Panasonic Showstopper: TiVo-like capabilities without the subscription

I'm a long-time TiVo user. I thought my wife would like DVR capabilities, but I didn't want to shell out for another monthly subscription. (My brother says these nickel and dime payments are the bane of modern existence, so he keeps them to a bare minimum--including watching only broadcast TV. But I digress).

My solution: purchasing a Panasonic Showstopper on Ebay. These units do not require a monthly subscription. They usually go for between $100 and $150. I upgraded the hard drive using an external USB hard drive case and this software, RTVPatch W2K GUI. I also downloaded an image file (Showstopper&replay30xximage3.02.zip) from www.replaytvupgrade.com/ This approach meant I didn't have to monkey around inside my computer.

In short order, I had a no-subscription DVR for about $200.

Wendy's frescata club: the reviews are in

Apparently, I'm not the only one who's a fan of Wendy's frescata sandwiches.

Check out these blog reviews;

• Tales from the Dorkside: The new Wendy's Frescata Club sandwich is really good (May 8 entry).
  
  
• NCP Authors blog: I tried the new ham and swiss Frescata sandwich at Wendy’s and loved it.
  
  
• Savory Notebook: My oldest son tried one of their new Frescata sandwiches and I asked him for a bite. It was actually pretty good! He tried the Roasted Turkey and Basil Pesto Frescata.
  
  
• Health Hacks: I was literally shocked at how good the taste was (April 3 entry).
  
  
• Anna's blog: I can’t get enough of their Frescata Club sandwich! I’ve had it 3 times in 2 weeks now! (April 20 entry).

fast food

Wendy's Frescata Club

It had been about ten years since the last time I stepped into a Wendy's fast-food restaurant. I was no longer enamored with the burger and fries experience.

But recently I was intrigued by the new Frescata line-up of sandwiches. Today, I ordered a Frescata Club sandwich, and I was really impressed. I topped it off with a baked potato and a Dasani water. All for a little over $5.

Thanks, Wendy's. I'll be back.

Frescata club

fast food