Monday, June 1, 2009

O.K. It's June. So what? So a lot. In a few weeks half of 2009 will be over. I have an uncle who used to live in the future a bit. If he was alive today he would be saying, "The days will be getting shorter now. Soon the snow will start flying." He was always looking to the future. Last month I talked about living in the past, now I'm talking about living in the future. Where do I live? Hopefully, in the present with a discerning eye to the past and a whimper of hope to the future. Anyway, like always, time is going fast.

TV broadcasting goes completely digital on June 12. Finally. I thought it would never come. The government did postponed it in February in an effort to ensure people were ready for the switch. It could be postponed for years and some people, probably a good number, would never be ready. If you are a cable, satellite or broadband customer, then you are ready. Those people who get their TV broadcasts from an antennae will have to make a decision (sound familiar). Newer TV's are usually digital and analog. Older TV's are a problem. People with older TV's must use a digital converter box and quite possibly a new antenna (digital). If you still have questions, go to www.dtv.gov and get ready. 

I've been toying with the idea for a few months now about dropping my cable and going "bareback" so to speak. Some of my TV's are digital. I took advantage of the federal coupon program and secured two converter boxes. And I purchased an indoor digital antennae. I've been exploring my options and have the paraphernalia just in case. I get a slew of TV channels with the antennae, but I would forever miss CNN, MSNBC and FOX News. During the political season I would absolutely go bonkers. I am some what of a political junkie. Sometimes I just can't see paying over $60 a month for cable. Especially when I very seldom watch a complete program, but there are those political cycles when regular TV broadcasts just aren't sufficient. Cable news is the best.

Friday, June 5, 2009

President Obama made his now famous Muslim speech in Cairo, Egypt. Is he the real deal? Is he genuine? I'm just not sure. He says all the right stuff, but does he mean it? Or is he doing what will help him politically? He seems to be a very deliberate, calculating and gifted politician, but is he a great leader. Right now 60+% of the American people approve of his performance. As does the majority of the worldwide audience. In 3 years will the sentiment be the same? Time will tell. I am optimistic about the President. I find myself in awe and disbelief on the apparent sincerity of his words and his actions. I still ask the question, "Is he the real deal or a fraud?" His continued success in public opinion has the loyal opposition mesmerized. They seem to be in complete disbelief. I feel that they truly are dumfounded. They know not what to do to stem his wave of popularity and success. It must be difficult and no fun being a conservative Republican in the day of Obama. 

Ready for the summer reruns? Not so fast. Many first run programs are being broadcasted on networks as well as cable TV. Some of the new episodes are from series that have been canceled. So, don't get too use to them. Many new seasons are premiering on the USA cable network. CBS's Big Brother will be starting in July. It plays usually three times a week through September. That's the only "reality TV" that I view. There's no reason to be bored this summer with TV viewing. Plenty of new movies are scheduled throughout the summer at the neighborhood cinemas. There's plenty to do, if you are into watching. Now if you prefer to take part in life, well that's another story. There's always live action going on for all ages and interests. You just have to become informed and take part.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Chastity Bono is becoming Chaz Bono. Big deal. Now if she was becoming Sonny Bono incarnate, then that would be startling. If that makes her happy, then good for her. If babies are born with physical deformities and subsequently "fixed" by surgery, then is sexual reassignment such a stretch of the imagination? I think not. Cher can't be too happy about this one. For years she didn't understand her daughter's lesbianism. Cher will get over it. Anyway the person who needs the support will be her son, Chaz.  

I've done it. I've been toying with the idea of dropping my TV cable for months now. Yes, I can afford the cable cost. That's not the point. I'm just tired of paying the monthly fee when I don't really enjoy it anymore. I did enjoy cable political news, but not anymore. There is so much hate, attack and conquer involved in political coverage that I find it disgusting. I did enjoy some of the movies, historical airings and old time series, but I really didn't watch them much. The TV was on, but I was usually busy with other things. I find network broadcasts, public TV and local coverage (without cable) adequate for my needs. I'm not the only person to feel this way. Many people are or are becoming budget conscious and prioritizing. Many are finding successful ways of saving money and achieving happiness. Just because you can afford something is no reason to have it. I guess one should take inventory of one's priorities and determine the important things in life. By the way, the switch to digital is great. It's especially great for TV's not connected to cable.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Hello old friend, it's me again. I just can't seem to motivate myself to blog anymore. I guess I now know the meaning of writer's block. It's not that I have nothing to say. Rather quite contraire, my dear. I am thinking all the time. I guess it comes down to actually doing the blogging. So here goes.

Another conservative gets into trouble. Of course I'm referring to the governor of South Carolina. Why is it that when a conservative evangelical Republican displays the human condition, it is such a shock and newsmaker? I feel the main reason is the fact that many evangelical Republicans are simply hypocrites. Human frailties are well, human. We all have the potential to succumb to those frailties, even hypocritical conservative evangelicals. Too bad the governor apparently does not share that personal sense of worth and reality that his wife is demonstrating. The governor's wife is demonstrating a strong, firm sense of identity and morality which often times evades other celebrity spouses in such situations. She is facing the situation head on. And she is not making excuses for the actions of her husband. She is a real lady. 

Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson are gone. What can I say? Each was a media celebrity. Each was a master at his or her craft. Each lived life dictated by their own circumstance. A side-kick, an angel and the King of Pop - we will miss each of you. 

A little about Michael Jackson. He was a music genius. He had a profound effect on music, race relations and American life in general. He was a great person, but he had his demons. We all have our own demons. However, Michael Jackson's demons became his intimate confidants. His demons took over his life. Was it his fault? His family background and situation were not his fault. We all have a background. Not taking care of his problems was his fault. Perhaps the people around him bear some of the blame and shame for his atypical approach to live. A celebrity or a very powerful person runs the risk of surrounding himself or herself with the wrong people. The people around Michael should have questioned his bazaar behavior and outlook. The people particularly close to him, family members as well as others, should have seen his abnormal behavior and done something about it. We never help those we love by ignoring obvious human failings. Now Michael Jackson is at peace. Rest in peace Thriller.