dimly lit...

Almost rabbit ears...

  My apologies to those I encouraged to subscribe to DirecTV (Mom & Dad).  I recently got fed up with the ever-increasing price.  To me, the idea of paying for television and still having commercials seems absurd.  Thank goodness for DVR.  Don't get me wrong, DirecTV had great programming (Detroit Tigers) and reception, but how can I turn down free television already blasting through my home? 

It took some courage to cancel my DirecTV account because I had no idea what I'd get out of an antenna (no, I didn't check first).  So, I thought I'd make it easier on others and let you know what I learned. 

First, find out what digital television is broadcast in your area.  You can do this by going to www.AntennaWeb.com.  By typing in your address you can get the details about all the broadcast channels that may reach your home, the compass direction of those broadcasts, distance away and even recommendations for types of antennas to receive them.

Next, take a look at antennas.  The short of everything I read is... outdoors is better than indoors, and amplified is better than non-amplified.  You can read reviews about antenna performance but also keep in mind that everyone's circumstance is unique. 

My antenna?  I went with this little guy from Amazon for just $35 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001K7ID60/ref=oss_product).  I was able to mount it on the pole the DirecTV installers put up for their dish and use their coax wires and it took about ten minutes to install.  The amplifier (a small piece you add into the line and plug in to an AC outlet) makes a world of difference.  Without the amplifier we got 4-7 channels.  With the amplifier we get 25.  The quality is excellent and we even get a few channels in high definition.  

Oh, and to fix the commercials... we've ordered a 3rd generation TiVo (1st and 2nd generations do not work with antenna).  There's a fourth generation (TiVo Premiere) but it's $300.  I purchased ours brand new through eBay for $170 and free shipping. 

Our television reception gets a little goofy when it storms, but that may be God telling me to turn it off and pay attention to my family.  

Marc

Selig, Lead or Leave...

An absolute travesty occurred last night in the sport of baseball.  Armando Galarraga, a virtual unknown to anyone outside Detroit (or Toledo where he was playing just last week) pitched a 28 out perfect game.  The 27th out was goofed by Jim Joyce.  Everyone acknowledges the error, there is no disputing the matter, even the base-runner seemed stunned to be called safe.  After the game Jim Joyce owned the mistake calling it more than a missed 'game call' but rather a missed 'history call.'  And at that Bud Seligs' ears ought to be burning. 

Selig, a historically laissez-faire baseball commissioner, has all but made it clear that the call will not (though he has the ability to do so) be overturned.  Thus, Galarraga will receive credit for an outstanding one-hit game.  I understand the Pandora's Box argument about changing the ruling; except for one important fact, this was a matter of imminence.  If this was the second out of the 8th, or even the 9th inning it would be much more difficult to consider a change because there is still game to be played.  But, this was the final out, the game was completed on the play.  There are no "what ifs" to be considered.  Even in law enforcement matters of imminence are considered.  If there is imminent danger protocol changes and a host of necessary procedures get tossed. 

Selig, it is time to lead.  This is more than a game call, this is a history of the game call and thus if falls squarely on your lap.  Just reviewing procedures is insufficient.  For Galarraga, Joyce and baseball fans' sake you must right this wrong. 

MLK