Christmas day was good. My sister arrived around 9:00 am to open gifts. Everyone seemed pleased with their gifts.

The Samsung BD-F5700 Wi-Fi Blu-Ray Player [shown below] was one of my Mother's gifts. It has built-in wifi and a Ethernet port which allowed for easy connectivity to the Verizon FiOS internet service. My mother's room has an Ethernet option, but not the guest bedroom and formal dining room shown in the photos below. Once I get all of the options set up [just need to test the AllShare features]-- it will go into her room so she can watch movies from my sister's extensive DVD library.

What I like about the unit, other than the high quality output via the HDMI port for both the Blu Ray Player and Internet TV streams, is the fact we do not need another Set Top Box. It connects easily to the WiFi router, much like our notebook computers. [There is only one Ethernet cable to my Mother's room and it is being used by her desktop computer-- so the player's built in WiFi option will be used to provide her with the additional entertainment options of the new player alongside her normal FiOS TV options via her Set Top Box.]

That said, if the unit were staying in the guest bedroom where there is no FiOS Set Top box-- we would probably opt for the Samsung BD-F5900 which is a bit more. The slightly more expensive unit [BD-F5900] is compatible with the Verizon FiOS App.

Links to compare both units: (1) Samsung BD-F5700 Wi-Fi Blu-Ray Player (2) Samsung BD-F5900 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Disc Player (2013 Model).

Another of her gifts, a keyboard w/case for her Verizon Ellipsis Tablet.

I think this tablet accessory is easier to use than the popup keyboard that most tablet owners/users are familiar with.

Another gift I really like-- this Toledo Clock by IMAX. We are still deciding where it should go. We needed a clock in the den near the flatscreen because the set top box in that room does not have a front panel [therefore no clock]. The new clock is so nice-- we can't decide if it should go there or any number of other locations that will work.

I have been setting up new equipment, throwing out old things and enjoying holiday foods. Also caught the following movies and programming.

Plan to start eating less and throwing out or donating to charity, things I no longer use.

Washingon news? Little abstract, so I am staying busy doing other things.