You’ll need RJ-25 (6-pin) modular plugs and a six-conductor cable of sufficient length. I used Cat 3, but you could use Cat 5 just as easily. The wiring is incredibly easy, just ensure that you have the six conductors in the same order on both plugs. You’re essentially making a straight-through cable. To make life easy on myself, I use the 568A wiring spec and just leave off the brown and white/brown pair.

Trim the cable housing down, insert the conductors into the plug housing, ensure you have a snug fit, crimp the connector, and repeat on the other end, boom, you have a separation cable.

I was introduced to this rum by the courtesy of a store clerk when I wandered into the local liquor store and proclaimed my ignorance, then asked for assistance with picking out a bottle that was owed to a friend. The clerk pointed me to Pyrat Rum XO Reserve, arguably one of the more expensive bottles on the shelf, I thanked her for her assistance, paid for my purchase and left. Gift delivered, I thought nothing of it until another friend chided me for my relative boringness and proclaimed that I needed to live a little. So, I bought another bottle, this time for my own personal enjoyment.

Warm, I am not a fan, straight or mixed. As mentioned on The Drunk Pirate, it tastes a little like gargling a pine tree if you drink it straight. Not that I have any direct experience, but it’s the closest I could come to describing it. We gave up after most of a warm rum and coke (aka Cuba Libre), and decided to stick the bottle in the freezer. I’m a firm believer in chilled alcohol, as warm alcohol tastes/smells like paint thinner to me. Not sure why, but it’s the truth.

Just finished a rum and coke with cold Pyrat (and cold Coke), and let me tell you, good stuff. Gives a slight hint of vanilla to the drink, but not enough to be overpowering, and goes down pretty smoothly. Definitely worth the $30 for the bottle. Not sure what other potential is out there (although I am sure there is an app for that), so we’ll come back to this as we figure out more.

I suppose my first thought would be to fix the “affinity wear” problem: if you’re going to wear a shirt that labels you as an amateur radio operator (ARES, RACES, or otherwise), make sure it looks professional. Wear some clean looking slacks and a nice pair of shoes. Dress like a professional, even though you’re not. It’s unfortunate that the ARRL has not provided the ARES logos on anything besides a t-shirt and a baseball cap. The dress code in the environments I work in is a collared shirt and clean jeans, if not slacks.

Next, remain physically active–I’m not saying amateur radio operators need to dedicate themselves to looking like a bodybuilder, but there’s a reason I used the term “old fat guy” above…some of my fellow hobbyists definitely need to reconsider their diet and exercise plan. I work out on a regular basis, usually a 20-30 minute run/walk on the treadmill and some weightlifting. Not going to turn me into Mr. Universe, but it helps me feel better, more relaxed, and more energetic.

We’ll come back to this later…for now, I’m off to a BBQ…and to drink some bourbon and rum (not together)…perhaps a review on those is forthcoming. Maybe like a “Cigar Aficionado” for amateur radio? Tell me what you think this website should do.