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What do you do if your company is hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, in the throes of bankruptcy, and has had to borrow another $125 million to keep the utilities working in your remaining stores? Well, if you’re former video store king Blockbuster, you launch an expensive new ad campaign.

For the first time since 2007, BB will be launching a national television ad campaign. The goal of the $15-$20 million campaign, according to Reuters, is to “increase awareness in the fact that Blockbuster rents new releases 28 days before Netflix and Redbox, a unit of Coinstar,”

Will this campaign have the desired effect and bring back the renters, or is it just another waste of Blockbuster’s already limited funds? Leave your thoughts in the comments, Insiders.

(via The Consumerist)

29 Responses to “Blockbuster to Launch Multi-Million Dollar TV Ad Campaign”

  1. Visitor [Join Now]
    teew [visitor]

    Hope they don’t forget to mention that BB Express (their little spin-off that will make them $0) won’t be getting them for 28 days either.

  2. Member [Join Now]

    What a waste of time and money. Just go already.

  3. Visitor [Join Now]
    firstlawofnature [visitor]

    $15 or $20mm…what a joke. The TV execs are taking their crumbs while they can. The movie rental chains used to be big spenders on ads with consumers footing the bill. Now the TV guys don’t get much money from netflix and redbox and it costs very little to rent discs. Great trend for consumers in America.

  4. Visitor [Join Now]
    guitargod1399 [visitor]

    blockbuster this is to little to late! should have seen this coming a long time ago and adjust accordingly..there is no way blockbuster can get back the customers and revenue it once had.

  5. Visitor [Join Now]
    Jim johnson [visitor]

    Bb is gonna die, where in there right mind can they think charging 9$ for a 4 day game rental is normal, I hope they die soon?

  6. Visitor [Join Now]
    lvnv1010 [visitor]

    instead of wasting the money on advertising, they should be creative and use it to try and do better than their competition, like okay its nice that they will be getting the movies like a month sooner, why not find a way to get it to customer’s livingrooms like netflix, still keep the movies by mail, maybe throw in video games in the mix, but have more of a selection to choose from and more current movies and tv shows etc. at a reasonable late fees..or surprise charges..and then maybe they will have a chance.

  7. Visitor [Join Now]
    Lou Diamond [visitor]

    I think the failure of Blockbuster will be very soon, they are hard to find now as they used to be one every 2 miles.
    All you can find is new releases and no classic movies, I have a better selection for free at my local library.
    The sales help has been the worst, they never want to move from behind the counter and they think it is ok to just point and make a stupid face at you.
    Good bye and you will not be missed.

  8. Visitor [Join Now]
    BB [visitor]

    Well, I don’t celebrate anyone losing their jobs and I still enjoy walking through a store and browsing the movies.

    So I am not bitter like the rest here.

    I hope they make it. There aren’t many places left to read the box before you rent.

    Merry Christmas.

    • Visitor [Join Now]
      Micah [visitor]

      All you have to do mouse over any title on Netflix and the same info from the back of a movie case pops up on your screen. Redbox is the same way; all the info is there to read. I’ll stick to unlimited streaming with Netflix for $8.99/month and $.99 DVDs from Redbox.

      Just saying…

      • Visitor [Join Now]
        BB [visitor]

        Yeah, just old school. Just enjoy walking through a store, reading the box, looking at the art work. Just not the same sitting in front of a PC. Enjoyed the old days of VHS too. And the free popcorn the Mom & Pop had airing through the store. Sweet.

        • Member [Join Now]

          You could go to a store like Best Buy and read the info. I know what you mean though, I miss those days too.

          Anyways, BB is just wasting more money that isn’t theirs (futhering bankrupcy) and all they will do with the ads is piss me off.

        • Member [Join Now]

          There’s nothing like that moment of “Dag, I forgot about that movie! I always wanted to see that!”

  9. Visitor [Join Now]
    Darrell [visitor]

    This is a joke and a waste of money. I’ll never use BB again. Redbox and Netflix are great & I don’t care if I have to wait an additional 6 months for the DVD. I’m years behind as it is, so what?

  10. Member [Join Now]

    blockbuster is moving in the right direction. they ahve reduced their prices
    to 4 catagories .99 1.99 2.99 and 4.99
    they need to eliminate the 1.99 to .99
    4.99 to 2.99
    these are all 3 day rentals!

    they can then compete easily with redbox.

    • Visitor [Join Now]
      joe i [visitor]

      wrong!! i rented a movie last wknd and they raised the price to $3.99 for 3 day rental..u dont have an option for 1 nt…so i say hello netflix and redbox..goodbye blockbuster!

    • Visitor [Join Now]
      That Guy [visitor]

      Are you referring to the Blockbuster Express kiosk.

    • Member [Join Now]

      $4.99 isn’t a reduction in my area. If so, that is keeping the status quo. They should take a look at Family Video’s pricing structure. Soon FV will be the only brick and mortar left standing. BB is too stupid to change with the times.

  11. Visitor [Join Now]
    That Guy [visitor]

    This is a gross misuse of $15-$20 Million. Just shameful.

  12. Visitor [Join Now]
    ex BB emp [visitor]

    Your Block Buster CRS standing behind the counter pointing you in the direction of a movie with the stupid look on their face was (probably) overwhelmed with answering phones with disgruntled customers arguing over late fees from a DVD stuck in their kids personal player. All the while being under high pressure to sell rewards programs, push online subscriptions, make quotas with absolutely no incentives. Then have the pleasure of listening to each customer remind us of “how much cheaper renting elsewhere would be”. We each understand customer concerns but take the brunt of critisism and listen as if we are personally responsible for the continuous price changes and rental procedures. Block Buster is a thankless company to their CSRs.

    Oh yeah……..We wait till you leave the store to talk about how much of an a**hole you were

  13. Member [Join Now]

    Can you find the back of the DVD box on the RedBox consoles? I also like to read the cover before renting. They should provide movie reviews on the Redbox consoles too. At least allow the renter to rate the movie so you can see what other people in your area think about a movie.

  14. Visitor [Join Now]
    jd [visitor]

    What a waste of money. The reason I stopped going to BB was the high rental prices. The reason I go to redbox $1.00 rentals. The employees at my BB were always helpful but sometimes to busy to leave from behind the counter. BB should check out Family Video they are always busy in my area. They also have great prices. $2.50, $1.00, 2for $1.00, and alot of free children dvds.

  15. Member [Join Now]
    Joe LittleBear [joe-littlebear]

    Blockbuster, is following the same path as Sears,…..they are pricing themselves out of business…. Why should I spend money and time to travel across town to their store and compete with other customers for their DVD when I can get the same movie right in my home for the same price from the PPV channel on my TV ? There’s no late fees nor the rush back across town in the night to turn in the DVD and avoid the late feeds… If you are going to rent their DVDs….the smart thing to do is to have an agreement with other people on your block and “farm” it out….You get the DVD, watch it, then pass it onto a neighbor you can trust for a Dollar or so,,,then they watch it…pass it on to another neighbor….collect another buck,,,they watch it…pass it to another,…collect a buck….get it back before closing time the next day..The neighbors get a bargain and you get your rental fee paid… or,…if it is a special movie…invite the neighbors over for a movie party, collect a couple of bucks from each to pay for the DVD and the popcorn…

  16. Visitor [Join Now]
    Farva [visitor]

    BB already spent money on advertising the fact the did not have the 28-day delay when it all first happened. It appraently didn’t produce the results then they wanted it to so why do they think it will now with another $20 million spent on it?

  17. Visitor [Join Now]
    STEVEO [visitor]

    Okay just so you all know i work for redbox in the customer support, and teh reason for teh difference in price for nmost of teh people her is that they areas they are bieng set in, its called product price testing and tehy will have prices that are different in many states to see what pelople will actually pay for a rental, redbox of course has tehre 1.00 plus tax rental a night and 1.50 for blurays and 2.00 for games..BUT.. dont be surprised if you see a charge for say a dollar thirty six for just a regular dvd cause liek i said they can charge whatever they wnat in whatever state they want LEGALLY so try and beat the BB!!!!


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LCD Screens and motors for projects

Hi, guys. I have acquired a whole bunch of defunct printers that don't work for one reason or another. I have box of working LCD touch screens. Printer motors, stepper driver boards for the motors, belts drives, gears, shafts, scanner lights, power boards, cables, printer heads, power supplies and screws. I can't use them all and I was wondering if any was interested in some of this stuff for projects. I have picked out a few things for my self, but I can't use it all. If any one is interested in buying anything let me know. If enough people ask I can make a list of parts and prices for the parts.

Do you have any photos of the stepper motors, LCD screens, stepper drivers, and rods.
Aaron_14 years ago
what are the lcd touch screens for? do have an ipod touch 2g touch screen that works?
and maybe an ipod touch 2g battery with the original apple cable that comes with it? thanks

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Step 1: Sculpture

The first step requires one to create a sculpture in Zbrush. Sculpt whatever you like. What is important is that you keep the resolution of the model to the proper subdivision level. This model was subdivided 3 times to insure the best print resolution, without creating too large of a file. After the sculpture is finished, export the tool as an OBJ file.

Step 2: Converting the File

The software that the Dimension ABS printer uses requires files that are in the STL format. That means that the OBJ file that is exported from Zbrush needs to be converted. I used Rhino 3D for this. Select the object/objects and export them as an STL file.

Step 3: Printing the Sculpture

Import the STL file into the print software and print the sculpture. There are a wide variety of software packages that can achieve the same results, such as Silo 3D, which I own and use frequently. Most people don't have access to a 3D printer, but there are several services that can product prints for you for a reasonable price such as http://www.shapeways.com/ and http://offloadstudios.com/core/. I have not used either service yet, but both come highly recommended. Either way, the core concepts remain the same. You have to be aware of the resolution and file size that the output machine can handle, while still getting the level of detail you want. I understand that 3D printing is still rather expensive, but as we continue to find new uses for the technology, the price will continue to drop. The integration of these technologies for artistic purposes allows for the realization of ideas that I never thought I would ever be possible. I hope that you use this method and devise your own to create your own art. Please free to ask any questions and leave please feedback to let me know what you think of my Instructable. Thanks!
Nice

I would love to see it added to the 3D print group I have just started

https://www.instructables.com/group/3Dprint/

Thanks
Cool. There is some free software at MeshLab which allows you to turn STL files into OBJ, thus allowing you to edit in ZBrush.

anyone know of a similarly inexpensive rapid prototyping service that is US based?
I use MeshLab quite a bit. The only limitation is that you can't precisely scale models in it. On another note, Pixologic (the makers of Zbrush) just released a couple of new plugins. One allows you to decimate a model while keeping detail and another allows you to export your model as an .STL directly from Zbrush. These features kind of make this Instructable obsolete, but have really streamlined my workflow!!!

About This Instructable

More by doktorvortexx:Creating a Model for 3D Printing on an iPhone/iPod Touch 3D Printing Digital Sculptures Digital Sculpting, 3D Printing and Animatronics
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text:
This instructable shows how to make a side bag/purse out of old bike tubes and billboards/vinyl.

*I very much suggest to read my how to sew bike tubes/vinyl instructable before you make this!

What you'll need to make a Side Bag/Purse:
-Old bike tubes (26" or 29" are the widest. just ask for these at most any bike shop).
-Vinyl (I use old billboards. I called up Next Media and they gave me a few free ones).
-Lube  (I used cooking oil because it's cheap, biodegradable, wipes off easy, and leaves a shiny coat).
-Most any sewing machine with a leather/denim needle and adjustable tension.
-Polyester thread
-Hot glue gun for tacking tube in place before sewing (optional, but makes it way easier/quicker. you can use clamps/safety pins too.)
-A clasp: i use a bike cog in this instructable. You could also use valcro, buckles, buttons, snaps, nothing - whatever.
-A strap: I use an old one ripped off another bag. Or you can make one out of seat belt, more tubes, etc.

For more things you can make out of bike tubes/vinyl check out my other instructables:
The Wallet - Male
The Wallet - Female

Step 1: The Body

1) Cut 4 tube lengths of about 2'x4" (I usually cut a couple standard 26" tubes into 3rds to equal about this dimension. If you're a little off, oh well. see my "sewing bike tubes basics" instructable for how to do this.)
2) Sew together into a sheet (pictured). Don't worry about the tube lengths being a bit uneven.
3) Use a ruler (an 90 degree L shaped works quick) to draw straight lines at either end of the tubes - cut.

1) Lay tube sheet down on vinyl.
2) Trace tube sheet to back of vinyl using chalk or paint marker. Allow either end to be a half inch shorter than the tube sheet.

Step 2: Inside Pocket

Inside Pocket
1) Cut a tube or two a little longer than your vinyl is wide (the extra length is to account for uneven cuts and tube stretching/compressing)
2) If your desired pocket depth is wider then one tube, use two tubes and sew together. Cut more narrow from there if you'd like.
3) Lay tube(s) across width of vinyl. mark and cut straight to match.
4) Lay tube(s) on vinyl. Trace to be 1/4-1/2" shorter than the tube(s) on the long side.
5) Tack (hot glue is best) so vinyl is flush to bike tube on 3 sides. Let the 4th side be 1/4-1/2" shorter.
6) Fold bike length of bike tube over length of vinyl. tack. lube. sew.
7) Lay pocket 1/2-2" below top of vinyl and flush with sides. tack. lube. sew.
8) Mark straight lines vertically along pocket sheet for where you want individual pocket divides. Lube. Sew to vinyl.

Step 3: The Body: Fuse and Clasp

The Body: Fuse and Clasp

Body: Fuse
1) Lay vinyl face up in center of bike tube sheet face down. This should mean it is flush on the long sides with about a half inch of bike tube hanging off either of the shorter length sides.
2) Tack the long sides together. Fold the excess tube ends over onto the vinyl and tack. Lube and sew just the shorter ends for now.

Body: Clasp
*Note: There are all sorts of ways to clasp the flap of your bag to itself. Valcro, buckles, ties, buttons, snaps... list goes on. I got a little weird and used a bike cog. So I'm gona tell you how to use a bike cog.

Clasp: Cog
1) Cut about a 4" piece of bike tube. This is your time to use those narrow tubes if you got them. Otherwise, a thick one could work.
2) Stick your piece of bike tube through the cog. Fold over the tube so it sticks off to one side of the cog.
3) Lay the folded together piece of tube down on the outside center of the bag just below the pocket (or further) with the cog facing up toward/over where the pocket is. (Make sure it's below the pocket, or you're going to sew your pocket shut!)
4) Tack, lube, and sew "X" pattern for strength.

*Note: so, if you couldn't tell yet, I'm not big on measuring to the inch but rather to what materials you have. To figure the best place for sprocket placement - fold the bag into 3rds (as if it were really the shape of a bag) with a few inches extra inches on the flap to account for where the base will be. Place the sprocket just below where the flap folds over.

Clasp: Cog Tie Loop
1) Cut about a 2" piece of thin bike tube. Otherwise, a thick one could work.
2) Align to the middle top of the flap long ways flush to where the tube folds over the vinyl.
3) Tack. Lube. And sew top and bottom of tube piece.

Clasp: Cog Tie
1) Cut a 3-4' x 1/2" strip of bike tube.
2) Run through tie tube clasp. Center. Tie into a small wrist size diameter loop.

*Note: The tube strip does NOT run THROUGH the cog, but rather raps AROUND the cog so as the teeth hold it in place and it can easily be slipped on and off.

Step 4: The Sides

The Sides

Body Sides
1) Fold front of bag body to desired length of front wall. I usually do it just under my pocket at about 6-7"
2) Cut two wide tubes to match this length.
3) Lay tubes on vinyl, trace to be about 1/4-1/2" shorter than the tube.
4) Tack vinyl to be flush with 3 sides of the tube, leaving about 1/4-1/2" of tube excess on the top.
5) Fold tube excess over vinyl. Tack. Lube. Sew.

Strap Loops
*Note: you can use thick bike tube, skinny bike tube, straps, or whatever for the loops you will be attaching the strap to. I used old bag strap because they're strongest.
1) Fold strap piece in half. Align to side body so it's center and the top of the loop is flush with the top of the side body.
2) Tack. Lube. Sew in "X" pattern for strength.

Step 5: Sew Body Together

Sew Body Together
1) Take sides and measure them from the top of the pocket side of the bag body. Mark where the side ends with tube side of body up.
2) Line sides up to mark of body. Lay sides vinyl side up facing toward each other the long way.
3) Tack, lube, and sew the bottom of the sides to the sides of the body.
4) Fold sides to meet sides of body. Tack, lube, and sew inside out.
5) Once all 4 walls are sewn to the body, turn inside out!

Step 6: The Strap and Finish

The Strap

So, I just swiped a strap off one of those old trashy purses/side bags you find at the thrift store. You know the ones made of cheap vinyl with some conference or college logo on it that they give away and no one ever uses. They have decent straps with clips. The thrift store I went to gave me a few trash bags of these things for free just to get rid of them. Reuse is reuse!

If you want to make your own strap out of a seat belt, see my Bike Tube Messenger Bag instructable (COMING SOON).

1) Use a rag to wipe up lube. Use some extra lube to wipe entire surface to make shine.
2) Cut any sticking up threads.
3) You're done! Good job!

Very cool! I have a backpack made in this style but they sell them for hundreds of dollars..!

How has your sewing machine fared with this type of sewing? Any broken needles?
The machine did fine. There was a few broken denim needles and some weird thread tension when the layers got much - like sewing on the strap side loops. but besides that no problems. my best advice - lots of lube!

About This Instructable

More by sharpie.stories:Bike Tube Side Bag/Purse Bike Tube Wallet - Female Bike Tube Wallet - Male
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When I saw the Steampunk Challenge it gave me the motivation to actually do this project which had been kicking around in my head for a while. I have a bunch of less-than powerful Airsoft guns lying around, a bunch of random junk, adhesives, and metallic paint. Combine all of this, and I get a Steampunk Airsoft gun!

I also wanted the gun to work. Maybe not be easy to cock, or load, or aim, but at least fire. This one fits that description perfectly.

This gun is not up to my personal artistic standards, but I couldn't figure out something to edge the leather with to my satisfaction, or something to cover the exposed glued woods on the ends of the scope.

Without further ado, here is my Steampunk Airsoft gun.

The gun I chose had some accuracy issues so i decided to to take it apart and maybe fix that. I found the problem- a cracked barrel mount- and patched it up with Krazy Glue (CA glue). That fixed it wonderfully

nice man

Is this co2 powered or spring/plunger powered?
could you post a video?
Sadly, no. The gun itself was pretty wimpy, an has since broken so badly that I threw it out ages ago. Even in just-made condition, the gun was very weak, hard to cock, and couldn't hit anything. At some point I may make a better one. Dunno though.
alright then, its still awesome though
not bad not bad would it work with paint balls
I suppose you could run 6mm paintballs through it, but that really isn't the point. It's more of an art piece.
icic it is hot
what did u use to connect the co2 to the cable?
I stuck a bracket from the bottom of a lantern onto the base of the magazine. onto this bracket, i stuck a little piece of textured metal tubing about an inch long. I stuck the cable insulation in one side, the CO2 cartridge on the other, and glued it all together with hot glue.
Sweet! Post this as an Instructable
I made this project in record time for a contest, so i did not have time to document it. Therefore, no pics of the making process. Sorry.

About This Instructable

Bio: I am a recent graduate of the Sustainable Manufacturing program at California State University Chico. I currently consult with local businesses and provide freelance design ... More »
More by ilpug:CNC milling a boat propeller in only 3 axes The BeerBQ: a Keg Barbecue Cardboard Clutter Keeper
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One day, while living in Florence (Italy), I went together with some italian friends to the woods in Tuscany, where I learnt lots about this delicious type of funghi called "Funghi Porcini".

We picked some, went to my friend's house, and there we cooked some pasta with our hand-collected funghi. Before coming back to Argentina, I bought some chianti wine and dried funghi porcini (which costs about 100 euro/kg o: in Italy) and now, back in my home country, I made a special 100%-Italian lunch for me and my family. Let me share my easy-but-great recipe with you!!

Step 1: Ingredients

As you may know, Italians are used to eating a "primo piato" (ie first dish, containing usually pasta, rice, or soup) and a "secondo piato" (ie second dish, usually some kind of meat or salad). Well, if you're going to serve primo and secondo, then the following amounts are ok for 4 people. Instead, if you'll be serving only one dish, the given amounts will be ok for only 2 persons:

  • 500 grams of some kind of pasta. The shape of the pasta may be of your choice (in this example I'm using fusilli). As for the grain, I recomend you use durum wheat semolina since this is the one used by italian.
  • 100 grams of butter
  • 100 grams of cream
  • 1/2 cups of white wine (I used chianti red wine, and it was perfect, but white wine should be equal or better, not worst...)
  • 40 grams of dried funghi porcini (this is the same as 350 grams of fresh funghi)
  • One or two garlic teeths (smashed, exact amount depends of your taste)
  • Some parsley
  • Some salt, pepper and broth

Step 2: Timing!!!

The "italian" preparation of most pasta-containing dishes consists in cooking the pasta and the sauce separately, and mixing them at the end, so as to finish the cooking of the pasta while it's in contact with the sauce (Note that durum wheat pasta does not over-cook easily, so this makes the protocol easier, you'll see).

It takes about 10 minutes for the durum wheat pasta to be cooked after we have put it in boiling water. Add 10 minutes before the water starts boiling, and it will take a total time of 20 minutes to cook it.

On the other hand, we need about 30 minutes to prepare the mushrooms sauce.

  • If our mushrooms are dried:
We need to hydrate them before using them, so that's 30 minutes more. Do this by putting them in water (1 cup of water every 40 grams of dried mushrooms).

Step 3: Start With the Sauce

Let's start preparing the sauce:

  • Melt the butter inside a pan at moderate fire. Meanwhile, cut the mushrooms in small pieces (0.5 cm wide and 2 to 4 cm long will be ok)
  • When the butter is liquified and starting to boil, add the cut mushrooms together garlic, parsley, wine, and salt, pepper and broth to your taste. Personally, if I use broth then I don't put salt nor pepper at all, and viceversa. Of course the fire should be on.
  • Let the wine evaporate before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Boil Water for the Pasta and Go on With the Sauce

After the wine has evaporated, you can go on with the sauce. But stop!! Remember timing? Well, at this point we can put water to boil, and keep "a sensor lock" (haha, to much star trek) on the water, because you'll have to start cooking the pasta as soon as the water starts boiling. AAhhh!!! An extra suggestions: add to the water a small spoon of salt every 100 grams of pasta you'll cook.

Now, back to the sauce: little by little, add some of the water in which you hydrated the mushrooms and let it be boiled. I suggest you add a small amount, stir untill it's evaporated, and a little more, stir again, and so on. When you are done with this, you can add the cream, mix it, and boil a bit more untill you get the density you like (usually, italians prepare a very thick sauce).

As for timing:
  • if the pasta is ready before you have the mushrooms sauce, you can leave the pasta in hot water for a while (it won't give much trouble and it won't get soft if the extra time is only a few minutes).
  • if the sauce is ready before the pasta, you can turn on the fire, and heat the sauce again right before adding it to the pasta, when it's already cooked.

Step 5: Pasta and Funghi Be Joined

When the pasta is cooked and the sauce done, take the pasta out of the water, and mix the pasta and the sauce inside some recipient which you can heat (you may use a pan or whatever). Cook for 2 or 3 minutes while mixing vigorously (ehem... trying not to break the pasta too much!!!).

Turn on the fire, and... ready to eat!!!

really good....and even better if you add some crushed wallnuts

I made the pasta and sauce exactly as described, and it was absolutely lovely! I used 350 grams fresh mixed mushrooms and one tbs porcini powder. Highly recommended recipe!

About This Instructable

More by lucianoabcd:How we make BBQ in Argentina, aka "Haciendo un asado" Free, legal, online TV on your TV set Hints for a Complete GOURMET GARDEN, on the cheap!
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My family loves Italian food. Every-time my son visits he wants me to make him lasagna! The next time I visit him I am going to request he make me lasagna! I like lasagna but I don't make it very often, however, I do make spaghetti weekly!  Years ago a friend gave me her grandmother's recipe for roasted peppers that is delicious with spaghetti and lasagna.

Just out of curiosity I looked online to see what the nutritional benefits of bell peppers were and was surprised that one bell pepper provided 3 times the daily allowance of vitamin C than citrus. The article is very interesting: http://www.gayot.com/lifestyle/health/features/bell-pepper-health-benefits.html

Let's make some roasted bell peppers, you won't be disappointed, I promise!

Step 1: Ingredients

12 Bell Peppers - Red or Yellow are best, but consider green to add color.
½ Cup minced garlic
½ Cup chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
½ Cup olive oil
Sliced French bread
Paper sack
Parsley garnish optional
Please notice this recipe is the original recipe I got from my friend and did not want to change it for this instructable. I just want you to know I made a smaller version. You can divide the recipe to suit your family needs.

Step 2: Preparations

Preheat oven to 350.
Add a few tablespoons of water to a roasting pan.
Wash all the peppers and leave the moisture.
Thinly slice off the bottom of the peppers so they stand upright.
Place the peppers in the roasting pan leaving a small space between them.

Step 3: Bake

Turn the oven down to 325 and put the peppers in the oven to roast.
This will take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Rotate the peppers about 1/2 through the baking time.
When the skin begins to puff, they are done.

The entire pepper should be puffy. If you don't cook them long enough they will be very difficult to peel. After 30 minutes keep a good eye on them so you don't overcook them. You can see in the picture they are just beginning to puff. The top of the pepper is already done but the sides are not ready. If you are using green peppers they take longer to roast.

Step 4: Prepare Marinade

While the peppers are roasting mix the garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Olive oil in a bowl.

Step 5: Transfer Them Into a Paper Bag

Transfer the peppers to a large brown paper bag and seal the bag to make them sweat.
This will loosen the skin.

Step 6: Remove the Stems, Seeds, and Skins

Once the peppers have cooled, peel the skin, discard the seeds and cut them into julienne strips.
If the peppers are difficult to peel put them back into the oven and cook them longer.
Put all the pepper strips with all the other ingredients to marinade.
Let stand in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, but overnight would be better.
Serve in your antipasti, salads, on pizza, or serve on toasted French bread like I did.

Step 7: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

Every-time I serve roasted peppers, my guest want the recipe. I keep extra copies just for that reason. It is best to make it ahead but I will confess I always eat some of them before they go into the refrigerator! This is way better than plain garlic bread!

Thank you instructables, our sponsors and our loyal readers for making this such a fun place to share! Have a great Day!

Mmmmm!! Looks delish! Picked up some red, orange and yellow peppers yesterday. Can't wait to serve it tonight with eggplant parm!! Hopefully my hubby will love it. Thanks for sharing this! And btw your pics are awesome!! :)

P.S. Love your screen name! Whenever I have to pick a name that is always my first pick, but always taken already.

This recipe is excellent!! Looks tasty.. if you love bell pepper how about a recipe with a bit of a kick? https://www.instructables.com/id/Bell-Pepper-Rings/
I will go take a peek! Thanks for sharing!
sunshiine
Your pictures are so fabulous... they're making my mouth water! The colored peppers are SO inexpensive here in Baja, as compared to the States. I'm faving this and hope the little store has yellow peppers tomorrow. I've been craving spaghetti and can't wait to try this!
Did you find yellow peppers?
Not today. ;-( The produce truck doesn't come until Wednesday, so I'll try to get there early.
I buy my peppers at Sam's, they are cheaper. The green peppers would add color but they do take longer to cook. I have trouble getting some produce here because they don't ever have it. Meyers lemons are never here and they are so good! You must try this it is so good on french bread. I made my recipe smaller and I added too much garlic so you might taste your peppers as you add the garlic because I know you probably don't won't to make 12 peppers. I think I added more than 1/8 cup to 3 peppers. I wished I had made 2 red peppers for the color.Thanks for faving and commenting! Have a splendorous day!
sunshiine
Looks delicious!!!! :-)
Yes, it is very delicious! Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate your support! Oh yes, and congrats on your win!
sunshiine
Thanks a lot Sunshiine!! And your projects are so awesome! You can count always with my stop and vote :-)
Thanks! By the way when is the big date? I know it is getting close.
February 27th!! Less than two weeks! :-)
I am excited for you! Your mom will miss you!!!!
Thanks! And yes. But she knows it will be a great step for me :-)
Awesome mom!
the photos alone are delicious enough to eat.
Thanks onrust! I can eat the whole batch! Have a relaxing evening!
sunshiine
Ahhhhhhh! I want it. Looks so good. :D
They are sooooooooooo yummy and pretty! Thanks for stopping by, it is always great to see you!
sunshiine

About This Instructable

Bio: I am married with two children. Spring, summer, and fall are my very favorite times of the year. I love the sunshine thus the reason ... More »
More by sunshiine:Pre Made Breakfast Ideas and Tips  Non Hybridized Einkorn Ancient Bread  Embroider a Dandelion Greeting Card
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text:
When your zombie guests arrive, they would be thrilled to see these mysterious glowing, smoking, or blood oozing chocolate Jack O Lanterns. Little do they know that when they bite into it, the luscious pumpkin mousse cake inside combined with the milk chocolate would elevate them from the underworld onto a heavenly cloud of bliss.

Made from scratch, these chocolate pumpkins are not only super delicious, they are quite magical and playful when it comes to presentations.

Step 1: Make the Milk Chocolate Jack O Lanterns

Ingredients and tools (for 6 pumpkin shells):
  • 20 oz (600 grams) milk chocolate
  • (6) 4” to 5” diameter balloons
  • 2 to 3 oz of white chocolate for painting the features
  • Plastic wrap
  • Silicon or rubber spatula
  • Pots and bowls for melting chocolate

Set a bowl on top of a pot of boiling water, and slowly melt the chocolate. Now you can skip to the dipping balloon part.  But if you want a stronger and better looking shiny shell, read the following about how to “temper” chocolate like a pro.
When you take a bar of chocolate out of its package it is shiny and crisp. This is because it has been tempered, a technique used to stabilize the crystals in the chocolate. When the chocolate is simply melted then cooled, it will have lost its shine and snap. To regain those characteristics after melting you need to re-temper the chocolate. In addition the chocolate being shiny and crisp, there are other benefits to tempering. It will harden quickly at room temperature and stay that way almost indefinitely in the right conditions. Tempered chocolate also slightly contracts when it cools so it will release from the balloon easier.

There are a few techniques used to temper chocolate. They all call for melting the chocolate, cooling it, and then warming it slightly. All you need is a thermometer and patience. We used one of the easiest methods called seeding. The temperatures we give are for milk chocolate. They differ for dark and white chocolate.
The first step of seeding is to chop the chocolate finely and set 1/3 to the side. Put the remaining 2/3 in a stainless steel or glass bowl and place over a pot of steaming water to create a double boiler. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it is melted and has reached 105-110°F. Remove the chocolate from the heat, wiping the bottom of the bowl dry, and being careful not to get any water in the chocolate.
In 3 parts, add the reserved chocolate, stirring until melted after each addition. The goal is to bring the chocolate down to 81°F. If the chocolate is still not cool enough after the last addition, allow the chocolate to sit, stirring occasionally, until cool. Now carefully return the bowl of chocolate to the double boiler for 20 seconds at a time, stirring constantly, until the temperature rises to 86° to 88°F (30º-31ºC). This step can happen very quickly so be careful not to hold the chocolate over the steam too long!

Now your chocolate should be tempered. To test it spread a small amount onto a piece of parchment. Within 5 minutes the chocolate should harden and be streak free. If you don’t think the chocolate is tempered, repeat the process.
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of tempering you can just use chocolate that has been melted but you will want to let the dipped chocolates sit in the refrigerator overnight before attempting to pull out the plastic wrapped balloon. You also don’t want to keep the chocolate pumpkin out of the refrigerator for long periods of time until serving or the chocolate will start to soften and may lose its form.
Now it’s dipping time. Blow the balloons to 4” -5” diameter. Wrap each balloon in plastic wrap and gather at the top. The plastic wrap serves 3 functions- it's food safe, it forms cool ridges and add nice details to our pumpkins, and it helps to carry the weight of the chocolate since balloons can stretch.

Hold the gathering tip and dip the balloons in the melted / tempered chocolate, also use the spatula to paint the chocolate as you get closer to the top. Leave a 2” to 3” opening at the top. Set the shells on parchment paper lined plate or sheet pan to cool. Put them in the fridge for 1-2 hours to make them extra hard before punching the balloon and carefully peeling away the plastic wrap.
To carve out the eyes, heat a small knife over a candle flame for a few seconds, take a deep breath, and go for it! It's a good idea to wear rubber gloves so we don't leave finger prints on our shiny pretty chocolate. Then melt the white chocolate, put them in a small paper cone like those cone cups or make one with parchment paper, cut a tiny hole at the tip, and pipe the mouth, teeth, highlight around the eyes, and any features that you fancy!
These shells can be made days ahead, wrapped and stored in the fridge. If they are tempered, they can be stored at cool room temperature.

A couple of good tips:
  1. Keep the shells at a distance from the heat of oven and stove as you proceed to make the cake and mousse, or they will start melting
  2. Wait for the melted/tempered chocolate to cool a little to a warm to the touch state to start dipping, otherwise the balloons may burst and (especially if you use balloon only with no wrap) you will have chocolate splattered faces and walls - guess how we know that? =)

Step 2: Make Pumpkin Sponge Cake

Ingredients (makes two 8" cakes)
  •     1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  •     1 teaspoon cinnamon
  •     1 teaspoon baking soda
  •     5 medium or 4 large eggs
  •     2 cups (1lb) granulated sugar
  •     13 oz pumpkin puree

Sift together the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda.
Whip eggs and sugar until light and thick.
Add the pumpkin puree and mix in low speed until incorporated.
Gently fold in the dry sifted ingredients.
Divide the batter in two 8" cake pans that are lined with paper and greased.
Bake at 350° F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, take them out of the pan.

Note: the Trader Joe's pumpkin puree we used is more watery than other brands, so the cake took 10 minutes longer. Use a skewer to test, if it come out clean, the cake is done.

Step 3: Make Pumpkin Mousse

Ingredients (enough to fill 6 shells) :
  •     9 oz milk
  •     3 egg yolk
  •     3 oz granulated sugar
  •     1/4 cup cornstarch
  •     18 oz pumpkin puree
  •     12 oz heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks ( or whipping cream)
  •     1/4 tsp cinnamon
  •     pinch of nutmeg
  •     pinch of  clove
  •     1/2 oz powder gelatin
  •     1/4 cup cold water

Bloom(aka dissolve) the gelatin in cold water and set aside.
Warm the milk and the spices.
When the milk is warm, stir in ½ of the sugar and the pumpkin.
Mix the remaining sugar with the cornstarch.
Stir the egg yolks into the cornstarch and sugar.
When the milk-pumpkin mixture boils, whisk a small amount into the egg yolks just to dilute them without scrambling, then add the diluted egg yolk back into the pot, stirring constantly over very low heat with the whisk, until thick, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the hydrated gelatin.
Place on a sheet pan, cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool to room temperature.

When the pumpkin custard is cool, gently fold in the whipped cream. Hold off on this step until you are ready to assemble the cake and pipe the mousse(see next step), because it's easier while at a softer consistency. The mousse will set more to a firmer state once piped and chilled.

Step 4: Assemble Pumpkin Mousse Cake

Slice the cake through the middle into half the thickness. Cut the cake into discs which fit inside the chocolate pumpkins. As you go up the discs get bigger.

Use a pastry bag to pipe a layer of mousse on the bottom. Then put a disc of cake. Repeat these 2 layers one more time. make sure the top layer stops just below the eyes.

Use the extra cake and mousse to make a delicious pumpkin trifle and treat yourself even though you haven't done any tricks yet!

Next we start creating some magical effects!

Step 5: Glowing Jack O Lantern

Light a birthday candle in the center of the cake, and you have a glowing pumpkin. How easy is that? If you want to give your Halloween dinner a cozy ending, this is the way to go.

Step 6: Smoking Jack O Lantern

We had so much fun with this one! We took some photos outside the pumpkin so you can see more clearly how it was done.

Be very careful when working with dry ice!! Please take a good look at this page of dry ice safety info - http://www.dryiceinfo.com/safe.htm

Right before serving, carefully break some dry ice into small pieces.  Fill the 2" shot glass with 1/3 water. Place it inside the pumpkin. Use needle nose pliers to pick up a small piece of dry ice, size of a thumbnail is enough,  and place it inside the shot glass. Enjoy the ghostly smoke rising!

Step 7: Blood Oozing Jack O Lantern

I really should make my hubby write this part because I want to pass out at the sight of blood!

OK here's how we did it- put a tea light candle into a 2" shot glass, so the heat of the flame can warm the top half of the glass. Mix red food color into your vanilla ice cream,  scoop out a little cake and mousse at center, sink the shot glass halfway so the heat from candle flame can melt the ice cream that you spoon around it. The melted ice cream becomes a delicious sauce although it looks spooky.

You may take your time watching the blood flowing out, but I need to cover my eyes and move on to the next step: enjoy my Jack O Lantern with WHITE vanilla ice cream! Happy Halloween!

such a epic idea wish Halloween wasn't over so it won't look weird if I made one... But I think I'm still going too! Too cool thank u

thank you very much julia! =)

great work :)

thank you very much eliza! =)

Just loved it my friend :), should have been a grand prize winner :). Congratulations!!!!

thank you dear friend! your generous support just made up for the GRAND prize! =)

very nice
thank you kim! =)
good work :)
thanks amy! =)
Great idea, I have always wanted to try making chocolate bowls for a dish, but this is really a classy twist. Thanks for sharing!
thank you so much satrek! =)
Woah!!!! I love this. So clever to use the balloon in a bag to make the mold. So cool!
thank you so much !! =)
Fantastic! I bet it tastes as good as it looks!
thank you so much roller! it really tastes amazing! =)
thank you eze! =)
That is genius! I love it with just the birthday candle in it, does just what you need :)
thank you so much dear nicole!! =)
Simply fantastic! Spooky, creative and looks absolutely delicious!
thank you dear Mielameri for such encouraging (and first!) comment!! =)

About This Instructable

Bio: Instructables got me started on an incredible DIY journey, which turned into a blog, which replaced my day job in 2 years. Anything is possible ... More »
More by blissful2015:Candy Pooping Reindeer  3D 2016 calendar Dandeline Lanterns
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text:
Credit card companies to utilize E-commerce boom!

Credit Card Management

The growing trend of online shopping is not only good news for e-commerce portals but banks and credit card companies are also enjoying the fruits of the new online shopping trend. While the growing internet penetration in India is likely to touch $4 billion by the end of the year, and $45 billion by the end of 2020, the payment solutions offered by banks and credit card companies have an equally impressive growth story. In fact credit card companies are enjoying the success of online retailers by having good revenues. Let us take a look at the correlation between the growth of Indian online e-commerce and credit card companies and their possible growth in the coming future.

Online Transactions Beneficial for Banks: Every time a purchase is made online through any e-commerce portal, banks and credit card companies earn substantial revenue. The issuing bank of the credit card earns on an average somewhere between 1 to 1.5% of the total amount spent shopping by the credit card holder. The lower transactional costs of a credit card purchase makes it more profitable to the banks instead of an ATM withdrawal for cash or a physical visit to the bank branch for cash withdrawal. It is no surprise then that lenders including credit card companies are partnering with various online e-commerce platforms offering active discounts for the user in case of any purchase.

Banks Partnering E-commerce Portals:

 Banks are partnering e-commerce portals as a mutual collaboration is helpful to both parties. While the increasing trend on online sales is catching up with a large number of buyers with each passing day, banks do not want to lose out an opportunity to offer its card holders the service to purchase goods online. The e-commerce companies also benefit as the credit card companies tie up with them offering payment gateways allowing them to offer their goods and services to a large number of people. E-commerce portals also offer a large number of discounts and cash back services for credit card holders of various banks allowing users the advantage of getting discounts while shopping using their credit cards online. The use of encrypted payment gateways offered by the banks and credit card companies also make sure that all credit card transactions are fully secure and come with no security hazard.

Banks Introducing Exclusive E-commerce Portals:

Instead of being passive partners with e-commerce websites only offering payment solutions, banks and credit card companies are today coming up with their exclusive online portals offering products for their credit card holders. Banks are collaborating with various online retailers to develop their very own online marketplace where credit card holders can redeem their reward points and shop for various goods and services. HDFC Bank and IndusInd Bank is one of the first banks to have launched e-commerce sites exclusively for customers. While IndusInd Bank has recently launched a portal at exclusively for the credit card holders in collaboration with, an e-commerce company other banks are likely to follow suit. According to credit card industry trends, the overall credit card spends have gone up by over 30 per cent per annum as banks and credit card companies have taken a proactive role in promoting their online stores built in collaboration with various e-commerce portals.

International Credit Cards Tie Ups Galore:  Another new credit card trend that is catching up in the Indian online retail space is the collaboration of international credit cards with online retailers., one of India’s biggest and most well known online retailer has inked a deal with Visa CyberSource allowing the use of international Visa credit cards. The use of international credit cards on online e-commerce portals will allow overseas customers to make purchases for loved ones located in India. With the increasing collaboration of credit card companies and e-commerce retailers, some of the bigwig online retailers have applied for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) 2.0 certification helpful in credit card processing to make the process of card purchase simpler, more secure and more profitable for both retailers and e-commerce websites.

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text:
Shedding some light on keeping houseplants happy

Posted by
By Norman Winter
      McClatchy/Tribune News

Indoor plants can certainly add beauty and enjoyment to your home — but only while they remain healthy. Many gardeners begin their struggle with houseplants in choosing the wrong location with regard to light.

The amount of light a plant requires will vary by type. When deciding where to place your plant in your home it will help to understand the window and light environment.

East facing windows receive cool morning sun, and are good choices for most houseplants. However, in the winter, east windows receive more sunlight than during the rest of the year.

North facing windows receive almost no direct light. North windows are great choices for houseplants that thrive on indirect light. Cyclamen would love this window, as would the peace lily, Chinese evergreen or pothos ivy.

South facing windows receive a lot of sunlight in the winter, but less in the summer. Special care may be needed in using south facing windows or you may simply need to move the plant in the summer. The parlor palm would look good in this location.

West facing windows receive the most sunlight of all. In fact, plants on the west side of your home may need to be protected from the sun. Plants like the Norfolk Island pine and weeping fig would find this window ideal.

These statements on windows can be greatly variable in your house, depending on the presence of by tall trees, blinds and curtains. Remember also that light is measured in foot-candles, and a bright sunny day outside may register as high as 10,000 foot-candles. Indoors it may drop of to the point of only 300 to 500 depending on where you take the measurement.

A few more pointers:

Light is certainly important but the leading cause of death to most houseplants comes from overwatering. Soggy soils can happen for a variety of reasons. First, and this is absolute, your container must have drainage holes. It is unbelievable to see how many beautiful houseplants are placed in expensive decorative containers that need to have holes drilled. Essentially your new plant is sitting in a bathtub and its days are numbered.

Selecting a good lightweight potting soil is paramount to your success. Cheap potting soil sold by the pound is heavy and simply holds too much water. I still find many unsuspecting gardeners using topsoil from the garden in containers. This is not a good idea from the standpoint of drainage, soil-borne diseases and insects.

Once you do have your plant in good soil you can determine whether or not your plant needs watering by gently pushing your finger to about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep to feel if it is dry. Make this a regular practice before each water application.

If you are in the New Jersey or Eastern Pennsylvania Area and feel that you would like to have a free consultation with an interior plant expert for your home or office, contact Growing Expectations  at

Picture credit: Keri Wiginton/Tribune photo

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