser microphone has finally met all of my requirements for a good computer microphone. In the past I have purchased half a dozen microphones for use with my software--headset with mic, phantom power condenser, Webcam mic, and so on. My requirements were:

1. It must be easy to hook up and not require a bunch of elaborate equipment such as a phantom power supply. The TC 30 USB mic is, as its name says, connected to a USB port. Simple plug-and-play.

2. It should be quiet and  not include a bunch of background noise on recordings. The TC30 comes with a shock mounting and a pop filter, and the signal to noise ratio is 68dB. Frequency response is 50Hz to 20kHz. If you wonder how adequate that is, do a sound test (there are lots them on  YouTube) and see how  good your frequency range is. I can hear from about 69Hz to 7500 kHz.  

3. It should include a pop filter because I tend to pop my Ps into the microphone all the time. The Tonor TC30 has a very sturdy pop filter, approximately 3.5 by 3.5 inches. The mounting to the mic is very sturdy, eliminating the possibility of slipping during use. (Yes, I've had more than one droopy pop  filter.)

4. It must be compatible with and work well with the software I use most. My programs are Audacity, Zoom, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking 15. Working with Audacity is excellent, with Zoom is very good, and with Dragon is functional (I think my PC, even though new, is running slow.)

5. It must be reasonably priced. I'm rather stingy, so I looked for a new mic in the $30 range, and found the Tonor30 USB.

6. It should come with good documentation, related to performance specs. Yes, it does.

Things I like about the TC 30

1. If you like to make unboxing videos for YouTube, The TC30 is a great choice. The microphone is packaged in a beautiful box using high density foam like an expensive camera would be.

2. There is a web site and an email address right on the box--and on the instruction manual--if you need customer support.

3. There is a two-year warranty.

4. Included at no extra charge are the pop filter and desktop tripod.

5. The microphone includes a shock mounting that attaches to the tripod, keeping out much extraneous noise. 

6. The Tonor TC30 is rugged looking and appears to be solidly built. If you are looking for a mic for podcasts, this one has very impressive gravitas (it looks great). 

Bottom  Line: If  you want a very nice mic for $30 or so, check this one out.  I am very pleased with it.

Clean  Hands Declaration: I have not received any payment or incentive to write this review or to express favorable opinions about  the product. If you click on the ad for this product and purchase it from Amazon, I will be paid a small fee.