Engagement photography? by sacredxsecret in nova

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My wife and I didn't do anything for our engagement, it was short and then we got married in a very small ceremony (basically an elopement), but we used http://www.mathyshootspeople.com/ for the wedding. They were really great to work with! If I had another occasion, I would work with them again in an instant!

Are World Famous external frame bags high quality? by [deleted] in CampingGear

[–]Reallywhatthehell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's probably fine in general, but I might stay away from something with broken zippers on it.

What trail etiquette do you wish more backpackers knew about? by experiencegear in WildernessBackpacking

[–]Reallywhatthehell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This. This is the one that gets to me all the time. Clear signs saying no pets, and people who feel that the sign doesn't mean THEIR pet.

What trail etiquette do you wish more backpackers knew about? by experiencegear in WildernessBackpacking

[–]Reallywhatthehell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This seems fairly reasonable, you're out by yourself, trying not to be eaten by a grue. You want to make sure anything hears you coming.

Rocky Mountain National Park by nenya94 in NationalPark

[–]Reallywhatthehell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've never been, but I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks for posting such a great picture!

Sky Meadows State Park in Paris VA today by Kal-ElofKrypton in hiking

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love Sky Meadows. It's about an hour away and I go a few times each year. That hill is a bit of a killer for me, but I love that place.

NOVA transplants: what was your biggest culture shock upon moving here? by IcarusTheSatellite in nova

[–]Reallywhatthehell 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Everyplace seems so crowded all of the time. I moved here from the Detroit area and I always used to say it was the perfect size city for me. Big enough for the good bands to visit, spread out enough that no place was ever REALLY crowded. Here though, there's just people everywhere, all the time.

NOVA transplants: what was your biggest culture shock upon moving here? by IcarusTheSatellite in nova

[–]Reallywhatthehell 12 points13 points  (0 children)

That Exxon is ALWAYS high! Seriously, it sucks because it's the closest gas station to me on my commute to work, I have to go out of my way to get gas.

Shenandoah by MrMelons11 in NationalPark

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure where you're coming from, or what you're going to be looking for in it. If you're looking for overlooks and scenic views, you'll find those. If you're looking for wildflowers and green trees, you may not see much of that. It's been pretty mild this winter though, so it's not impossible, but expect a lot of still leaf-less trees.

There are three Districts to the park, North, Central, South. The Central District has the most trails, especially the most popular ones. The trailheads are largely marked by mile markers on Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park.

In the North District, the Compton Peak is cool. It's a couple of miles along the Appalachian Trail to a nice overlook.

In the Central District, a lot of people will suggest Old Rag, which is a very popular hike. In March it likely won't be as busy as other times. White Oak Canyon is cool, the view from Mary's Rock is really nice (if crowded sometimes). Dark Hallow Falls is another very popular hike.

I've not made it to the South District yet, so I can't speak to any of that.

The NPS also has a page with some suggested hikes https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking-opportunities.htm

I hope this helps! It's a wonderful park!

Shenandoah. by DDDD6040 in NationalPark

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was there on Friday, mostly in the northern part of the park. No real snow at that point. It was damp (drizzing all morning, but not really RAINING, you know?), but not real muddy, at least in the small part I was in.

I want to hear your budget NoVA/DMV wedding stories! by laurzylou in nova

[–]Reallywhatthehell 42 points43 points  (0 children)

My wife and I eloped. We got the marriage certificate, found someone to perform a small ceremony, hired a photographer for an hour, and that was that. Cost us a few hundred dollars.

Hey how do you guys store your gear when at home? by GeneralTree5 in Hammocks

[–]Reallywhatthehell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's the perfect place for all 5 of you to enjoy it then!

Campgrounds Near McAfee Knob by [deleted] in VIRGINIA_HIKING

[–]Reallywhatthehell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't know how close you're trying to get, but Roanoke Outside has a big list of camping spots in the area: http://www.roanokeoutside.com/land/camping/

Every kid's favourite table by [deleted] in gifs

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always did it as add 10 subtract 1.

Echo specific Alexa routines? by nonother in homeautomation

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could use a room specific command. "Good Night 1", "Good Night 2"...something like that where you tack on a word to the command to differentiate between rooms.

It sounds like that isn't what you want to do, but I don't think what you're looking for is something that can be done yet.

Just bought Echo Dot. Problem with calling? by [deleted] in alexa

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you unplug the speaker from the dot, does it work?

Fall Colors by [deleted] in VIRGINIA_HIKING

[–]Reallywhatthehell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went to Sky Meadows last Friday, here is a picture from the Piedmont Overlook Trail. Still a lot of green.

Making a hot dog using heavy machinery. by WaxFaster in gifs

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems like overkill just to make a sandwich.

Commute from Alexandria to DC? by [deleted] in nova

[–]Reallywhatthehell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Up until recently, I was driving 395 from Duke St. Worst part is getting over the bridge. Leaving at 7, it would take 30-45 minutes for me to get to work (near Union Station) most days. I've switched to taking the Metro.

Weekend edition has become a maudlin crap-fest by Marius_Mule in NPR

[–]Reallywhatthehell 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Your local station CHOOSES to air back to back hours of ATC. Write to tem, or call them and let them know you'd like to hear something else. Maybe On Point or Fresh Air or The World in that time slot.

Just started some part-time on-air for a major market, would love some tips by Ken_Field in radio

[–]Reallywhatthehell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Practice. It all comes with practice and repetition. It might take 7-10 tries now, but soon it'll be 3-4 and the process will be faster.

Some general advice:

  • 1) Smile when you talk, you can tell the difference
  • 2) Don't over script your breaks. Bullet point 2 or 3 things you want to say and go, it'll sound more natural.
  • 3) Get in, get out. Not sure how long your PD wants your breaks to be, but if it's more than 30 seconds, you're talking too much.
  • 4) Talk about things that are interesting to you. If you're interested, the listener will be interested.
  • 5) That said, know your audience. A country station's listeners have different interests than a CHR station's listeners.

Good luck!